Three-Body Decay of $\Lambda_c^{*}(2595)$ and $\Lambda_c^{*}(2625)$ with the Inclusion of Direct Two-Pion Coupling

TL;DR

This paper studies three-body decays of excited Lambda_c baryons, highlighting the significant role of direct two-pion coupling and its impact on decay patterns, which aids understanding of their internal structure.

Contribution

It introduces the inclusion of a direct two-pion coupling process in decay analysis, revealing its substantial effect especially in Lambda_c*(2625) decays, and connects it to chiral partner structures.

Findings

Direct process significantly influences decay of Lambda_c*(2625).

Asymmetric pion angular correlation indicates direct process presence.

Analysis aids understanding of Lambda_c* internal structure.

Abstract

We investigate the three-body decays of $\Lambda_c^*(2595)$ and $\Lambda_c^*(2625)$ into $\Lambda_c \pi \pi$ by including a direct process going through the two-pion coupling of $\Lambda_c^*\Lambda_c \pi \pi$ in addition to the sequential processes going through $\Sigma_c(2455)$ and $\Sigma_c^*(2520)$. The strength of the direct coupling is related to that of the Yukawa coupling by the chiral partner structure between $\Lambda_c$'s and $\Sigma_c$'s, while the strength of the Yukawa coupling is estimated by the quark model. It is found that the direct process gives a considerable contribution especially in the decay of $\Lambda_c^*(2625)$. A clear indication of the direct process is seen in an asymmetric pattern in the angular correlation between the two pions. We discuss the usefulness of the detailed analysis of the decays for the study of the structure of $\Lambda_c^*$.