Determining Pentaquark Quantum Numbers from Strong Decays

Abstract

Assuming that the recently observed $\Theta^+$ and $\Xi^{--}$ are members of an anti-decuplet of SU(3), decays to ground state baryons and mesons are calculated using an effective Lagrangian which incorporates chiral and SU(3) symmetry. We consider the possible quantum number assignments $J^\Pi ={1/2}^\pm,{3/2}^\pm$ and calculate ratios of partial widths. The branching ratios of exotic cascades can be used to discriminate between even and odd parity pentaquarks.