$P_c(4312)^+$ and $P_c(4337)^+$ as interfering $\Sigma_c\bar{D}$ and $\Lambda_c\bar{D}^{*}$ threshold cusps

TL;DR

This paper proposes a model where interference between threshold cusps from $ ext{Sigma}_car{D}$ and $ ext{Lambda}_car{D}^*$ channels explains the distinct pentaquark-like structures observed in different decay processes, resolving previous puzzles.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel interference-based explanation for the different pentaquark signals, linking threshold cusps to observed peaks in decay data.

Findings

Threshold cusps from $ ext{Sigma}_car{D}$ explain $P_c(4337)^+$

Interference of cusps accounts for $P_c(4312)^+$ and $P_c(4337)^+$ patterns

Model reproduces experimental angular distributions and peak appearances.

Abstract

The recent LHCb data on $B_s^0\to J/\psi p\bar{p}$ revealed a new pentaquark-like $P_c(4337)^+$ structure, while finding no evidence for $P_c(4312)^+$ discovered earlier in $\Lambda_b^0\to J/\psi p K^-$. Though puzzling, the data actually offer an important hint to understand the nature of the pentaquark candidates. We develop a model to analyze the $B_s^0\to J/\psi p\bar{p}$ data. We find that a $\Sigma_c\bar{D}$ one-loop mechanism causes a threshold cusp that fits well the $P_c(4337)^+$ peak. Also, the $\Sigma_c\bar{D}$ and $\Lambda_c\bar{D}^{*}$ threshold cusps interfere with each other to reproduce an oscillating behavior in the proton helicity angle distribution. These results combined with our earlier analysis on $\Lambda_b^0\to J/\psi p K^-$ indicate that $P_c(4312)^+$ and $P_c(4337)^+$ are created by different interference patterns between the $\Sigma_c\bar{D}$ and $\Lambda_c\bar{D}^{*}$ (anomalous) threshold cusps. The proposed scenario consistently explains why the $P_c(4312)^+$ and $P_c(4337)^+$ peaks appear in $\Lambda_b^0\to J/\psi p K^-$ and $B_s^0\to J/\psi p\bar{p}$, respectively, but not vice versa or both.