Experimental road of the $J/ψϕ$ mass spectrum, current status, and implications

Abstract

Inspired by the $X(4140)$ structure reported in the $J/ψϕ$ system by the CDF experiment in 2009, a series of searches have been carried out in the $J/ψϕ$ and $J/ψK$ channels, leading to the claim of ten structures in the $B \rightarrow J/ψϕK$ system. This article provides a comprehensive review of experimental developments, from the initial evidence of $X(4140)$ at CDF to the amplitude analyses and diffractive process investigations by the LHCb experiment, as well as theoretical interpretations of these states. A triplet of $J^{PC} = 1^{++}$ states with relatively large mass splittings [about 200~MeV (natural units are adopted)] has been identified in the $J/ψϕ$ system by LHCb. Their mass-squared values align approximately linearly with a possible radial quantum number, suggesting that the triplet may represent a radially excited family. For $X(4140)$, the first state in the triplet, its width reported by LHCb is inconsistent with that measured by other experiments, and possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. A potential connection between an excess at 4.35~GeV in the $J/ψϕ$ mass spectrum reported by the Belle experiment through a two-photon process and a potential spin-2 excess in the LHCb data is also investigated. In addition, potential parallels between the $J/ψϕ$ and $J/ψJ/ψ$ systems, both composed of two vector mesons, are discussed. The continued interest in, and complexity of, these systems underscore the necessity of further experimental exploration with increased statistical precision across a variety of experiments, particularly those with relatively flat efficiency across the Dalitz plot. The $J/ψω$, $ϕϕ$, $ρω$, and $ρϕ$ systems are mentioned, and the prospects for the $J/ψΥ$ and $ΥΥ$ systems, are also highlighted.