f₁(1285) → e⁺e⁻ decay and direct f₁ production in e⁺e⁻ collisions

The width of the f₁(1285) → e⁺e⁻ decay is calculated in the vector meson dominance model. The result depends on the relative phase between two coupling constants describing f₁ → ρ⁰γ decay. The width Γ(f₁ → e⁺e⁻) is estimated to be - 0.07 − 0.19 eV. Direct f₁ production in e⁺e⁻ collisions is discussed, and the e⁺e⁻ → f₁ → a₀π → ηππ cross section is calculated. Charge asymmetry in the e⁺e⁻ → ηπ⁺π⁻ reaction due to interference between e⁺e⁻ → f₁ and e⁺e⁻ → ηρ⁰ amplitudes is studied.