Glueballs, closed fluxtubes and eta(1440)

Abstract

The $et{a}_L(1410)$ component of the $\eta (1440)$ pseudoscalar has strong affinity for glue. But its mass is incompatible with lattice simulations that predict a much higher value for the $0^{-+}$ glueball. As a consequence it has been suggested that ${\eta }_L(1410)$ could signal physics beyond the Standard Model. Here we argue that if glueballs are closed gluonic fluxtubes then ${\eta }_L(1410)$ is a prime candidate for the $0^{-+}$ glueball. Furthermore, in the absence of parity violating terms its mass should be degenerate with that of the $0^{++}$ glueball. We also suggest that the decay properties of such glueballs could be employed as probes for extra dimensions.

11 pages