Decay constants of the $B_c$ mesons with vector and tensor currents

Abstract

We calculate the decay constants of the lowest-lying $B_c$ mesons in the spin-parity channels $J^P = 0^-,\,0^+,\,1^-,\,1^+$, commonly referred to as the $B_c,\, B_{c0}^*,\, B_c^*,\, B_{c1}$ mesons, respectively. Within the framework of QCD sum rules, we consider the decay constants associated with both the (axial-)vector and (axial-)tensor interpolating currents. The decay constants with (axial-)vector currents have already been studied in the literature. We refine previous QCD sum rule results by including higher-order power corrections and performing a comprehensive uncertainty analysis. Furthermore, we provide the first determination of the (axial-)tensor decay constants of the $B_c^*$ and $B_{c1}$ mesons. These new results will not only improve theoretical predictions for purely leptonic $B_c$ decays, but also strengthen unitarity constraints on $b \to c$ form factors, thereby improving the precision of predictions for $\bar{B} \to D^{(*)} \ell \bar\nu$ decays and the determination of $|V_{cb}|$.