$P_c(4312)^+$, $P_c(4380)^+$, and $P_c(4457)^+$ as double triangle cusps

Abstract

Understanding the nature of the hidden charm pentaquark(like) signals in the LHCb data for $\Lambda_b^0\to J/\psi p K^-$ is a central problem of hadron spectroscopy. We propose a scenario completely different from previous ones such as hadron molecules and compact pentaquarks. We identify relevant double triangle mechanisms with leading or lower-order singularities. The associated anomalous threshold cusps at the $\Sigma_c^{(*)}\bar{D}^{(*)}$ thresholds are significantly more singular than the ordinary ones. Then we demonstrate that the double triangle amplitudes reproduce the peak structures of $P_c(4312)^+$, $P_c(4380)^+$, and $P_c(4457)^+$ in the LHCb data, through an interference with other common mechanisms. Only the $P_c(4440)^+$ peak is due to a resonance with width and strength significantly smaller than previously estimated. $P_c^+$ signals are expected in other processes and the proposed model (partly) explains the current data such as: the GlueX $J/\psi$ photoproduction data with no $P_c^+$ signals; the LHCb $\Lambda_b^0\to J/\psi p \pi^-$ data with a possible signal only from $P_c(4440)^+$. The double triangle singularity is now a possible option to interpret resonancelike structures near thresholds in general.