Inclusive Production of the X(4140) State in pp[over ¯] Collisions at D0

Area of Science:

• High Energy Physics
• Particle Physics
• Hadron Spectroscopy

Background:

• The X(4140) is a exotic meson whose production mechanism and properties are not fully understood.
• Previous studies have hinted at its existence, but definitive evidence for its prompt production was lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the inclusive production of the X(4140) state in hadronic collisions.
• To determine the fraction of X(4140) events originating from b hadrons (non-prompt production).
• To measure the ratio of non-prompt X(4140) production to the B_s^0 yield.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 10.4 fb^-1 of proton-antiproton collision data collected by the D0 experiment.
• Study of the X(4140) decay to the J/ψϕ final state.
• Measurement of the mass and width of the X(4140) state.

Main Results:

• First evidence for the prompt production of the X(4140) state is reported.
• The fraction of X(4140) events from b hadrons is determined to be f_b = 0.39 ± 0.07(stat) ± 0.10(syst).
• The ratio of non-prompt X(4140) production to B_s^0 yield is R = 0.19 ± 0.05(stat) ± 0.07(syst).
• Measured mass and width are consistent with previous results.

Conclusions:

• The study establishes the prompt production of the X(4140) state.
• The results provide crucial insights into the production mechanisms of exotic hadrons.
• Further studies are needed to fully characterize the nature of the X(4140) state.