An estimation of non-valence contributions to form factors of heavy-light mesons

TL;DR

This paper estimates the impact of non-valence quark-pair contributions on the form factors of heavy-light mesons using relativistic quantum mechanics, providing insights into their role in weak transitions.

Contribution

It introduces a method to estimate non-valence contributions to meson form factors by combining spacelike calculations with analytic continuation, within the point form framework.

Findings

Non-valence contributions can significantly affect form factor estimates.

Analytic continuation provides a viable way to include timelike effects.

Relativistic quantum mechanics effectively models heavy-light meson systems.

Abstract

We study the influence of non-valence quark-pair contributions in weak transition form factors of heavy-light mesons. Form factors are first calculated for spacelike momentum transfers in a reference frame where such contributions are suppressed. Analytic continuation to the timelike region and a comparison with the direct decay calculation, done with pure valence degrees of freedom, provides an estimate of the role that quark-pair contributions may play. We use the point form of relativistic quantum mechanics, which is particularly useful when treating heavy-light systems.