hadronit

Hadronit is a term used in theoretical discussions to denote a hypothetical bound state arising from multiple hadrons or quarks forming a color-neutral particle that lies beyond the conventional baryon–meson classification. In this concept, hadronit may take the form of a multiquark configuration, such as a hexaquark, or a molecular bound state of two or more hadrons bound together by residual strong interactions.

The idea behind hadronit appears in several speculative models that extend the spectrum of hadronic matter. Some frameworks treat hadronit as a tightly bound multiquark state with a single composite wave function, while others describe it as a hadronic molecule where the binding is analogous to nuclear forces between composite particles. The exact internal structure, binding mechanism, and quantum numbers of hadronit vary between proposals, and there is no single universally accepted definition.

Predicted properties of hadronit are model-dependent. Typical discussions place hadronit at a mass scale higher than conventional hadrons, potentially in the multi-TeV range in some scenarios, with a range of possible lifetimes from prompt decays to longer-lived states if weak interactions or suppressed decay channels apply. Decay modes often involve cascades into conventional hadrons, photons, or leptons, depending on the binding and quantum numbers. Experimental signatures would include resonance structures in hadronic spectra or unusual correlations in high-energy collision data.

As of 2024, there is no confirmed experimental evidence for hadronit. Searches for exotic multiquark states and hadronic molecules continue in high-energy and heavy-ion experiments, seeking signals that would indicate the existence of such bound states and illuminate the limits of quantum chromodynamics.