We propose studying the structure of the ${\chi }_{c1}(3872)$ axial vector meson through its ${\gamma }_L^{*}\gamma \to {\chi }_{c1}(3872)$ transition form factor. We derive a light-front wave function representation of the form factor for the lowest $c\overline{c}$ Fock state. We found that the reduced width of the state is well within the current experimental bound recently published by the Belle Collaboration. This strongly suggests a crucial role of the $c\overline{c}$ Fock-state in the photon-induced production. Our results for the $Q^2$ dependence can be tested by future single-tagged $e^{+}{e}^{-}$ experiments, giving further insight into the short-distance structure of this meson.

• Received 22 March 2023
• Accepted 30 March 2023

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.107.L071503

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Published by the American Physical Society