Colour Fields Computed in SU(3) Lattice QCD for the Static Tetraquark System

TL;DR

This study computes the colour fields in a static tetraquark system using SU(3) lattice QCD, revealing a double-Y flux tube structure with junctions at Fermat points, and shows that tetraquark flux tubes are composed of fundamental flux tubes.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed lattice QCD visualization of tetraquark colour fields, demonstrating their double-Y flux tube structure and relation to fundamental flux tubes.

Findings

Tetraquark colour fields form a double-Y flux tube.

Flux tube junctions align with Fermat points.

Tetraquark flux tubes match fundamental flux tube profiles.

Abstract

The colour fields created by the static tetraquark system are computed in quenched SU(3) lattice QCD, in a 24^3 x 48 lattice at beta=6.2 corresponding to a lattice spacing a=0.07261(85) fm. We find that the tetraquark colour fields are well described by a double-Y, or butterfly, shaped flux tube. The two flux tube junction points are compatible with Fermat points minimizing the total flux tube length. We also compare the diquark-diantiquark central flux tube profile in the tetraquark with the quark-antiquark fundamental flux tube profile in the meson, and they match, thus showing that the tetraquark flux tubes are composed of fundamental flux tubes.