Frequency shifts of head echos in meteoroid trail formation

The approximate frequency shift of a radar echo from a meteoroid is derived. The origin of head echos observed during trail formation are discussed by considering schematic models. The echo is either a reflection of the radar signal from thermalized electrons in the meteoroid trail or from the plasma electrons co-moving with the meteoroid itself. It is shown that in these opposite models the frequency shifts of the echo relative to the radar emitter frequency must be identical, even though the underlying physics differs. Calculations were made that give the echo frequency as function of time, allowing qualitative comparison with observations. Some typical observations show a conspicuous absence of negative frequency shifts in the head echo in forward scattering. Arguments are given that this can correspond to meteoroids with the co-moving plasma in front.Comment: 10 pages, 9 figure

First-in-Human Phase I Clinical Trial of an SFV-Based RNA Replicon Cancer Vaccine against HPV-Induced Cancers

A first-in-human phase I trial of Vvax001, an alphavirus-based therapeutic cancer vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cancers was performed assessing immunological activity, safety, and tolerability. Vvax001 consists of replication-incompetent Semliki Forest virus replicon particles encoding HPV16-derived antigens E6 and E7. Twelve participants with a history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were included. Four cohorts of three participants were treated per dose level, ranging from 5 × 105 to 2.5 × 108 infectious particles per immunization. The participants received three immunizations with a 3-week interval. For immune monitoring, blood was drawn before immunization and 1 week after the second and third immunization. Immunization with Vvax001 was safe and well tolerated, with only mild injection site reactions, and resulted in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses against E6 and E7 antigens. Even the lowest dose of 5 × 105 infectious particles elicited E6/E7-specific interferon (IFN)-γ responses in all three participants in this cohort. Overall, immunization resulted in positive vaccine-induced immune responses in 12 of 12 participants in one or more assays performed. In conclusion, Vvax001 was safe and induced immune responses in all participants. These data strongly support further clinical evaluation of Vvax001 as a therapeutic vaccine in patients with HPV-related malignancies

Measurement of the (eta c)(1S) production cross-section in proton-proton collisions via the decay (eta c)(1S) -> p(p)over-bar

The production of the $\eta_c (1S)$ state in proton-proton collisions is probed via its decay to the $p \bar{p}$ final state with the LHCb detector, in the rapidity range $2.0 6.5$ GeV/c. The cross-section for prompt production of $\eta_c (1S)$ mesons relative to the prompt $J/\psi$ cross-section is measured, for the first time, to be $\sigma_{\eta_c (1S)}/\sigma_{J/\psi} = 1.74 \pm 0.29 \pm 0.28 \pm 0.18 _{B}$ at a centre-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s} = 7$ TeV using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 0.7 fb$^{-1}$, and $\sigma_{\eta_c (1S)}/\sigma_{J/\psi} = 1.60 \pm 0.29 \pm 0.25 \pm 0.17 _{B}$ at $\sqrt{s} = 8$ TeV using 2.0 fb$^{-1}$. The uncertainties quoted are, in order, statistical, systematic, and that on the ratio of branching fractions of the $\eta_c (1S)$ and $J/\psi$ decays to the $p \bar{p}$ final state. In addition, the inclusive branching fraction of $b$-hadron decays into $\eta_c (1S)$ mesons is measured, for the first time, to be $B ( b \rightarrow \eta_c X ) = (4.88 \pm 0.64 \pm 0.25 \pm 0.67 _{B}) \times 10^{-3}$, where the third uncertainty includes also the uncertainty on the $J/\psi$ inclusive branching fraction from $b$-hadron decays. The difference between the $J/\psi$ and $\eta_c (1S)$ meson masses is determined to be $114.7 \pm 1.5 \pm 0.1$ MeV/c$^2$.The production of the $\eta _c (1S)$ state in proton-proton collisions is probed via its decay to the $p\overline{p}$ final state with the LHCb detector, in the rapidity range $2.0 6.5 \mathrm{{\,GeV/}{ c}}$ . The cross-section for prompt production of $\eta _c (1S)$ mesons relative to the prompt ${{ J}}/{\psi }$ cross-section is measured, for the first time, to be $\sigma _{\eta _c (1S)}/\sigma _{{{{ J}}/{\psi }}} = 1.74\, \pm \,0.29\, \pm \, 0.28\, \pm \,0.18 _{{\mathcal{B}}}$ at a centre-of-mass energy ${\sqrt{s}} = 7 {~\mathrm{TeV}}$ using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 0.7 fb$^{-1}$ , and $\sigma _{\eta _c (1S)}/\sigma _{{{{ J}}/{\psi }}} = 1.60 \pm 0.29 \pm 0.25 \pm 0.17 _{{\mathcal{B}}}$ at ${\sqrt{s}} = 8 {~\mathrm{TeV}}$ using 2.0 fb$^{-1}$ . The uncertainties quoted are, in order, statistical, systematic, and that on the ratio of branching fractions of the $\eta _c (1S)$ and ${{ J}}/{\psi }$ decays to the $p\overline{p}$ final state. In addition, the inclusive branching fraction of ${b}$ -hadron decays into $\eta _c (1S)$ mesons is measured, for the first time, to be ${\mathcal{B}}( b {\rightarrow } \eta _c X ) = (4.88\, \pm \,0.64\, \pm \,0.29\, \pm \, 0.67 _{{\mathcal{B}}}) \times 10^{-3}$ , where the third uncertainty includes also the uncertainty on the ${{ J}}/{\psi }$ inclusive branching fraction from ${b}$ -hadron decays. The difference between the ${{ J}}/{\psi }$ and $\eta _c (1S)$ meson masses is determined to be $114.7 \pm 1.5 \pm 0.1 {\mathrm {\,MeV\!/}c^2}$ .The production of the $\eta_c (1S)$ state in proton-proton collisions is probed via its decay to the $p \bar{p}$ final state with the LHCb detector, in the rapidity range $2.0 6.5$ GeV/c. The cross-section for prompt production of $\eta_c (1S)$ mesons relative to the prompt $J/\psi$ cross-section is measured, for the first time, to be $\sigma_{\eta_c (1S)}/\sigma_{J/\psi} = 1.74 \pm 0.29 \pm 0.28 \pm 0.18 _{B}$ at a centre-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s} = 7$ TeV using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 0.7 fb$^{-1}$, and $\sigma_{\eta_c (1S)}/\sigma_{J/\psi} = 1.60 \pm 0.29 \pm 0.25 \pm 0.17 _{B}$ at $\sqrt{s} = 8$ TeV using 2.0 fb$^{-1}$. The uncertainties quoted are, in order, statistical, systematic, and that on the ratio of branching fractions of the $\eta_c (1S)$ and $J/\psi$ decays to the $p \bar{p}$ final state. In addition, the inclusive branching fraction of $b$-hadron decays into $\eta_c (1S)$ mesons is measured, for the first time, to be $B ( b \rightarrow \eta_c X ) = (4.88 \pm 0.64 \pm 0.29 \pm 0.67 _{B}) \times 10^{-3}$, where the third uncertainty includes also the uncertainty on the $J/\psi$ inclusive branching fraction from $b$-hadron decays. The difference between the $J/\psi$ and $\eta_c (1S)$ meson masses is determined to be $114.7 \pm 1.5 \pm 0.1$ MeV/c$^2$

Angular analysis of the B-0 -> K*(0) e(+) e(-) decay in the low-q(2) region

An angular analysis of the $B^0 \rightarrow K^{*0} e^+ e^-$ decay is performed using a data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 {\mbox{fb}^{-1}}, collected by the LHCb experiment in $pp$ collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV during 2011 and 2012. For the first time several observables are measured in the dielectron mass squared ($q^2$) interval between 0.002 and 1.120${\mathrm{\,Ge\kern -0.1em V^2\!/}c^4}$. The angular observables $F_{\mathrm{L}}$ and $A_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Re}}$ which are related to the $K^{*0}$ polarisation and to the lepton forward-backward asymmetry, are measured to be $F_{\mathrm{L}}= 0.16 \pm 0.06 \pm0.03$ and $A_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Re}} = 0.10 \pm 0.18 \pm 0.05$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The angular observables $A_{\mathrm{T}}^{(2)}$ and $A_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Im}}$ which are sensitive to the photon polarisation in this $q^2$ range, are found to be $A_{\mathrm{T}}^{(2)} = -0.23 \pm 0.23 \pm 0.05$ and $A_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Im}} =0.14 \pm 0.22 \pm 0.05$. The results are consistent with Standard Model predictions.An angular analysis of the B$^{0}$ → K^{*}^{0} e$^{+}$ e$^{−}$ decay is performed using a data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb$^{−1}$, collected by the LHCb experiment in pp collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV during 2011 and 2012. For the first time several observables are measured in the dielectron mass squared (q$^{2}$) interval between 0.002 and 1.120 GeV$^{2}$ /c$^{4}$. The angular observables F$_{L}$ and A$_{T}^{Re}$ which are related to the K^{*}^{0} polarisation and to the lepton forward-backward asymmetry, are measured to be F$_{L}$ = 0.16 ± 0.06 ± 0.03 and A$_{T}^{Re}$  = 0.10 ± 0.18 ± 0.05, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The angular observables A$_{T}^{(2)}$ and A$_{T}^{Im}$ which are sensitive to the photon polarisation in this q$^{2}$ range, are found to be A$_{T}^{(2)}$  = − 0.23 ± 0.23 ± 0.05 and A$_{T}^{Im}$  = 0.14 ± 0.22 ± 0.05. The results are consistent with Standard Model predictions.An angular analysis of the $B^0 \rightarrow K^{*0} e^+ e^-$ decay is performed using a data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 {\mbox{fb}^{-1}}, collected by the LHCb experiment in $pp$ collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV during 2011 and 2012. For the first time several observables are measured in the dielectron mass squared ($q^2$) interval between 0.002 and 1.120${\mathrm{\,Ge\kern -0.1em V^2\!/}c^4}$. The angular observables $F_{\mathrm{L}}$ and $A_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Re}}$ which are related to the $K^{*0}$ polarisation and to the lepton forward-backward asymmetry, are measured to be $F_{\mathrm{L}}= 0.16 \pm 0.06 \pm0.03$ and $A_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Re}} = 0.10 \pm 0.18 \pm 0.05$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The angular observables $A_{\mathrm{T}}^{(2)}$ and $A_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Im}}$ which are sensitive to the photon polarisation in this $q^2$ range, are found to be $A_{\mathrm{T}}^{(2)} = -0.23 \pm 0.23 \pm 0.05$ and $A_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Im}} =0.14 \pm 0.22 \pm 0.05$. The results are consistent with Standard Model predictions

Measurement of the Z plus b-jet cross-section in pp collisions at root s=7 TeV in the forward region

The associated production of a Z boson or an off-shell photon $\gamma^*$ with a bottom quark in the forward region is studied using proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $7{\mathrm{\,Te\kern -0.1em V}}$. The Z bosons are reconstructed in the ${\text{Z}/\gamma^*}\rightarrow{\mu^{+}\mu^{-}}$ final state from muons with a transverse momentum larger than $20{\mathrm{\,Ge\kern -0.1em V}}$, while two transverse momentum thresholds are considered for jets ($10{\mathrm{\,Ge\kern -0.1em V}}$ and $20{\mathrm{\,Ge\kern -0.1em V}}$). Both muons and jets are reconstructed in the pseudorapidity range $2.0 10{\mathrm{\,Ge\kern -0.1em V}}$, and \sigma(\text{\text{Z}/\gamma^*(\mu^{+}\mu^{-})+b-jet}) = 167 \pm 47 (\text{stat}) \pm 29 (\text{syst}) \pm 6 (\text{lumi}) {\,{fb}} for {p_{\rm T}}(jet)$>20{\mathrm{\,Ge\kern -0.1em V}}$

Study of the rare B-s(0) and B-0 decays into the pi(+) pi(-) mu(+) mu(-) final state

A search for the rare decays $B_s^0 \to \pi^+\pi^-\mu^+\mu^-$ and $B^0 \to \pi^+\pi^-\mu^+\mu^-$ is performed in a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb$^{-1}$ collected by the LHCb detector in proton-proton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. Decay candidates with pion pairs that have invariant mass in the range 0.5-1.3 GeV/$c^2$ and with muon pairs that do not originate from a resonance are considered. The first observation of the decay $B_s^0 \to \pi^+\pi^-\mu^+\mu^-$ and the first evidence of the decay $B^0 \to \pi^+\pi^-\mu^+\mu^-$ are obtained and the branching fractions are measured to be $\mathcal{B}(B_s^0 \to \pi^+\pi^-\mu^+\mu^-)=(8.6\pm 1.5\,({\rm stat}) \pm 0.7\,({\rm syst})\pm 0.7\,({\rm norm}))\times 10^{-8}$ and $\mathcal{B}(B^0 \to \pi^+\pi^-\mu^+\mu^-)=(2.11\pm 0.51\,({\rm stat}) \pm 0.15\,({\rm syst})\pm 0.16\,({\rm norm}) )\times 10^{-8}$, where the third uncertainty is due to the branching fraction of the decay $B^0\to J/\psi(\to \mu^+\mu^-)K^*(890)^0(\to K^+\pi^-)$, used as a normalisation.A search for the rare decays Bs0→π+π−μ+μ− and B0→π+π−μ+μ− is performed in a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb−1 collected by the LHCb detector in proton–proton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV . Decay candidates with pion pairs that have invariant mass in the range 0.5–1.3 GeV/c2 and with muon pairs that do not originate from a resonance are considered. The first observation of the decay Bs0→π+π−μ+μ− and the first evidence of the decay B0→π+π−μ+μ− are obtained and the branching fractions, restricted to the dipion-mass range considered, are measured to be B(Bs0→π+π−μ+μ−)=(8.6±1.5 (stat)±0.7 (syst)±0.7(norm))×10−8 and B(B0→π+π−μ+μ−)=(2.11±0.51(stat)±0.15(syst)±0.16(norm))×10−8 , where the third uncertainty is due to the branching fraction of the decay B0→J/ψ(→μ+μ−)K⁎(892)0(→K+π−) , used as a normalisation.A search for the rare decays Bs0→π+π−μ+μ− and B0→π+π−μ+μ− is performed in a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb−1 collected by the LHCb detector in proton–proton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV . Decay candidates with pion pairs that have invariant mass in the range 0.5–1.3 GeV/c2 and with muon pairs that do not originate from a resonance are considered. The first observation of the decay Bs0→π+π−μ+μ− and the first evidence of the decay B0→π+π−μ+μ− are obtained and the branching fractions, restricted to the dipion-mass range considered, are measured to be B(Bs0→π+π−μ+μ−)=(8.6±1.5 (stat)±0.7 (syst)±0.7(norm))×10−8 and B(B0→π+π−μ+μ−)=(2.11±0.51(stat)±0.15(syst)±0.16(norm))×10−8 , where the third uncertainty is due to the branching fraction of the decay B0→J/ψ(→μ+μ−)K⁎(892)0(→K+π−) , used as a normalisation.A search for the rare decays $B_s^0 \to \pi^+\pi^-\mu^+\mu^-$ and $B^0 \to \pi^+\pi^-\mu^+\mu^-$ is performed in a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb$^{-1}$ collected by the LHCb detector in proton-proton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. Decay candidates with pion pairs that have invariant mass in the range 0.5-1.3 GeV/$c^2$ and with muon pairs that do not originate from a resonance are considered. The first observation of the decay $B_s^0 \to \pi^+\pi^-\mu^+\mu^-$ and the first evidence of the decay $B^0 \to \pi^+\pi^-\mu^+\mu^-$ are obtained and the branching fractions, restricted to the dipion-mass range considered, are measured to be $\mathcal{B}(B_s^0 \to \pi^+\pi^-\mu^+\mu^-)=(8.6\pm 1.5\,({\rm stat}) \pm 0.7\,({\rm syst})\pm 0.7\,({\rm norm}))\times 10^{-8}$ and $\mathcal{B}(B^0 \to \pi^+\pi^-\mu^+\mu^-)=(2.11\pm 0.51\,({\rm stat}) \pm 0.15\,({\rm syst})\pm 0.16\,({\rm norm}) )\times 10^{-8}$, where the third uncertainty is due to the branching fraction of the decay $B^0\to J/\psi(\to \mu^+\mu^-)K^*(890)^0(\to K^+\pi^-)$, used as a normalisation

Search for CP violation using T-odd correlations in D-0 -> K+K-pi(+)pi(-) decays

A search for $CP$ violation using $T$-odd correlations is performed using the four-body $D^0 \to K^+K^-\pi^+\pi^-$ decay, selected from semileptonic $B$ decays. The data sample corresponds to integrated luminosities of $1.0\,\text{fb}^{-1}$ and $2.0\,\text{fb}^{-1}$ recorded at the centre-of-mass energies of 7 TeV and 8 TeV, respectively. The $CP$-violating asymmetry $a_{CP}^{T\text{-odd}}$ is measured to be $(0.18\pm 0.29\text{(stat)}\pm 0.04\text{(syst)})\%$. Searches for $CP$ violation in different regions of phase space of the four-body decay, and as a function of the $D^0$ decay time, are also presented. No significant deviation from the $CP$ conservation hypothesis is found

Search for the lepton flavour violating decay tau(-) -> mu(-)mu(+)mu(-)

A search for the lepton flavour violating decay $\tau^-\rightarrow\mu^-\mu^+\mu^-$ is performed with the LHCb experiment. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb$^{−1}$ of proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV and 2.0 fb$^{−1}$ at 8 TeV. No evidence is found for a signal, and a limit is set at 90% confidence level on the branching fraction, $\mathcal{B}(\tau^-\rightarrow\mu^-\mu^+\mu^-)<4.6\times10^{−8}$.A search for the lepton flavour violating decay τ$^{−}$ → μ$^{−}$ μ$^{+}$ μ$^{−}$ is performed with the LHCb experiment. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb$^{−1}$ of proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV and 2.0 fb$^{−1}$ at 8 TeV. No evidence is found for a signal, and a limit is set at 90% confidence level on the branching fraction, $\mathrm{\mathcal{B}}\left({\tau}^{-}\to {\mu}^{-}{\mu}^{+}{\mu}^{-}\right)<4.6\times {10}^{-8}$ .A search for the lepton flavour violating decay $\tau^-\to \mu^-\mu^+\mu^-$ is performed with the LHCb experiment. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of $1.0\mathrm{\,fb}^{-1}$ of proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $7\mathrm{\,Te\kern -0.1em V}$ and $2.0\mathrm{\,fb}^{-1}$ at $8\mathrm{\,Te\kern -0.1em V}$. No evidence is found for a signal, and a limit is set at $90\%$ confidence level on the branching fraction, $\mathcal{B}(\tau^-\to \mu^-\mu^+\mu^-) < 4.6 \times 10^{-8}$

Precise measurements of the properties of the B-1(5721)(0,+) and B-2*(5747)(0,+) states and observation of B-+,B-0 pi(-,+) mass structures

Invariant mass distributions of $B^+\pi^-$ and $B^0\pi^+$ combinations are investigated in order to study excited B mesons. The analysis is based on a data sample corresponding to $3.0 fb^{-1}$ of $pp$ collision data, recorded by the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. Precise measurements of the masses and widths of the $B_1(5721)^{0,+}$ and $B_2^*(5747)^{0,+}$ states are reported. Clear enhancements, particularly prominent at high pion transverse momentum, are seen over background in the mass range $5850$-$6000$ MeV in both $B^+\pi^-$ and $B^0\pi^+$ combinations. The structures are consistent with the presence of four excited B mesons, labelled $B_J(5840)^{0,+}$ and $B_J(5960)^{0,+}$, whose masses and widths are obtained under different hypotheses for their quantum numbers.Invariant mass distributions of B$^{+}$ π$^{−}$ and B$^{0}$ π$^{+}$ combinations are investigated in order to study excited B mesons. The analysis is based on a data sample corresponding to 3.0 fb$^{−1}$ of pp collision data, recorded by the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. Precise measurements of the masses and widths of the B$_{1}$(5721)$^{0,+}$ and B$^{2}$(5747)$^{0,+}$ states are reported. Clear enhancements, particularly prominent at high pion transverse momentum, are seen over background in the mass range 5850-6000 MeV in both B$^{+}$ π$^{−}$ and B$^{0}$ π$^{+}$ combinations. The structures are consistent with the presence of four excited B mesons, labelled B$_{J}$ (5840)$^{0,+}$ and B$_{J}$ (5960)$^{0,+}$, whose masses and widths are obtained under different hypotheses for their quantum numbers.Invariant mass distributions of B+pi- and B0pi+ combinations are investigated in order to study excited B mesons. The analysis is based on a data sample corresponding to 3.0 fb-1 of pp collision data, recorded by the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. Precise measurements of the masses and widths of the B_1(5721)^(0,+) and B_2*(5747)^(0,+) states are reported. Clear enhancements, particularly prominent at high pion transverse momentum, are seen over background in the mass range 5850--6000 MeV in both B+pi- and B0pi+ combinations. The structures are consistent with the presence of four excited B mesons, labelled B_J(5840)^(0,+) and B_J(5960)^(0,+), whose masses and widths are obtained under different hypotheses for their quantum numbers

Measurement of the lifetime of the Bc+B_c^+ meson using the Bc+→J/ψπ+B_c^+\rightarrow J/\psi\pi^+ decay mode

The difference in total widths between the $B_c^+$ and $B^+$ mesons is measured using 3.0fb$^{-1}$ of data collected by the LHCb experiment in 7 and 8 TeV centre-of-mass energy proton-proton collisions at the LHC. Through the study of the time evolution of $B_c^+ \rightarrow J/\psi \pi^+$ and $B^+\rightarrow J/\psi K^+$ decays, the width difference is measured to be $\Delta\Gamma \equiv \Gamma_{B_c^+} - \Gamma_{B^+} = 4.46 \pm 0.14 \pm 0.07mm^{-1}c,$ where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The known lifetime of the $B^+$ meson is used to convert this to a precise measurement of the $B_c^+$ lifetime, $\tau_{B_c^+} = 513.4 \pm 11.0 \pm 5.7fs,$ where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic.The difference in total widths between the B+ c and B+ mesons is measured using 3.0 fb−1 of data collected by the LHCb experiment in 7 and 8 TeV centre-of-mass energy proton-proton collisions at the LHC. Through the study of the time evolution of B+ c → J/ψπ+ and B+ → J/ψK+ decays, the width difference is measured to be ∆Γ ≡ ΓB + c − ΓB+ = 4.46 ± 0.14 ± 0.07 mm−1 c, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The known lifetime of the B+ meson is used to convert this to a precise measurement of the B+ c lifetime, τB + c = 513.4 ± 11.0 ± 5.7 fs, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic.The difference in total widths between the Bc+ and B+ mesons is measured using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb−1 collected by the LHCb experiment in 7 and 8 TeV centre-of-mass energy proton–proton collisions at the LHC. Through the study of the time evolution of Bc+→J/ψπ+ and B+→J/ψK+ decays, the width difference is measured to be ΔΓ≡ΓBc+−ΓB+=4.46±0.14±0.07 mm−1c, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The known lifetime of the B+ meson is used to convert this to a precise measurement of the Bc+ lifetime, τBc+=513.4±11.0±5.7 fs, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.The difference in total widths between the Bc+ and B+ mesons is measured using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb−1 collected by the LHCb experiment in 7 and 8 TeV centre-of-mass energy proton–proton collisions at the LHC. Through the study of the time evolution of Bc+→J/ψπ+ and B+→J/ψK+ decays, the width difference is measured to be ΔΓ≡ΓBc+−ΓB+=4.46±0.14±0.07 mm−1c, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The known lifetime of the B+ meson is used to convert this to a precise measurement of the Bc+ lifetime, τBc+=513.4±11.0±5.7 fs, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic