QCD sum rule analysis of $J^{PC}=1^{--}$ light hybrid mesons

Abstract: We performed a comprehensive next-to-leading order (NLO) QCD sum rule analysis of the light hybrid meson with quantum numbers $J^{PC}=1^{--}$. Utilizing both Laplace sum rules (LSR) and Gaussian sum rules (GSR), we investigate the two-point correlation function of the light hybrid interpolating current, including condensates up to dimension-8. A conservative range $2-2.5\text{GeV}$ is obtained. Notably, the GSR yield mass predictions $2.27\text{GeV}$ for the $s\bar{s}g$ and $2.19\text{GeV}$ for $u\bar{u}g$. This result is notably lower than many previous sum rule estimates and significantly reduces the discrepancy with predictions from lattice QCD and flux-tube models. This result revitalizes the interpretation of the $\phi(2170)$ resonance as a possible candidate for the light vector hybrid meson.