The Nc dependencies of baryon masses: Analysis with Lattice QCD and Effective Theory

Abstract

Baryon masses at varying values of Nc and light quark masses are studied with Lattice QCD and the results are analyzed in a low energy effective theory based on a combined framework of the 1/Nc and Heavy Baryon Chiral Perturbation Theory expansions. Lattice QCD results for Nc = 3, 5 and 7 obtained in quenched calculations, as well as results for unquenched calculations for Nc = 3, are used for the analysis. The results are consistent with a previous analysis of Nc = 3 Lattice QCD results, and in addition permit the determination of sub-leading in 1/Nc effects in the spin-flavor singlet component of the baryon masses as well as in the hyperfine splittings.