dualquark

A dualquark is a hypothetical composite particle composed of two quarks. Unlike the more commonly known baryons (three quarks) or mesons (a quark and an antiquark), a dualquark would represent a different arrangement of fundamental constituents within the realm of quantum chromodynamics. The existence of such a state is a subject of theoretical exploration and ongoing research in particle physics.

Theoretical models suggest that the strong nuclear force, mediated by gluons, could bind four quarks together in specific configurations. If these configurations exhibit properties of a single, bound entity, they could be referred to as tetraquarks. In some theoretical frameworks, a dualquark might be considered a specific type of tetraquark where the four quarks are arranged in a way that approximates a di-quark structure, essentially two pairs of quarks interacting strongly. Alternatively, the term could be used to describe a hypothetical particle with a quark content of $qqqq$, where $q$ represents a quark.

The study of dualquarks is linked to understanding the complex nature of the strong force and the spectrum of hadrons. Experiments at particle accelerators aim to detect and characterize such exotic states. Observing a dualquark would provide valuable insights into the dynamics of quark confinement and the formation of composite particles beyond the traditional quark model. Currently, there is no definitive experimental evidence confirming the existence of dualquarks.