Photoproduction of hidden-charm states in the $\gamma p \to \bar{D}^{*0} \Lambda^+_c$ reaction near threshold

We report on a theoretical study of the hidden charm $N^*_{c \bar{c}}$ states in the $\gamma p \to \bar{D}^{*0} \Lambda^+_c$ reaction near threshold within an effective Lagrangian approach. In addition to the contributions from the $s$-channel nucleon pole, the $t$-channel $D^0$ exchange, the $u$-channel $\Lambda^+_c$ exchange and the contact term, we study the contributions from the $N^*_{c \bar{c}}$ states with spin-parity $J^P = 1/2^-$ and $3/2^-$. The total and differential cross sections of the $\gamma p \to \bar{D}^{*0} Lambda^+_c$ reaction are predicted. It is found that the contributions of these $N^*_{c \bar{c}}$ states give clear peak structures in the total cross sections. Thus, this reaction is another new platform to study the hidden-charm states. It is expected that our model calculation may be tested by the future experiments.