Two-pole structure of the $D^\ast_0(2400)$

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates, using unitarized chiral perturbation theory, that the $D_0^*(2400)$ meson actually consists of two poles, supported by lattice QCD data, with implications for experimental detection and SU(3) multiplet structure.

Contribution

The study reveals a two-pole structure of the $D_0^*(2400)$, providing a novel interpretation supported by lattice QCD and predicting observable effects near the $D_sar K$ threshold.

Findings

Identification of two poles at specific energies with couplings to $Dar ext{K}$ channels.

Agreement of predicted energy levels with lattice QCD data.

Prediction of threshold enhancement near the $D_sar K$ threshold.

Abstract

The so far only known charmed non-strange scalar meson is dubbed as $D_0^*(2400)$ in the Review of Particle Physics. We show, within the framework of unitarized chiral perturbation theory, that there are in fact two $(I=1/2, J^P=0^+)$ poles in the region of the $D_0^*(2400)$ in the coupled-channel $D\pi$, $D\eta$ and $D_s\bar K$ scattering amplitudes. With all the parameters previously fixed, we predict the energy levels for the coupled-channel system in a finite volume, and find that they agree remarkably well with recent lattice QCD calculations. This successful description of the lattice data is regarded as a strong evidence for the two-pole structure of the $D_0^*(2400)$. With the physical quark masses, the poles are located at $\left(2105^{+6}_{-8}-i\,102^{+10}_{-12}\right)$~MeV and $\left(2451^{+36}_{-26}-i\,134^{+7}_{-8}\right)$~MeV, with the largest couplings to the $D\pi$ and $D_s\bar K$ channels, respectively. Since the higher pole is close to the $D_s\bar K$ threshold, we expect it to show up as a threshold enhancement in the $D_s\bar K$ invariant mass distribution. This could be checked by high-statistic data in future experiments. We also show that the lower pole belongs to the same SU(3) multiplet as the $D_{s0}^*(2317)$ state. Predictions for partners in the bottom sector are also given.