The sigma-meson exchange contribution to the muonic hydrogen Lamb shift

Abstract

The sigma(ξ)meson exchange contribution to the potential of the muon-proton interactionin muonichydrogen inducedbythe ξ-meson coupling to two photons is estimated. The transition form factor ξ → γγ is deduced from the quark model and experimental data on the decay widths Γσγγ. It is shown that scalar meson exchange contribution to the Lamb shift in muonic hydrogen, △ELs(2P−2S ),is rather large and relevant for a comparison with coming precise experimental data.