Nature of the scalar $a_0(980)$ and $f_0(980)$-mesons

Abstract

It is presented a critical consideration of all unusual properties of the scalar $a_0(980)$ and $f_0(980)$-mesons in the four-quark, two-quark and molecular models. The arguments are adduced that the four-quark model is more preferable. It is discussed the complex of experiments that could finally resolve this issue.

13 pages, revtex, a typo in Eq. (43) is removed, to be published in Uspekhi Fizicheskikh Nauk, V. 168, No 11, 1998