Radiative decay of $\chi_{c1}$ states in effective Lagrangian approach

TL;DR

This paper investigates the radiative decays of $ ext{chi}_{c1}$ states, especially $ ext{chi}_{c1}(3872)$, using an effective Lagrangian approach with meson loops, to shed light on its internal structure.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical prediction of radiative decay ratios of $ ext{chi}_{c1}(3872)$ using an effective field theory with meson loops, challenging its classification as a pure $car{c}$ state.

Findings

Predicted branching ratios: $R_{J/ ext{psi}\gamma} o 0.1$, $R_{ ext{psi}(2S)\gamma} o 0.01$.

Relative fraction $ ext{R}_{ ext{Psi}\gamma} ext{ approx } 0.109$.

Supports the hypothesis that $ ext{chi}_{c1}(3872)$ is unlikely a pure $car{c}$ state.

Abstract

The $\chi_{c1}(3872)$ state, first observed by the Belle collaboration with its quantum numbers identified as $J^{PC} = 1^{++}$, has been the subject of extensive research due to its intriguing properties. Several theoretical interpretations have been proposed to explain its unique characteristics, including the $\chi_{c1}(2P)$ assignment, a molecular $\bar{D}^{*}D/\bar{D}D^{*}$ configuration, a coupled-channel framework incorporating $c\bar{c}$ and di-meson degrees of freedom, and the compact tetraquark hypothesis. However, challenges remain in reconciling its mass coincidence with the threshold and the observed isospin violation within both the pure $c\bar{c}$ and compact tetraquark models. In this study, we examine the radiative decays of the $\chi_{c1}(1P)$ and $\chi_{c1}(3872)$ states in an effective field theory framework, incorporating triangle loops of $D$ and $D^{*}$ mesons. The model parameters are calibrated based on the observed branching fraction of the radiative decay mode $\chi_{c1}(1P) \to J/\psi \gamma$. Utilizing these fixed parameters, we predict the branching fractions $R_{\chi_{c1}(3872) \to J/\psi \gamma} \sim 10^{-1}$ and $R_{\chi_{c1}(3872) \to \psi(2S) \gamma} \sim 10^{-2}$, and the relative fraction $\mathcal{R}_{\Psi\gamma} \approx 0.109$. The work supports the argument that the $\chi_{c1}(3872)$ is unlikely a $c\bar{c}$ state.