Showing papers on "Meson published in 2015"

Observation of $J/\psi p$ Resonances Consistent with Pentaquark States in $\Lambda_b^0 \to J/\psi K^- p$ Decays

Abstract: Observations of exotic structures in the J/ψp channel, that we refer to as pentaquark-charmonium states, in Λ0b→J/ψK−p decays are presented. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3/fb acquired with the LHCb detector from 7 and 8 TeV pp collisions. An amplitude analysis is performed on the three-body final-state that reproduces the two-body mass and angular distributions. To obtain a satisfactory fit of the structures seen in the J/ψp mass spectrum, it is necessary to include two Breit-Wigner amplitudes that each describe a resonant state. The significance of each of these resonances is more than 9 standard deviations. One has a mass of 4380±8±29 MeV and a width of 205±18±86 MeV, while the second is narrower, with a mass of 4449.8±1.7±2.5 MeV and a width of 39±5±19 MeV. The preferred JP assignments are of opposite parity, with one state having spin 3/2 and the other 5/2.

Observation of the rare B-s(0)->mu(+)mu(-) decay from the combined analysis of CMS and LHCb data

Abstract: The standard model of particle physics describes the fundamental particles and their interactions via the strong, electromagnetic and weak forces. It provides precise predictions for measurable quantities that can be tested experimentally. The probabilities, or branching fractions, of the strange B meson (B-s(0)) and the B-0 meson decaying into two oppositely charged muons (mu(+) and mu(-)) are especially interesting because of their sensitivity to theories that extend the standard model. The standard model predicts that the B-s(0)->mu(+)mu(-) and B-0 ->mu(+)mu(-) decays are very rare, with about four of the former occurring for every billion B-s(0) mesons produced, and one of the latter occurring for every ten billion B-0 mesons(1). A difference in the observed branching fractions with respect to the predictions of the standard model would provide a direction in which the standard model should be extended. Before the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN2 started operating, no evidence for either decay mode had been found. Upper limits on the branching fractions were an order of magnitude above the standard model predictions. The CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) and LHCb(Large Hadron Collider beauty) collaborations have performed a joint analysis of the data from proton-proton collisions that they collected in 2011 at a centre-of-mass energy of seven teraelectronvolts and in 2012 at eight teraelectronvolts. Here we report the first observation of the B-s(0)->mu(+)mu(-) decay, with a statistical significance exceeding six standard deviations, and the best measurement so far of its branching fraction. Furthermore, we obtained evidence for the B-0 ->mu(+)mu(-) decay with a statistical significance of three standard deviations. Both measurements are statistically compatible with standard model predictions and allow stringent constraints to be placed on theories beyond the standard model. The LHC experiments will resume taking data in 2015, recording proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 teraelectronvolts, which will approximately double the production rates of B-s(0) and B-0 mesons and lead to further improvements in the precision of these crucial tests of the standard model.

A Schematic Model of Baryons and Mesons

Abstract: If we assume that the strong interactions of baryons and mesons are correctly described in terms of the broken "eightfold way", we are tempted to look for some fundamental explanation of the situation. A highly promised approach is the purely dynamical "bootstrap" model for all the strongly interacting particles within which one may try to derive isotopic spin and strangeness conservation and broken eightfold symmetry from self-consistency alone. Of course, with only strong interactions, the orientation of the asymmetry in the unitary space cannot be specified; one hopes that in some way the selection of specific components of the F-spin by electromagnetism and the weak interactions determines the choice of isotopic spin and hypercharge directions.

From controversy to precision on the sigma meson: a review on the status of the non-ordinary $f_0(500)$ resonance

Abstract: The existence and properties of the sigma meson have been controversial for almost six decades, despite playing a central role in the spontaneous chiral symmetry of QCD or in the nucleon-nucleon attraction. This controversy has also been fed by the strong indications that it is not an ordinary quark-antiquark meson. Here we review both the recent and old experimental data and the model independent dispersive formalisms which have provided precise determinations of its mass and width, finally settling the controversy and leading to its new name: $f_0(500)$. We then provide a rather conservative average of the most recent and advanced dispersive determinations of its pole position $\sqrt{s_\sigma}=449^{+22}_{-16}-i(275\pm12)$. In addition, after comprehensive introductions, we will review within the modern perspective of effective theories and dispersion theory, its relation to chiral symmetry, unitarization techniques, its quark mass dependence, popular models, as well as the recent strong evidence, obtained from the QCD $1/N_c$ expansion or Regge theory, for its non ordinary nature in terms of quarks and gluons.

Hybrid Mesons

Abstract: A review of the theoretical and experimental status of hybrid hadrons is presented The states $\pi_1(1400)$, $\pi_1(1600)$, and $\pi_1(2015)$ are thoroughly reviewed, along with experimental results from GAMS, VES, Obelix, COMPASS, KEK, CLEO, Crystal Barrel, CLAS, and BNL Theoretical lattice results on the gluelump spectrum, adiabatic potentials, heavy and light hybrids, and transition matrix elements are discussed These are compared with bag, string, flux tube, and constituent gluon models Strong and electromagnetic decay models are described and compared to lattice gauge theory results We conclude that while good evidence for the existence of a light isovector exotic meson exists, its confirmation as a hybrid meson awaits discovery of its iso-partners We also conclude that lattice gauge theory rules out a number of hybrid models and provides a reference to judge the success of others

Extreme neutron stars from Extended Theories of Gravity

Abstract: We discuss neutron stars with strong magnetic mean fields in the framework of Extended Theories of Gravity. In particular, we take into account models derived from f(R) and f() extensions of General Relativity where functions of the Ricci curvature invariant R and the Gauss-Bonnet invariant are respectively considered. Dense matter in magnetic mean field, generated by magnetic properties of particles, is described by assuming a model with three meson fields and baryons octet. As result, the considerable increasing of maximal mass of neutron stars can be achieved by cubic corrections in f(R) gravity. In principle, massive stars with M > 4M☉ can be obtained. On the other hand, stable stars with high strangeness fraction (with central densities ρc ~ 1.5–2.0 GeV/fm3) are possible considering quadratic corrections of f() gravity. The magnetic field strength in the star center is of order 6–8 × 1018 G. In general, we can say that other branches of massive neutron stars are possible considering the extra pressure contributions coming from gravity extensions. Such a feature can constitute both a probe for alternative theories and a way out to address anomalous self-gravitating compact systems.

Lepton Flavor Non-Universality in B-meson Decays from a U(2) Flavor Model

Abstract: We address the recent anomalies in semi-leptonic B-meson decays using a model of fermion masses based on the U(2) flavor symmetry. The new contributions to b → sll transitions arise due to a tree-level exchange of a Z′ vector boson gauging a U(1) subgroup of the flavor symmetry. They are controlled by a single parameter and are approximately aligned to the Standard Model prediction, with constructive interference in the e-channel and destructive interference in the μ-channel. The current experimental data on semi-leptonic B-meson decays can be very well reproduced without violating existing constraints from flavor violation in the quark and lepton sectors. Our model will be tested by new measurements of b → sll transitions and also by future electroweak precision tests, direct Z′ searches, and μ-e conversion in nuclei.

Dark photons from charm mesons at LHCb

Abstract: We propose a search for dark photons $A^{\prime}$ at the LHCb experiment using the charm meson decay $D^*(2007)^0 \!\to D^0 A^{\prime}$. At nominal luminosity, $D^{*0} \!\to D^0 \gamma$ decays will be produced at about 700kHz within the LHCb acceptance, yielding over 5 trillion such decays during Run 3 of the LHC. Replacing the photon with a kinetically-mixed dark photon, LHCb is then sensitive to dark photons that decay as $A^{\prime}\!\to e^+e^-$. We pursue two search strategies in this paper. The displaced strategy takes advantage of the large Lorentz boost of the dark photon and the excellent vertex resolution of LHCb, yielding a nearly background-free search when the $A^{\prime}$ decay vertex is significantly displaced from the proton-proton primary vertex. The resonant strategy takes advantage of the large event rate for $D^{*0} \!\to D^0 A^{\prime}$ and the excellent invariant mass resolution of LHCb, yielding a background-limited search that nevertheless covers a significant portion of the $A^{\prime}$ parameter space. Both search strategies rely on the planned upgrade to a triggerless-readout system at LHCb in Run 3, which will permit identification of low-momentum electron-positron pairs online during data taking. For dark photon masses below about 100MeV, LHCb can explore nearly all of the dark photon parameter space between existing prompt-$A^{\prime}$ and beam-dump limits.

Energy loss, hadronization, and hadronic interactions of heavy flavors in relativistic heavy-ion collisions

Abstract: We construct a theoretical framework to describe the evolution of heavy flavors produced in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. The in-medium energy loss of heavy quarks is described using our modified Langevin equation that incorporates both quasielastic scatterings and the medium-induced gluon radiation. The space-time profiles of the fireball are described by a (2+1)-dimensional hydrodynamics simulation. A hybrid model of fragmentation and coalescence is utilized for heavy quark hadronization, after which the produced heavy mesons together with the soft hadrons produced from the bulk quark-gluon plasma (QGP) are fed into the hadron cascade ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics (UrQMD) model to simulate the subsequent hadronic interactions. We find that the medium-induced gluon radiation contributes significantly to heavy quark energy loss at high ${p}_{\mathrm{T}}$; heavy-light quark coalescence enhances heavy meson production at intermediate ${p}_{\mathrm{T}}$; and scatterings inside the hadron gas further suppress the $D$ meson ${R}_{\mathrm{AA}}$ at large ${p}_{\mathrm{T}}$ and enhance its ${v}_{2}$. Our calculations provide good descriptions of heavy meson suppression and elliptic flow observed at both the Large Hadron Collider and the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider.

Completing the Picture of the Roper Resonance.

Abstract: We employ a continuum approach to the three valence-quark bound-state problem in relativistic quantum field theory to predict a range of properties of the proton's radial excitation and thereby unify them with those of numerous other hadrons. Our analysis indicates that the nucleon's first radial excitation is the Roper resonance. It consists of a core of three dressed quarks, which expresses its valence-quark content and whose charge radius is 80% larger than the proton analogue. That core is complemented by a meson cloud, which reduces the observed Roper mass by roughly 20%. The meson cloud materially affects long-wavelength characteristics of the Roper electroproduction amplitudes but the quark core is revealed to probes with Q(2)≳3m(N)(2).

Charm production in the forward region: constraints on the small-x gluon and backgrounds for neutrino astronomy

Abstract: The recent observation by the IceCube experiment of cosmic neutrinos at energies up to a few PeV heralds the beginning of neutrino astronomy. At such high energies, the conventional neutrino flux is suppressed and the prompt component from charm meson decays is expected to become the dominant background to astrophysical neutrinos. Charm production at high energies is however theoretically uncertain, both since the charm mass is at the boundary of applicability of perturbative QCD, and also because the calculations are sensitive to the poorly-known gluon PDF at small-x. In this work we provide detailed perturbative QCD predictions for charm and bottom production in the forward region, and validate them by comparing with recent data from the LHCb experiment at 7 TeV. Finding good agreement between data and theory, we use the LHCb measurements to constrain the small-x gluon PDF, achieving a substantial reduction in its uncertainties. Using these improved PDFs, we provide predictions for charm and bottom production at LHCb at 13 TeV, as well as for the ratio of cross-sections between 13 and 7 TeV. The same calculations are used to compute the energy distribution of neutrinos from charm decays in pA collisions, a key ingredient towards achieving a theoretically robust estimate of charm-induced backgrounds at neutrino telescopes.

Tomography of the Quark-Gluon-Plasma by Charm Quarks

Abstract: We study charm production in ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions by using the Parton-Hadron-String Dynamics (PHSD) transport approach. The initial charm quarks are produced by the Pythia event generator tuned to fit the transverse momentum spectrum and rapidity distribution of charm quarks from Fixed-Order Next-to-Leading Logarithm (FONLL) calculations. The produced charm quarks scatter in the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) with the off-shell partons whose masses and widths are given by the Dynamical Quasi-Particle Model (DQPM) which reproduces the lattice QCD equation-of-state in thermal equilibrium. The relevant cross section are calculated in a consistent way by employing the effective propagators and couplings from the DQPM. Close to the critical energy density of the phase transition, the charm quarks are hadronized into $D$ mesons through coalescence and/or fragmentation depending on transverse momentum. The hadronized $D$ mesons then interact with the various hadrons in the hadronic phase with cross sections calculated in an effective lagrangian approach with heavy-quark spin symmetry. Finally, the nuclear modification factor $\rm R_{AA}$ and the elliptic flow $v_2$ of $D^0$ mesons from PHSD are compared with the experimental data from the STAR Collaboration for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ =200 GeV. We find that in the PHSD the energy loss of $D$ mesons at high $p_T$ can be dominantly attributed to partonic scattering while the actual shape of $\rm R_{AA}$ versus $p_T$ reflects the heavy quark hadronization scenario, i.e. coalescence versus fragmentation. Also the hadronic rescattering is important for the $\rm R_{AA}$ at low $p_T$ and enhances the $D$-meson elliptic flow $v_2$.

Leptoquarks, Dark Matter, and Anomalous LHC Events

Abstract: Leptoquarks with mass in the region of $550-650$ GeV are a possible candidate for the recent excess seen by CMS in the $eejj$ and $e u jj$ channels. We discuss models where leptoquarks decay primarily to dark matter and jets, thereby giving a branching to charged lepton and jet final states that can match data. The confluence of proton decay constraints, dark matter indirect and direct detection data, and Higgs invisible decay bounds results in a handful of predictive models that will be conclusively verified or excluded in upcoming direct detection experiments. Along the way, we present robust limits on such leptoquark models stemming from the muon magnetic moment using current and projected experiment sensitivities, as well as from $K$ and $B$ meson mixing, and leptonic and semi-leptonic meson decays.

Measurements of prompt charm production cross-sections in $pp$ collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13\,\mathrm{TeV}$

Abstract: Production cross-sections of prompt charm mesons are measured with the first data from $pp$ collisions at the LHC at a centre-of-mass energy of $13\,\mathrm{TeV}$. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of $4.98 \pm 0.19\,\mathrm{pb}^{-1}$ collected by the LHCb experiment. The production cross-sections of $D^{0}$, $D^{+}$, $D_{s}^{+}$, and $D^{*+}$ mesons are measured in bins of charm meson transverse momentum, $p_{\mathrm{T}}$, and rapidity, $y$, and cover the range $0 < p_{\mathrm{T}} < 15\,\mathrm{GeV}/c$ and $2.0 < y < 4.5$. The inclusive cross-sections for the four mesons, including charge conjugation, within the range of $1 < p_{\mathrm{T}} < 8\,\mathrm{GeV}/c$ are found to be \begin{equation} \sigma(pp \to D^{0} X) = 2072 \pm 2 \pm 124\,\mu\mathrm{b}\\ \sigma(pp \to D^{+} X) = 834 \pm 2 \pm \phantom{1}78\,\mu\mathrm{b}\\ \sigma(pp \to D_{s}^{+} X) = 353 \pm 9 \pm \phantom{1}76\,\mu\mathrm{b}\\ \sigma(pp \to D^{*+} X) = 784 \pm 4 \pm \phantom{1}87\,\mu\mathrm{b} \end{equation} where the uncertainties are due to statistical and systematic uncertainties, respectively.

Multichannel 1 → 2 transition amplitudes in a finite volume

Abstract: We perform a model-independent, non-perturbative investigation of two-point and three-point finite-volume correlation functions in the energy regime where two-particle states can go on-shell. We study three-point functions involving a single incoming particle and an outgoing two-particle state, relevant, for example, for studies of meson decays (e.g., B⁰ → K*l⁺l⁻) or meson photo production (e.g., πγ* → ππ). We observe that, while the spectrum solely depends upon the on-shell scattering amplitude, the correlation functions also depend upon off-shell amplitudes. The main result of this work is a non-perturbative generalization of the Lellouch-Luscher formula relating matrix elements of currents in finite and infinite spatial volumes. We extend that work by considering a theory with multiple, strongly-coupled channels and by accommodating external currents which inject arbitrary four-momentum as well as arbitrary angular-momentum. The result is exact up to exponentially suppressed corrections governed by the pion mass times the box size. We also apply our master equation to various examples, including two processes mentioned above as well as examples where the final state is an admixture of two open channels.

Charmed baryon spectroscopy and light flavor symmetry from lattice QCD

Abstract: We determine the ground state and first excited state masses of singly and doubly charmed spin 1/2 and 3/2 baryons with positive and negative parity. Configurations with Nf=2+1 nonperturbatively improved Wilson-clover fermions were employed, with the same quark action also being used for the valence quarks, including the charm. The spectrum is calculated for pion masses in the range Mπ∼259–460 MeV at a lattice spacing a∼0.075 fm. Finite volume effects are studied comparing lattices with two different linear spatial extents (1.8 fm and 2.4 fm). The physical point is approached from the SU(3) limit keeping the flavor averaged light quark mass fixed. The baryon masses are extrapolated using expansions in the strange-light quark mass difference. Most particles fall into the expected SU(3) multiplets with well-constrained extrapolations, the exceptions having a possibly more complex internal structure. Overall agreement is found with experiment for the masses and splittings of the singly charmed baryons. As part of the calculation an analysis of the lower lying charmonium, D and Ds spectra was performed in order to assess discretization errors. The gross spectra are reproduced, including the Ds0*, Ds1 and D1 mesons, while at this single lattice spacing hyperfine splittings come out 10–20 MeV too low.

Forward J /ψ production in proton-nucleus collisions at high energy

Abstract: Inclusive production of $J/\psi$ mesons, especially at forward rapidities, is an important probe of small-x gluons in protons and nuclei. In this paper we re-evaluate the production cross sections in the Color Glass Condensate framework, where the process is described by a large x gluon from the probe splitting into a quark pair and eikonally interacting with the target proton or nucleus. Using a standard collinear gluon distribution for the probe and an up to date dipole cross section fitted to HERA data to describe the target we achieve a rather good description of the cross section in proton-proton collisions, although with a rather large normalization uncertainty. More importantly, we show that generalizing the dipole cross section to nuclei in the Glauber approach results in a nuclear suppression of $J/\psi$ production that is much closer to the experimental data than claimed in previous literature.

X (3872 ) and Y (4140 ) using diquark-antidiquark operators with lattice QCD

Abstract: We perform a lattice study of charmonium-like mesons with ${J}^{\mathrm{PC}}={1}^{++}$ and three quark contents $\overline{c}c\overline{d}u$, $\overline{c}c(\overline{u}u+\overline{d}d)$ and $\overline{c}c\overline{s}s$, where the later two can mix with $\overline{c}c$. This simulation with ${N}_{f}=2$ and ${m}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}\ensuremath{\simeq}266\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MeV}$ aims at the possible signatures of four-quark exotic states. We utilize a large basis of $\overline{c}c$, two-meson and diquark-antidiquark interpolating fields, with diquarks in both antitriplet and sextet color representations. A lattice candidate for $X(3872)$ with $I=0$ is observed very close to the experimental state only if both $\overline{c}c$ and $D{\overline{D}}^{*}$ interpolators are included; the candidate is not found if diquark-antidiquark and $D{\overline{D}}^{*}$ are used in the absence of $\overline{c}c$. No candidate for neutral or charged $X(3872)$, or any other exotic candidates are found in the $I=1$ channel. We also do not find signatures of exotic $\overline{c}c\overline{s}s$ candidates below 4.2 GeV, such as $Y(4140)$. Possible physics and methodology related reasons for that are discussed. Along the way, we present the diquark-antidiquark operators as linear combinations of the two-meson operators via the Fierz transformations.

A new hadron spectroscopy

Abstract: QCD-motivated models for hadrons predict an assortment of “exotic” hadrons that have structures that are more complex than the quark-antiquark mesons and three-quark baryons of the original quark-parton model. These include pentaquark baryons, the six-quark H-dibaryon, and tetraquark, hybrid and glueball mesons. Despite extensive experimental searches, no unambiguous candidates for any of these exotic configurations have been identified. On the other hand, a number of meson states, one that seems to be a proton-antiproton bound state, and others that contain either charmed-anticharmed quark pairs or bottom-antibottom quark pairs, have been recently discovered that neither fit into the quark-antiquark meson picture nor match the expected properties of the QCD-inspired exotics. Here I briefly review results from a recent search for the H-dibaryon, and discuss some properties of the newly discovered states -the proton-antiproton state and the so-called XY Z mesons- and compare them with expectations for conventional quark-antiquark mesons and the predicted QCD-exotic states.

Measurement of forward J/ψ production cross-sections in pp collisions at √s =13 TeV

Abstract: The production of J/ψ mesons in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $$ \sqrt{s}=13 $$ TeV is studied with the LHCb detector. Cross-section measurements are performed as a function of the transverse momentum p T and the rapidity y of the J/ψ meson in the region p T < 14 GeV/c and 2.0 < y < 4.5, for both prompt J/ψ mesons and J/ψ mesons from b-hadron decays. The production cross-sections integrated over the kinematic coverage are 15.30 ± 0.03 ± 0.86 μb for prompt J/ψ and 2.34 ± 0.01 ± 0.13 μb for J/ψ from b-hadron decays, assuming zero polarization of the J/ψ meson. The first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The cross-section reported for J/ψ mesons from b-hadron decays is used to extrapolate to a total $$ b\overline{b} $$ cross-section. The ratios of the cross-sections with respect to $$ \sqrt{s}=8 $$ TeV are also determined.

QED corrections to hadronic processes in lattice QCD

Abstract: In this paper, for the first time to our knowledge, a method is proposed to compute electromagnetic effects in hadronic processes, such as decays, using lattice simulations. The method can be applied, for example, to the leptonic and semileptonic decays of light or heavy pseudoscalar mesons. For these quantities the presence of infrared divergences in intermediate stages of the calculation makes the procedure much more complicated than is the case for the hadronic spectrum, for which calculations already exist. In order to compute the physical widths, diagrams with virtual photons must be combined with those corresponding to the emission of real photons. Only in this way do the infrared divergences cancel as first understood by Bloch and Nordsieck in 1937. We present a detailed analysis of the method for the leptonic decays of a pseudoscalar meson. The implementation of our method, although challenging, is within reach of the present lattice technology.

Measurement of forward $J/\psi$ production cross-sections in $pp$ collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV

Abstract: The production of $J/\psi$ mesons in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV is studied with the \lhcb detector. Cross-section measurements are performed as a function of the transverse momentum $p_\mathrm{T}$ and the rapidity $y$ of the $J/\psi$ meson in the region $p_\mathrm{T}<14\mathrm{GeV}/c$ and $2.0

Charmed-strange mesons revisited: mass spectra and strong decays

Abstract: Inspired by the present experimental status of charmed-strange mesons, we perform a systematic study of the charmed-strange meson family in which we calculate the mass spectra of the charmed-strange meson family by taking a screening effect into account in the Godfrey-Isgur model and investigate the corresponding strong decays via the quark pair creation model. These phenomenological analyses of charmed-strange mesons not only shed light on the features of the observed charmed-strange states, but also provide important information on future experimental search for the missing higher radial and orbital excitations in the charmed-strange meson family, which will be a valuable task in LHCb, the forthcoming Belle II, and PANDA.