A Simple Explanation for the X(3872) Mass Shift Observed for Decay to D^{*0} {D^0}bar

Abstract

We propose a simple explanation for the increase of approximately 3 MeV/c^2 in the mass value of the X(3872) obtained from D^{*0} {D^0}bar decay relative to that obtained from decay to J/psi pi+ pi-. If the total width of the X(3872) is 2-3 MeV, the peak position in the D^{*0} {D^0}bar invariant mass distribution is sensitive to the final state orbital angular momentum because of the proximity of the X(3872) to D^{*0} {D^0}bar threshold. We show that for total width 3 MeV and one unit of orbital angular momentum, a mass shift ~3 MeV/c^2 is obtained; experimental mass resolution should slightly increase this value. A consequence is that spin-parity 2^- is favored for the X(3872).