The decays $\Xi_b \to \Lambda_b \, \pi$ and diquark correlations in hyperons

TL;DR

This paper investigates the weak decays of $ ext{Xi}_b$ baryons to $ ext{Lambda}_b$ and a pion, using these processes to probe diquark correlations within baryons, and suggests they could be experimentally observable.

Contribution

It revisits decay rate estimates and highlights the potential for observing enhanced diquark correlations through these decay channels.

Findings

Branching fraction could reach a few percent with enhanced diquark correlations.

Decays can serve as tests for diquark properties in baryons.

Potential to measure diquark effects via lifetime differences in $b$ baryons.

Abstract

The decays $\Xi_b \to \Lambda_b \pi$ are strangeness changing weak transitions involving only the light diquark in the baryon. Thus these decays can test the properties of such diquarks, in particular the suggestions existing in the literature of enhanced correlations in $J^P=0^+$ light diquarks. We revisit the estimates of the rates of these decays and point out that with the enhanced correlation their branching fraction can reach a few percent and may become visible in the measurements of differences of the lifetimes of $b$ baryons.