Neutral $B$-anomalies from an $\mathit{on\text{-}shell}$ scalar exchange

Abstract

The neutral $B$-anomalies are analysed in terms of the tree-level exchange of a (pseudo)scalar gauge singlet $a$. Solutions to both $R_{K^{(*)}}$ central bin anomalies are found within $1\sigma$ for ${m_{a}^2 \in [{1.1},\,{6}]\,\text{GeV}^2}$, while the low $q^2$-bin anomaly can also be accounted for with masses close to the bin threshold. The impact of these solutions on other ${b\to s e^+ e^-}$ observables is discussed in detail. Due to the $\mathit{on\text{-}shell}$ enhancement, sizable effects are expected in null tests of the SM, such as the flat term, $F_H$, of the $B\to K e^+ e^-$ angular distribution. At the same time, the observable sensitive to the $K^\ast$ polarisation, $F_L\, (B\to K^* e^+ e^-)$, and the lepton forward-backward asymmetry, ${A_{FB}\, (B\to K^* e^+ e^-)}$, can be suppressed with respect to their SM values. Corrections from the new physics to $\mathcal{B}(B_s \to e^+ e^-)$ are, on the other hand, negligible. Along with the previous observables, improved measurements of the cross section ${\sigma (e^+ e^- \to a (e^+ e^-) \gamma)}$ could potentially probe the relevant parameter space of the model. A comparison between our results and those stemming from an axion-like particle exchange is also discussed, showing that the exchange of a general scalar singlet offers a noticeably wider parameter space.