Decipher the short-distance component of $X(3872)$ in $B_c$ decays

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to investigate the short-distance structure of the $X(3872)$ meson by analyzing decay ratios in $B_c$ decays, aiming to distinguish between different quark configurations.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical approach to probe the $X(3872)$'s quark structure via decay ratio measurements, providing a way to test its production mechanism.

Findings

Ratios are universal if $X(3872)$ is produced via $ar cc$ component.

Predictions can be tested at LHC and future colliders.

Method helps discriminate between two-quark and multiquark models.

Abstract

A foremost task in understanding the nature of the $X(3872)$ involves the discrimination of the two-quark and multiquark configurations. In this work, we propose a method to probe the short-distance component of the $X(3872)$ by measuring the ratio between the $B_c$ semileptonic and nonleptonic decays into the $X(3872)$. We demonstrate that if the $X(3872)$ production mechanism is through the $\bar cc$ component, the ratios would be universal and could be reliably predicted in theory. Measurements of these ratios at LHC and the next-generation electron-positron colliders are capable of validating/invalidating this production mechanism and providing deeper insights into the nature of the $X(3872)$.