arXiv subjects

Alexey Nefediev

Publications and source records attributed to Alexey Nefediev.

21 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2021

Coupled-channel interpretation of the LHCb double-$J/ψ$ spectrum and hints of a new state near the $J/ψJ/ψ$ threshold

Recently, the LHCb Collaboration reported pronounced structures in the invariant mass spectrum of $J/ψ$-pairs produced in proton-proton collisions at the Large Hadron Collider. In this Letter, we argue that the data can be very well described within two variants of a coupled-channel approach employing $T$-matrices consistent with unitarity: (i) with just two channels, $J/ψJ/ψ$ and $ψ(2S)J/ψ$, as long as energy-dependent interactions in these channels are allowed, or (ii) with three channels $J/ψJ/ψ$, $ψ(2S)J/ψ$ and $ψ(3770)J/ψ$ with just constant contact interactions. Both formulations hint at the existence of a near-threshold state in the $J/ψJ/ψ$ system with the quantum numbers $J^{PC}=0^{++}$ or $2^{++}$, which we refer to as $X(6200)$. We suggest experimental tests to check the existence of this state and discuss what additional channels need to be studied experimentally to allow for distinctive tests between the two mechanisms proposed. If the molecular nature of the $X(6200)$, as hinted by the three-channel approach, is confirmed, many other double-quarkonium states should exist driven by the same binding mechanism. In particular, there should be an $η_cη_c$ molecule with a similar binding energy.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

Deciphering the mechanism of near-threshold $J/ψ$ photoproduction

The photoproduction of the $J/ψ$ off the proton is believed to deepen our understanding of various physics issues. On the one hand, it is proposed to provide access to the origin of the proton mass, based on the QCD multipole expansion. On the other hand, it can be employed in a study of pentaquark states. The process is usually assumed to proceed through vector-meson dominance, that is the photon couples to a $J/ψ$ which rescatters with the proton to give the $J/ψp$ final state. In this Letter, we provide a compelling hint for and propose measurements necessary to confirm a novel production mechanism via the $Λ_c \bar D^{(*)}$ intermediate states. In particular, there must be cusp structures at the $Λ_c \bar D^{(*)}$ thresholds in the energy dependence of the $J/ψ$ photoproduction cross section. The same mechanism also implies the $J/ψ$-nucleon scattering lengths of order 1 mfm. Given this, one expects only a minor contribution of charm quarks to the nucleon mass.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

The $XYZ$ states: experimental and theoretical status and perspectives

The quark model was formulated in 1964 to classify mesons as bound states made of a quark-antiquark pair, and baryons as bound states made of three quarks. For a long time all known mesons and baryons could be classified within this scheme. Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), however, in principle also allows the existence of more complex structures, generically called exotic hadrons or simply exotics. These include four-quark hadrons (tetraquarks and hadronic molecules), five-quark hadrons (pentaquarks) and states with active gluonic degrees of freedom (hybrids), and even states of pure glue (glueballs). Exotic hadrons have been systematically searched for in numerous experiments for many years. Remarkably, in the past fifteen years, many new hadrons that do not exhibit the expected properties of ordinary (not exotic) hadrons have been discovered in the quarkonium spectrum. These hadrons are collectively known as $XYZ$ states. Some of them, like the charged states, are undoubtedly exotic. Parallel to the experimental progress, the last decades have also witnessed an enormous theoretical effort to reach a theoretical understanding of the $XYZ$ states. Theoretical approaches include not only phenomenological extensions of the quark model to exotics, but also modern non-relativistic effective field theories and lattice QCD calculations. The present work aims at reviewing the rapid progress in the field of exotic $XYZ$ hadrons over the past few years both in experiments and theory. It concludes with a summary on future prospects and challenges.

hep-ex↗