Search for the $D^{*}\bar{D}^{*}$ Molecular State $X_{2}(4013)$ in $K^{-}p$ and $pp$ Collisions

Abstract

Motivated by the interpretation of $X(3872)$ as a $D\bar{D}^{*}$ molecular state, heavy-quark spin symmetry predicts a spin-2 partner, $X_{2}(4013)$, which can be regarded as a $D^{*}\bar{D}^{*}$ molecule with quantum numbers $J^{PC} = 2^{++}$. Its experimental confirmation, however, remains elusive. In this work, we investigate the production mechanisms of $X_{2}(4013)$ in the reactions $K^{-}p \to \Lambda_{c}^{+} D_{s}^{-} X_{2}(4013)$ and $pp \to \Lambda_{c}^{+}\Lambda_{c}^{+} X_{2}(4013)$ within an effective Lagrangian framework. The production processes are modeled via $t$-channel $D/\bar{D}^{*}$ meson exchanges, while initial-state interactions (ISI) mediated by Pomeron and Reggeon exchanges are also taken into account. Our calculations indicate that the total cross sections can reach the pb level, suggesting that $X_{2}(4013)$ may be accessible at current and future experiments such as AMBER@CERN and LHCb. Inclusion of ISI enhances the cross sections by nearly one order of magnitude. The differential distributions show distinct angular behaviors for the two reactions: the $K^{-}p$ reaction exhibits a forward-peaked distribution, whereas the $pp$ reaction shows a dip near central angles. This study provides a quantitative theoretical benchmark for future experimental searches of $X_2(4013)$ and highlights the importance of initial-state interactions (ISI) in high-energy particle investigations.