New evidence from the LHC shows pentaquark has a molecule-like structure

A team of researchers working on the LHCb collaboration has found evidence showing that an observed pentaquark has a molecule-like structure. In their article published in the newspaper Letters of physical examination, the group describes the evidence and pentaquark structure they observed.

Four years ago, a team from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) observed what is called a pentaquark by breaking protons. Its existence had been theorized, but it was only when the appropriate technologies were deployed at the LHC that the researchers were able to observe it with a reasonable degree of confidence. It later turned out to be a particle of four quarks and an antiquark. (Quarks are indivisible particles that make up neutrons and protons.)

In this new effort, researchers have gained a better perspective on the actual organization of pentaquark. They report that they have nine times more observations than during the first pentaquark observation. They therefore have great confidence in their conclusions. They report that the pentaquark was composed of a three quarks baryon and a quark-antiquark meson, and that they were interconnected in a manner reminiscent of a molecule.

Specifically, they discovered that pentaquark was made up of different "flavors" of quarks: two raised quarks, a low quark, a quark of charm and finally, a single quark anti-charm. They also report that they did not know what was the determining factor that led to the disposition of its components. They also noted that the initial observation of pentaquark three years ago was actually an observation of two almost identical pentaquarks.

The researchers also reported that their observations were the first to see baryons and mesons sticking to each other – until now, baryons were observed only as sticking to each other baryons. They also recognize that it is conceivable that not all pentaquarks have the same molecular-like structure that they observed, noting that the theory suggests that it is possible that "pentaquarks" do not have the same molecular-like structure that they observed, noting that the theory suggests that it is possible that they have other types, including interactions in a fraction of a second. They hope that more research will contribute to a better understanding of pentaquark and its characteristics.

© 2019 Science X Network