triquark

A triquark is a hypothetical subatomic particle composed of three quarks. In the Standard Model of particle physics, observed hadrons are either mesons (two quarks, one antiquark) or baryons (three quarks). Triquarks, if they exist, would fall into the category of exotic hadrons, particles that do not fit the standard quark model composition.

The concept of a triquark arises from theoretical explorations beyond the simplest baryonic structures. While the strong nuclear force, mediated by gluons, binds quarks together, it is generally understood to form color-neutral combinations. The most stable and commonly observed combinations are three quarks (like protons and neutrons) or a quark and an antiquark. However, theoretical calculations and experimental searches have explored the possibility of more complex quark configurations.

The existence of triquarks remains unconfirmed by experimental evidence. Physicists continue to search for such exotic states through high-energy particle collisions and by analyzing the decay products of known particles. If discovered, a triquark would provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of quantum chromodynamics (QCD), the theory of the strong force, and expand our understanding of the fundamental constituents of matter. The theoretical framework for understanding how three quarks could bind together in a stable or observable manner is still an active area of research.