CHARMED BARYONS: A NEW LABORATORY FOR CHARM STUDIES

Abstract

Recent results involving charmed baryons are discussed. In the past few years, many groups have new, higher statistics studies of the [Formula: see text] and Σc. Accurate mass measurements and more quantitative results on branching ratios have appeared. The new [Formula: see text] relative branching ratios are compared with theoretical predictions from quasi-two body calculations and statistical models. Absolute [Formula: see text] branching ratios are discussed, and various methods for setting an absolute scale are compared. New measurements of the Σc mass and production are discussed, and compared with theoretical models. The recent observation of the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and Ωc allow a discussion of the charmed baryon mass spectrum. These recent measurements are compared with a number of theoretical predictions, both for the absolute masses and for mass splittings among multiplets. Finally, prospects for the future studies of charmed baryons are discussed.