VcbV_{cb} determination from inclusive b→cb \to c decays: an alternative method

The determination of $V_{cb}$ relies on the Heavy-Quark Expansion and the extraction of the non-perturbative matrix elements from inclusive $b\to c$ decays. The proliferation of these matrix elements complicates their extraction at $1/m_b^4$ and higher, thereby limiting the $V_{cb}$ extraction. Reparametrization invariance links different operators in the Heavy-Quark expansion thus reducing the number of independent operators at $1/m_b^4$ to eight for the total rate. We show that this reduction also holds for spectral moments as long as they are defined by reparametrization invariant weight-functions. This is valid in particular for the leptonic invariant mass spectrum ($q^2$), i.e. the differential rate and its moments. Currently, $V_{cb}$ is determined by fitting the energy and hadronic mass moments, which do not manifest this parameter reduction and depend on the full set of 13 matrix elements up to $1/m_b^4$. In light of this, we propose an experimental analysis of the $q^2$ moments to open the possibility of a model-independent $V_{cb}$ extraction from semileptonic decays including the $1/m_b^4$ terms in a fully data-driven way.Comment: 16 pages, 2 figures. v2: version published in JHEP, references added plus minor change

Two body non-leptonic Λb\Lambda_b decays in quark model with factorization ansatz

The two body non-leptonic $\Lambda_b$ decays are analyzed in factorization approximation, using quark model, $\xi = 1 / N_c$ as a free parameter. It is shown that the experimental branching ratio for $\Lambda_b \longrightarrow \Lambda {J/\psi}$ restricts $\xi$ and this ratio can be understood for a value of $\xi$ which lies in the range $0 \leq \xi \leq 0.5$ suggested by two body B meson decays. The branching ratios for $\Lambda_b \longrightarrow \Lambda_{c} D^*_s(D_s)$ are predicted to be larger than the previous estimates. Finally it is pointed that CKM-Wolfenstein parameter $\rho^2 + \eta^2$, where $\eta$ is CP phase, can be determined from the ratio of widths of $\Lambda_b \longrightarrow \Lambda \bar{D}$ and $\Lambda_b \longrightarrow \Lambda {J/\psi}$ or that of $\Lambda_b \longrightarrow p D_s$ and $\Lambda_b \longrightarrow \Lambda_c D_s$ independent of the parameter $\xi$.Comment: 18 pages, latex, 1 figure available on request, please send any questions or comments to [email protected]

Reparametrization Invariance and Partial Re-Summations of the Heavy Quark Expansion

We extend existing work on reparametrization invariance (RPI) of the heavy-quark expansion. We discuss the total rates of inclusive processes and obtain results which have a manifest RPI and can be expressed through matrix elements of operators and states defined in full QCD. This approach leads to a partial re-summation of higher-order terms in the heavy-quark expansion and has the advantage that the number of independent parameters is reduced.Comment: 22 page

Plasma-wall-interaction in ECRIS II

In an ECR-discharge, where the plasma is confined inside a copper-resonator by a simple magnetic mirror, it could be shown that sputtering of wall material has an important influence upon the plasma [1]. Spectroscopic measurements in ECRIS II with a copper vessel confirmed this model. Evidence for the presence of copper atoms and ions in the plasma could be found by ion extraction as well as with VUV-spectrometry. In a nitrogen discharge by adding helium as a mixing-gas we found that the extracted current of Cu-ions decreased and measured line intensities of copper emission lines dropped down. [1] D. Meyer, "Einfluss der Plasmainstabilitaet auf die Produktion hochgeladener Ionen in einer ECR-Entladung", Dissertation, Bochum, 199

The heavy quark expansion for inclusive semileptonic charm decays revisited

The Heavy Quark Expansion (HQE) has become an extremely powerful tool in flavor physics. For charm decays, where the expansion parameters α$_{s}$(m$_{c}$) and Λ$_{QCD}$/m$_{c}$ are bigger than for bottom decays, it remains to be seen if the HQE can be applied with similar success. Nevertheless, to make optimal use of the plethora of data already available and coming in the near future, a better understanding of HQE for charm decays is crucial. This paper discusses in detail how the HQE for charm decays is set up, what is the role of four-quark (weak annihilation) operators and how this compares to the well understood bottom decays. Subtleties concerning radiative corrections and the charm mass scheme are briefly discussed. An experimental study of the relevant HQE hadronic matrix elements will then show if the HQE expansion for charm converges well enough. Besides serving as an important cross check for inclusive B decays, in the end, this study might open the road for inclusive |V$_{cs}$| and |V$_{cd}$| extractions

Alternative Treatment of the Quark Mass in the Heavy Quark Expansion

The treatment of the quark mass plays an important role when it comes to increasing the precision of the predictions of the heavy quark expansion for inclusive heavy hadron decays. Various short-distance mass schemes have been invented to minimize the uncertainties induced by the quark mass, which needs to be extracted from other, independent observables. We suggest to replace the quark mass directly by an observable such as e.g. the inverse moments of the cross section for $e^+ e^- \to$ hadrons. We investigate this alternative strategy and study its impact on the perturbative series.Comment: 20 page

Inclusive Semileptonic b→cℓνˉb \to c \ell \bar{\nu} Decays to Order 1/mb51/m_b^5

Inclusive semileptonic $B\to X_c \ell\bar{\nu}$ decays can be described in the Heavy Quark Expansion (HQE) and allow for a precision determination of the CKM element $|V_{cb}|$. We calculate the terms of $1/m_b^5$ and derive a ``trace formula'' which allows for the computation of the decay rate and kinematic moments of the spectrum up to this order in the HQE. We focus specifically on the reparametrization invariant (RPI) dilepton invariant mass $q^2$ moments of the spectrum, which depend on a reduced set of HQE parameters. At this order, ``intrinsic charm'' (IC) contributions proportional to $1/(m_b^3m_c^2)$ enter, which are numerically expected to be sizeable. Using the ``lowest-lying state saturation ansatz'' (LLSA), we estimate the size of these contributions. Within this approximation, we observe a partial cancellation between the IC and the ``genuine'' $1/m_b^5$ contributions, resulting in a small overall contribution.Comment: 36 pages, 4 figure

CP violation in multibody B decays from QCD factorization

We test a data-driven approach based on QCD factorization for charmless three-body B-decays by confronting it to measurements of CP violation in B⁻→ π⁻π⁺π⁻. While some of the needed non-perturbative objects can be directly extracted from data, some others can, so far, only be modelled. Although this approach is currently model dependent, we comment on the perspectives to reduce this model dependence. While our model naturally accommodates the gross features of the Dalitz distribution, it cannot quantitatively explain the details seen in the current experimental data on local CP asymmetries. We comment on possible refinements of our simple model and conclude by briefly discussing a possible extension of the model to large invariant masses, where large local CP asymmetries have been measured

Radiative Upsilon Decay at the Endpoint

The standard NRQCD power counting breaks down and the OPE gives rise to color-octet shape functions at the upper endpoint of the photon energy spectrum in radiative Upsilon decay. Also in this kinematic regime, large Sudakov logarithms appear in the octet Wilson coefficients, ruining the perturbative expansion. Using SCET, the octet shape functions arise naturally and the Sudakov logarithms can be summed using the renormalization group equations. We derive an expression for the resummed octet energy spectrum.Comment: Talk at 5th International Conference on Hyperons, Charm and Beauty Hadrons (BEACH 2002), Vancouver, Canada, 25-29 Jun 200