Decipher the short-distance component of $X(3872)$ in $B_c$ decays

Abstract

A foremost task in understanding the nature of the $X(3872)$ involves the discrimination of the two-quark and multiquark configurations. In this work, we propose a method to probe the short-distance component of the $X(3872)$ by measuring the ratio between the $B_c$ semileptonic and nonleptonic decays into the $X(3872)$. We demonstrate that if the $X(3872)$ production mechanism is through the $\bar cc$ component, the ratios would be universal and could be reliably predicted in theory. Measurements of these ratios at LHC and the next-generation electron-positron colliders are capable of validating/invalidating this production mechanism and providing deeper insights into the nature of the $X(3872)$.