String potential model: Spinless quarks

We propose a generalization of the usual potential model of quark bound states in which the confining flux tube is a dynamical object carrying both angular momentum and energy. The QQ{}-string system with spinless quarks is quantized using an implicit operator technique and the resulting relativistic wave equation is solved. For heavy quarks the usual Schr\"odinger valence-quark model is recovered. The Regge slope with light quarks agrees with the classical rotating-string result and is significantly larger than that given by the normal potential model. Quark mass variation and the effects of short-range forces are also considered.