Unraveling New Physics Effects in $b \rightarrow s \ell_1 \ell_2$ Transitions with a Model-Independent Perspective

Abstract

Motivated by recent anomalies in observables associated with flavor-changing neutral current (FCNC) transitions, specifically $b \rightarrow s \ell^+ \ell^-$ processes, we present a comprehensive analysis of lepton flavor-violating (LFV) decay modes mediated by $b \rightarrow s \ell_1 \ell_2$ transitions with $\ell_1 \neq \ell_2$. While such LFV processes are forbidden within the Standard Model (SM), they naturally arise in several of its extensions, including models featuring additional vector-like fermions and extra $Z'$ bosons. Employing the most general effective Hamiltonian for $b \rightarrow s \ell_1 \ell_2$ transitions, we derive the angular distributions of the relevant decay modes. Adopting a model-independent framework, we systematically study the LFV decays $B \rightarrow K^* \ell_1 \ell_2$, $B_s \rightarrow \phi \ell_1 \ell_2$, $B \rightarrow K_2^* \ell_1 \ell_2$, and $\Lambda_b \rightarrow \Lambda \ell_1 \ell_2$. Although LFV mesonic decays have been widely explored, the corresponding baryonic decays remain comparatively under-investigated. We provide bounds on branching ratio ($\mathcal{B}$), forward-backward asymmetry ($\mathcal{A}_{FB}$), and longitudinal lepton polarization fraction ($\mathcal{F}_L$). Furthermore, considering the projected sensitivities of the LHCb upgrade and Belle II experiments, we estimate upper limits for these observables, offering promising avenues for probing new physics in these LFV channels.