Search for the low-lying excited baryon $\Sigma^*(1/2^-)$ through process $\Lambda^+_c \to \Lambda K^0 \pi^+$

TL;DR

This paper investigates the decay process $ ext{Lambda}_c^+ o ext{Lambda} K^0 ext{pi}^+$, focusing on the role of the low-lying excited baryon $ ext{Sigma}^*(1/2^-)$, and successfully reproduces experimental data while predicting a new spectral feature.

Contribution

It introduces a model that includes the $ ext{Sigma}^*(1/2^-)$ resonance dynamically generated from meson-baryon interactions, providing new insights into the light baryon spectrum.

Findings

Reproduces BESIII $ ext{pi}^+ K^0$ invariant mass distribution.

Predicts a cusp at 1.43 GeV in the $ ext{pi}^+ ext{Lambda}$ invariant mass.

Supports the existence of the $ ext{Sigma}^*(1/2^-)$ resonance.

Abstract

Motivated by recent BESIII measurements of the singly Cabibbo-suppressed processes $\Lambda^+_c \to \Lambda K^+ \pi^0$ and $\Lambda^+_c \to \Lambda K_S^0 \pi^+$, we investigate the process $\Lambda^+_c \to \Lambda K^0 \pi^+$ by taking into account the contribution from the low-lying excited baryon $\Sigma^*(1/2^-)$, dynamically generated via the $S$-wave pseudoscalar meson-octet baryon interaction, as well as from the intermediate resonances $K^*(892)$ and $N(1535)$. Our model successfully reproduces the BESIII $\pi^+K^0$ invariant mass distribution, and predicts a distinct cusp structure around 1.43~GeV in the $\pi^+\Lambda$ invariant mass distribution, which is associated with the predicted $\Sigma^*(1/2^-)$. Future high-precise measurements of this process at BESIII, Belle~II, and the proposed Super Tau-Charm Facility experiments will be crucial for testing the existence of $\Sigma^*(1/2^-)$ and advancing our understanding of the light baryon spectrum.