Deciphering the Nature of X(3872) in Heavy Ion Collisions

Exploring the nature of exotic multiquark candidates such as X(3872) plays a pivotal role in understanding quantum chromodynamics (QCD). Despite significant efforts, consensus on their internal structures is still lacking. As prime example, it remains pressing open question to decipher state between two popular configurations: loose hadronic molecule or compact tetraquark. We demonstrate novel approach help address this problem by studying production heavy ion collisions, where hot fireball with ample light well charm (anti-)quarks available for producing exotics. Adopting multiphase transport model (AMPT) describing collisions and implementing appropriate mechanism either tetraquark picture, we compute compare series observables Pb-Pb at Large Hadron Collider. find volume crucial role, leading 2-order-of-magnitude difference yield markedly different centrality dependence molecules tetraquarks, thus offering unique opportunity distinguishing scenarios. also make first prediction elliptic flow coefficient be tested future experimental measurements.