Form factor for Dalitz decays from $J/\psi$ to light pseudoscalars

Abstract

We calculate the form factor $M(q^2)$ for the Dalitz decay $J/\psi\to \gamma^*(q^2)\eta_{(N_f=1)}$ with $\eta_{(N_f)}$ being the SU($N_f$) flavor singlet pseudoscalar meson. The difference among the partial widths $\Gamma(J/\psi\to \gamma \eta_{(N_f)})$ at different $N_f$ can be attributed in part to the $\mathbf{U}_A(1)$ anomaly that induces a $N_f$ scaling. $M(q^2)$'s in $N_f=1,2$ are both well described by the single pole model $M(q^2)=M(0)/(1-q^2/\Lambda^2)$. Combined with the known experimental results of the Dalitz decays $J/\psi\to Pe^+e^-$, the pseudoscalar mass $m_P$ dependence of the pole parameter $\Lambda$ is approximated by $\Lambda(m_P^2)=\Lambda_1(1-m_P^2/\Lambda_2^2)$ with $\Lambda_1=2.64(4)~\mathrm{GeV}$ and $\Lambda_2=2.97(33)~\mathrm{GeV}$. These results provide inputs for future theoretical and experimental studies on the Dalitz decays $J/\psi\to Pe^+e^-$.