On the determination of $\Theta^+$ quantum numbers and other topics of exotic baryons

The existence of a light S=+1 baryon resonance follows from Quantum Field Theory applied to baryons. This is illustrated in the Skyrme model (where Theta+ exists but is too strong) and in a new mean field approach where Theta+ arises as a consequence of three known resonances: Lambda(1405), N(1440) and N(1535).

Given presently known empirical information about the exotic Theta+ baryon, we analyze possible properties of its SU(3)F partners, paying special attention to the nonstrange member of the antidecuplet N*. The modified PWA analysis presents two candidate masses, 1680 MeV and 1730 MeV. In both cases the N* should be highly inelastic. The theoretical analysis, based on the soliton picture and assumption of Gamma(Theta+) < 5 MeV, shows that most probably Gamma(N*) < 30 MeV. Simil...

We have searched for a bound state of kaon and pion denoted by $X$. The $X$ was conjectured to explain the so-called $\Theta^+$ resonance as a bound state of kaon, pion and nucleon. This model explains almost all properties of the $\Theta^+$, however, the model works only if the $K \pi$ interaction is strongly attractive. It is so strong that it could make a bound state $X$. Here we report a result of the search for the $X$ by using the $K^+ + N \rightarrow X^+ + N$ reaction ...

We study the Theta+(1540) discovered at SPring-8. We apply Quark Model techniques, that explain with success the repulsive hard core of nucleon-nucleon and kaon-nucleon exotic scattering, and the short range attraction present in pion-nucleon and pion-pion non-exotic scattering. We find a K-N repulsion which excludes the Theta+ as a K-N s-wave pentaquark. We explore the Theta+ as a crypto-heptaquark, equivalent to a K-pi-N borromean boundstate, with positive parity and total ...

In this talk, I comment on the theoretical and experimental status of kaonic atoms, in particular, \bar K\pi and \bar Kp bound states.

The Theta+(1540), recently observed at LEPS, DIANA and CLAS, is hypothesized to be an isotensor resonance. This implies the existence of a multiplet where the Theta++, Theta+ and Theta0 have isospin-violating strong decays, and the Theta+++ and Theta- have weak decays and so are long-lived. Production mechanisms for these states are discussed. The J^P assignment of the Theta is most likely 1/2^- or 3/2^-.

We study $\Theta^+(1540)$ productions in kaon-nucleon ($KN$) and nucleon-nucleon ($NN$) interactions by assuming that the $\Theta^+$ is an isosinglet with $J^P = \frac12^+$. Possible $t$-channel diagrams with $K^*$ exchange are considered in both reactions as well as $K$ exchange in $NN$ reaction. The cross section for $np \to \Lambda^0 \Theta^+$, which has not been considered in previous calculations, is found to be about a factor of 5 larger than that for $np \to \Sigma^0 \...

The exotic baryon $\Theta^+(uudd\bar{s})$ is studied with microscopic calculations in a quark model by using a method of antisymmetrized molecular dynamics. We predict that the lowest even state is $J^\pi=1/2^+(I=0)$ or $J^\pi=3/2^+(I=0)$, and the lowest odd state is $J^\pi=3/2^-(I=1)$. They nearly degenerate in the $uudd\bar{s}$ system. We discuss $K^+n$ decay widths and estimate them to be $\Gamma< 7$ for the $J^\pi=\{1/2^+,3/2^+\}$, and $\Gamma<1$ MeV for the $J^\pi=3/2^-$...

Several experimental groups have reported evidence for baryons with flavor exotic quantum numbers that cannot be explained as $qqq$ bound states but require a minimum of five quarks -- $qqqq \bar q$. These pentaquark states include the $\theta^{+}$, the $\Xi^{--}$ and the $\theta_{c}$. The reported widths of these new states are consistent with experimental resolution and may be as narrow as a few MeV/$c^2$ or less. Prior to 2003, experimental searches for flavor exotic baryo...

The recent developments in the search of exotic pentaquark hadrons are briefly reviewed. We then focus on investigating how the exotic pentaquark $\Theta(1540)$ baryon production can be identified in the $\gamma N \to K \bar{K} N$ reactions, focusing on the influence of the background (non-$\Theta$ production) mechanisms. By imposing the SU(3) symmetry and using various quark model predictions, we are able to fix the coupling constants for evaluating the kaon backgrounds, the...