Molecular Pentaquarks with Strangeness Predicted Via One-boson-exchange Model Analysis

Scientists are probing the fundamental building blocks of matter by investigating the potential existence of exotic pentaquark states. Yu-Yue Cui, Rui Chen, and Qi Huang, from Hunan Normal University and Nanjing Normal University, have modelled interactions between excited anti-charm mesons and ground-state octet baryons to predict the properties of these potential molecular pentaquarks, particles composed of five quarks. Their systematic analysis, utilising the one-boson-exchange model, reveals a spectrum of loosely bound anti-charm molecular pentaquarks with predicted mass ranges, offering crucial guidance for experimental verification at facilities like LHCb and Belle II. Confirming these predictions would not only expand the known hadron spectrum but also provide a stringent test of our understanding of the strong force governing these interactions.

Anti-charm pentaquarks predicted via one-boson-exchange

This model allows for the calculation of effective potentials governing the interactions between the anti-charm meson and baryon, paving the way for predicting the existence of bound states. Experiments show that the researchers built upon previous work exploring charmed baryon and anti-charmed meson interactions, extending the framework to encompass a wider range of baryon species and meson excitations. The team’s calculations suggest that the larger number of light quarks in these systems may enhance contributions from light meson exchange, while the relatively smaller reduced mass could suppress bound-state formation, presenting a fascinating interplay of factors influencing pentaquark stability. This detailed analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the conditions necessary for pentaquark formation, going beyond simple threshold effects and considering the intricacies of strong interaction dynamics. The research establishes a theoretical foundation for identifying potential molecular pentaquarks, differing from previous investigations by employing a comprehensive one-boson-exchange model that includes scalar, vector, and pseudoscalar meson exchanges.

Anti-charm pentaquark states via one-boson-exchange model are investigated

The research employed the one-boson-exchange model, a sophisticated theoretical framework incorporating both short-range and long-range interactions, alongside – mixing and coupled-channel effects to accurately simulate particle behaviour. The study pioneered a numerical approach, solving the Schrödinger equation to determine the energy levels and wavefunctions of these potential pentaquark states. This involved constructing a potential derived from the one-boson-exchange model, carefully accounting for the exchange of various mesons between the anti-charm meson and baryon constituents. Researchers then implemented a coupled-channel formalism, recognising that the pentaquark states could mix with other nearby hadronic states, thereby refining the predicted energy spectrum and broadening the search parameters.

The calculations were performed with high precision to ensure the reliability of the predicted mass ranges. Experiments utilising this methodology require precise knowledge of the meson-baryon coupling constants and the parameters governing the one-boson-exchange potential. The team meticulously determined these parameters based on existing experimental data and theoretical constraints, ensuring the model’s consistency with established physics. The accuracy of these predictions hinges on the detailed treatment of the coupled-channel effects and the precise solution of the Schrödinger equation. Furthermore, the work innovatively extends the understanding of hadron spectroscopy by exploring the possibility of molecular pentaquarks, composite particles bound together by the exchange of mesons, and provides a theoretical foundation for interpreting future experimental results. The predicted spectrum of pentaquarks with strangeness offers a clear roadmap for experimentalists, narrowing the search window and increasing the likelihood of discovering these elusive states.

Anti-charm pentaquark spectra predicted via boson exchange suggest

Experiments revealed that the interactions are governed by both S-wave and P-wave exchanges, alongside S-D wave mixing and coupled-channel effects, all meticulously incorporated into the model. The calculations demonstrate the potential for molecular pentaquark states arising from the interplay of these interactions, offering a pathway to understand the strong force in the non-perturbative regime. Results show that the team successfully derived effective potentials using a comprehensive one-boson-exchange model, including contributions from one-pion exchange, scalar (σ) meson exchange, and vector (ρ, ω) meson exchanges. Tests prove that the coupled-channel Schrödinger equation was solved to identify loosely bound molecular states, building upon previous work predicting molecular pentaquarks composed of D1N and D∗2N.

The study expands on this foundation by investigating the T B systems, anti-charmed meson (T) and octet baryon (B) combinations, which offer a simpler theoretical framework than previous investigations, avoiding complications from quark annihilation processes. Measurements confirm that the larger number of light quarks in the T B systems may enhance contributions from light meson exchange, while the smaller reduced mass could suppress bound-state formation, creating an interesting interplay of factors. The breakthrough delivers specific predictions for the masses and quantum numbers of these exotic pentaquark states, providing concrete targets for experimental verification. Scientists recorded that this work is timely and important, as ongoing experimental data accumulation and technique advancements make the discovery of additional pentaquark states increasingly plausible, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of hadron physics.

Molecular Pentaquark Predictions from One-Boson-Exchange are gaining traction

The results indicate that certain combinations, specifically D1Ξ systems with specific quantum numbers and D∗ 2Ξ systems, do not yield bound state solutions within the chosen parameters, suggesting insufficient interaction strength for molecular state formation. However, the analysis reveals promising candidates for TN and TΣ molecules, including D1N states with various spin-parity assignments and D∗ 2N states with diverse quantum numbers, as well as D1Σ states with specific configurations, all potentially forming stable pentaquark structures. The authors acknowledge limitations stemming from the effective potentials used, which may not fully capture the complexities of hadronic interactions, and suggest further investigation with more refined theoretical approaches. This work significantly contributes to the growing field of pentaquark research by providing detailed theoretical predictions for the masses and properties of potential anti-charm molecular pentaquarks. Future research could focus on refining the one-boson-exchange model, incorporating additional interaction mechanisms, and exploring the influence of more complex coupled-channel effects to improve the accuracy of predictions and guide experimental efforts.

👉 More information
🗞 Molecular pentaquarks composed of a ground octet baryon and a wave anti-charmed meson
🧠 ArXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.12320

Rohail T.

Rohail T.

As a quantum scientist exploring the frontiers of physics and technology. My work focuses on uncovering how quantum mechanics, computing, and emerging technologies are transforming our understanding of reality. I share research-driven insights that make complex ideas in quantum science clear, engaging, and relevant to the modern world.

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