K\rightarrow \pi\pi e^+e^- decays and chiral low-energy constants

The branching ratios of the measured decay and of the still unmeasured decay are calculated to next-to-leading order in chiral perturbation theory (CHPT). Recent experimental results are used to determine two possible values of the combination of weak low-energy couplings (LECs) from the chiral Lagrangian. The values obtained are compared to the predictions of theoretical approaches to weak counterterm couplings to distinguish between the two values. Using the favoured value of the combination and taking into account additional assumptions suggested by the considered models, one obtains the branching ratio of the second decay as a function of the unknown combination of weak low-energy couplings. Finally, using values of the individual LECs derived from a particular model, one predicts the branching ratio of the decay. Received: 27 February 2001 / Published online: 11 May 2001