Production potential of hidden-strange molecular pentaquarks through the π−p→K*Σ process

Abstract

In this study, applying the effective Lagrangian approach, we investigate the reaction π−p→K*Σ to explore the production of the hidden-strange molecular pentaquarks Pss¯. Specifically, we analyze two scenarios, where the JP quantum numbers of Pss¯ are 3/2− and 1/2−. Our results show that the contribution from s-channel Pss¯ exchange dominates the total cross section, surpassing those from t-channel K(*) exchange and u-channel Σ exchange. Additionally, we present predictions for the differential cross section of the π−p→K*Σ process. Finally, we extend the 2-to-2 scattering process to the 2-to-3 Dalitz process and provide theoretical predictions for this scenario. Our findings suggest that the cross section for the π−p→K*Σ→K+π−Σ0 process can reach several tens of μb near the threshold, making it highly favorable for experimental measurement. However, the current scarcity of experimental data for the π−p→K*Σ reaction at threshold energy limits our ability to determine the properties of the hidden-strange molecular pentaquarks Pss¯ and related physical quantities. Therefore, additional experimental measurements of the π−p→K*Σ reaction at threshold are strongly encouraged, and correlation studies could be pursued at facilities such as J-PARC, AMBER, and upcoming HIKE and HIAF meson beam experiments. Published by the American Physical Society 2025