Finding New Physics with B decays: prospects for B to K* mu+mu-

Particle Physics Theory seminar

Finding New Physics with B decays: prospects for B to K* mu+mu-

  • Event time: 2:00pm
  • Event date: 19th May 2010
  • Speaker: Aoife Bharucha (IPPP, Durham University)
  • Location: Lecture Theatre C,

Event details

I will review the search for New Physics (NP) with B decays.

I will focus on the rare decay B to K* mu+mu-, as it is regarded as one of the crucial channels for B physics. This is because polarization of the K* allows a precise angular reconstruction resulting in many observables that offer new important tests of the Standard Model and its extensions. I then show that some of these observables have small to moderate dependence on hadronic quantities and high sensitivity to New Physics. I will then review the prospects for this channel at LHCb, and highlight three observables which are suitable for an early measurement. I will finally show how such measurements could have a large impact on the parameter space available for NP contributions to the Wilson coefficients for some key flavour-changing effective operators.

About Particle Physics Theory seminars

The Particle Physics Theory seminar is a weekly series of talks reflecting the diverse interests of the group. Topics include analytic and numerical calculations based on the Standard Model of elementary particle physics, theories exploring new physics, as well as more formal developments in gauge theories and gravity..

Find out more about Particle Physics Theory seminars.