PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF NONRESONANT CHARM MESON DECAYS

We analyze the consequences of the usual assumption of a constant func tion to fit nonresonant decays from an experimental Dalitz plot descri bing charmed meson decays. We first show, using the D+-->(K) over bar( 0) pi(+)pi(0) decay channel as an example, how an inadequate extractio n of the nonresonant contribution could yield incorrect measurements f or the resonant channels. We analyze how the correct study of this dec ay will provide a test for the validity of factorization in D meson de cays. Finally, we show how form factors could be extracted from nonres onant decays. in particular, we discuss the form factor that can be me asured from the D? decay. We emphasize its relevance for the study of the decay tau-->nu(tau)3 pi and the extraction of the alpha(1) meson w idth.