Abstract: We analyze the radiative pion decay pi(+) -> e(+) nu(e)gamma within nonlocal chiral quark models that include wave function renormalization. In this framework we calculate the vector and axial-vector form factors F-V and F-A at q(2) = 0 – where q(2) is the e(+) nu(e) squared invariant mass – and the slope a of F-V (q(2)) at q(2) -> 0. The calculations are carried out considering different nonlocal form factors, in particular those taken from lattice QCD evaluations, showing a reasonable agreement with the corresponding experimental data. The comparison of our results with those obtained in the (local) NJL model and the relation of F-V and a with the form factor in pi(0) -> gamma*gamma decays are discussed.

Abstract: We study the eta and eta(') distribution amplitudes (DAs) in the context of a nonlocal SU(3)(L) circle times SUd(3)(R) chiral quark model. The corresponding Lagrangian allows us to reproduce the phenomenological values of pseudoscalar meson masses and decay constants, as well as the momentum dependence of the quark propagator arising from lattice calculations. It is found that the obtained DAs have two symmetric maxima, which arise from new contributions generated by the nonlocal character of the interactions. These DAs are then applied to the calculation of the eta-gamma and eta(')-gamma transition form factors. Implications of our results regarding higher twist corrections and/or contributions to the transition form factors originated by gluon-gluon components in the eta and eta(') mesons are discussed.

Abstract: The magnetic susceptibility of the QCD vacuum is analyzed in the framework of a nonlocal SU(3) Polyakov-Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model. Considering two different model parametrizations, we estimate the values of the u-and s-quark tensor coefficients and magnetic susceptibilities and then we extend the analysis to finite temperature systems. Our numerical results are compared to those obtained in other theoretical approaches and in lattice QCD calculations.