Rethinking the Pc(4457)+ as the PψΔ+ (4457) isoquartet (D)over-bar* Σc molecule

The nature of the P-c(4312), P-c(4440) and P-c(4457) pentaquarks is a fascinating theoretical question. Within the molecular picture their more usual interpretation is that of I = 1/2 (D) over bar Sigma(c) and 2 (D) over bar*Sigma(c) bound states. Here we argue in favor of interpreting the P-c(4457) pentaquark as a I = 3/2 (D) over bar*Sigma(c) bound state (with spin J = 12 ) instead. Owing to isospin symmetry breaking effects, with this identification the partial decay width of the P-c(4457)(+) into J/psi p will be of the same order of magnitude as the P-c(4312)+ and P-c(4440)+, in contrast with the considerably larger partial decay width in the I = 1/2 scenario. In turn, this leads to a different hidden-charm molecular pentaquark spectrum, in which there are only four or five P-psi(N) bound states instead of the usual seven, which might explain why the predicted J = 12 and 32 (I = 1/2) (D) over bar*Sigma(c)* molecular partners of the P-c(4312) and P-c(4440) have not been observed. (c) 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

This article discusses the properties of P-c(4312), P-c(4440), and P-c(4457) pentaquarks and proposes an alternative interpretation for the P-c(4457) pentaquark as a bound state with I = 3/2. The authors argue that this interpretation can explain the differences observed in experimental results.