Search for B decays to final states with the ηc meson

Abstract

Abstract: We report a search for B decays to selected final states with the ηc meson: B± → K±ηcπ+π−, B± → K±ηcω, B± → K±ηcη and B± → K±ηcπ0. The analysis is based on 772 × 106BB¯$$ B\overline{B} $$ pairs collected at the Υ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e− collider. We set 90% confidence level upper limits on the branching fractions of the studied B decay modes, independent of intermediate resonances, in the range (0.6–5.3) × 10−4. We also search for molecular-state candidates in the (Formula presented.) and (Formula presented.) combinations, neutral partners of the Z(3900)± and Z(4020)±, and a poorly understood state X(3915) as possible intermediate states in the decay chain, and set 90% confidence level upper limits on the product of branching fractions to the mentioned intermediate states and decay branching fractions of these states in the range (0.6–6.9) × 10−5.