Remarks on the $P_c$ structures and triangle singularities

TL;DR

This paper investigates the possibility that triangle singularities could explain the observed pentaquark-like structures in certain baryon decays, suggesting that more precise measurements are needed for clarification.

Contribution

It analyzes the occurrence of triangle singularities in different decay channels related to the $P_c$ structures, offering an alternative explanation to genuine pentaquark states.

Findings

Triangle singularities can produce structures similar to $P_c$ peaks.

The $J/ p$ invariant mass distribution may show a bump due to such singularities.

Further experimental data is necessary to distinguish between genuine states and kinematic effects.

Abstract

It was proposed that the narrow $P_c(4450)$ structure observed by the LHCb Collaboration in the reaction $\Lambda_b\to J/\psi p K$ might be due to a triangle singularity around the $\chi_{c1}$--proton threshold at 4.45~GeV. We discuss the occurrence of a similar triangle singularity in the $J/\psi p$ invariant mass distribution for the decay $\Lambda_b\to J/\psi p \pi$, which could explain the bump around 4.45~GeV in the data. More precise measurements of this process would provide valuable information towards an understanding of the $P_c$ structures.