Arrangement for $K_2^*$ meson family

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the $K_2^*$ meson family, clarifies the nature of the $K_2^*(1980)$ states, and predicts decay widths for higher excitations, aiding future experimental searches.

Contribution

It provides a novel interpretation of the $K_2^*(1980)$ states as different excitations and offers decay predictions for higher $K_2^*$ mesons.

Findings

Low mass state identified as $2^3P_2$

High mass state identified as $1^3F_2$

Predicted decay widths for higher excitations

Abstract

Two observed structures with $M=1868 \pm 8^{+ 40}_{- 57}$ MeV and $M=2073 \pm 94^{+ 245}_{- 240}$ MeV are the same states ($K_2^*(1980)$) in PDG.The analysis of the mass spectrum and the calculation of the strong decay of $K_2^*$ mesons support the low mass state of $K_2^*(1980)$ as $2^3P_2$ and the high mass state of $K_2^*(1980)$ as $1^3F_2$ in this letter. This analysis brings us very important criterion for the assignment of the observed $K_2^* (1980)$ and experimental findings for this assignment is suggested. Additionally, prediction of some partial decay widths are made on the high excitations of $K_2^*$ family. This study is crucial to establishing and searching for their higher excitations in the future.