The possible assignments of the scalar $K_0^*(1950)$ and $K_0^*(2130)$ within the $^3P_0$ model

TL;DR

This study analyzes the strong decay properties of the scalar mesons $K_0^*(1950)$ and $K_0^*(2130)$ using the $^3P_0$ model, suggesting the $K_0^*(2130)$ as a $3^3P_0$ state and questioning the nature of $K_0^*(1950)$.

Contribution

It provides a novel assignment of the $K_0^*(2130)$ within the $^3P_0$ model and predicts properties for higher excitations of the $K_0^*$ meson family.

Findings

$K_0^*(2130)$ fits as $3^3P_0$ state

$K_0^*(1950)$ cannot be explained as a conventional state

Predicted masses and widths for $2^3P_0$ and $4^3P_0$ states

Abstract

We have evaluated the strong decays of the $K_0^*(1950)$ and $K_0^*(2130)$ within the $^3P_0$ model, by employing the meson wave functions from the relativized quark model. By comparing with the experimental measurements, the $K_0^*(2130)$ could be assigned as $K_0^*(3^3P_0)$, while the $K_0^*(1950)$ seems like an exotic state, because its width can not be reasonably reproduced within the $^3P_0$ model. We also predict that the $K_0^*(2^3P_0)$ state has a mass of about $1811$ MeV and a width of about $656$ MeV, while the $K_0^*(4^3P_0)$ state has a mass of about $2404$ MeV and a width of about $180$ MeV.