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I. I. Bigi

Publications and source records attributed to I. I. Bigi.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

The Sybils' Advice on Charm (and $τ$ Leptons)

The importance of future studies of charm and $τ$ decays is emphasized as probes of New Physics: the most powerful tools are \cp asymmetries in charm and $τ$ decays both in partial widths and final state distributions. While these searches for \cp violation are instrumentalized in the search for and hopefully future analysis of New Physics, they might also shed light on the \cp breaking dynamics required to implement baryogenesis. $e^+e^-$ Super-Flavour Factories are optimally suited for the challenge, in many aspects even uniquely so.

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A Send-off after Dif06: What Do We Need to Know to Understand More?

After a brief look back at the roles played by hadronic machines and $e^+e^-$ colliders I emphasize that continuing dedicated studies of heavy flavour transitions should be central to our efforts of decoding nature's `Grand Design'. For studies `instrumentalizing' the high sensitivity of \cp violation will presumably be essential to identify salient features of the New Physics anticipated for the TeV scale and hopefully discovered directly at the LHC. An $e^+e^-$ Super-Flavour Factory would provide the optimal platform for such a program.

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The Battle of Albuera, the FC Liverpool and the Standard Model

The Standard Model despite its well-known short comings is unlikely to yield without offering stubborn resistance. There are compelling arguments that New Physics lurks around the TeV scale. Continuing comprehensive studies of beauty, $τ$ and charm transitions can be instrumentalized to reveal it and shed light on it. They are thus complementary to findings obtained at the LHC and presumably essential in clarifying the true nature of that New Physics. A Super-B facility seems to provide the cleanest environment for pursuing such an ambitious program. I list desirable features of such a setup as well as challenges for the accelerator and detector designs and for the theoretical analysis.

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Flavour Dynamics & CP Violation in the SM*: A Tale in Five Parts of Great Successes, Little Understanding -- and Promise for the Future!

Our knowledge of flavour dynamics has undergone a `quantum jump' since just before the turn of the millenium: direct \cp violation has been firmly {\em established} in $K_L \to ππ$ decays in 1999; the first \cp asymmetry outside $K_L$ decays has been discovered in 2001 in $B_d \to ψK_S$, followed by $B_d \to π^+π^-$ and $B \to K^{\pm}π^{\mp}$, the latter establishing direct \cp violation also in the beauty sector. Furthermore CKM dynamics allows a description of \cp insensitive and sensitive $B$, $K$ and $D$ transitions that is impressively consistent also on the quantitative level. Theories of flavour dynamics that could serve as {\em alternatives} to CKM have been ruled out. Yet these novel successes of the Standard Model (SM) do not invalidate any of the theoretical arguments for the incompleteness of the SM. In addition we have also more direct evidence for New Physics, namely neutrino oscillations, the observed baryon number of the Universe, dark matter and dark energy. While the New Physics anticipated at the TeV scale is not likely to shed any light on the SM's mysteries of flavour, detailed and comprehensive studies of heavy flavour transitions will be essential in diagnosing salient features of that New Physics. Strategic principles for such studies will be outlined.

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Memorino on the `1/2 vs. 3/2 Puzzle' in $\bar B \to l \bar νX_c$

After the successes the OPE description has scored in describing $\bar B \to l \bar νX_c$ decays, we need to study what can be said about the composition of the hadronic final state $X_c$. The same OPE treatment yields sum rules implying the dominance of $j_q = 3/2$ charm states in $X_c$ over their $j_q=1/2$ counterparts. This prediction is supported by other general arguments as well as quark model calculations. At present it is unclear to which degree data conform to these predictions. More experimental information is essential. We want to ask our experimental colleagues for a redoubled effort to establish, which hadronic configurations -- $D/D^* + π, D/D^* + 2 π, ...$ -- make up $Γ(\bar B \to l \bar νX_c)$ beyond $\bar B \to l \bar νD/D^*$, what their quantum numbers are and their mass distributions. The latter is most relevant for the determination of hadronic mass moments in $\bar B \to l \bar νX_c$. Since all this will require considerable effort on their part, we want to explain the theoretical issues involved, why they carry `gravitas' -- i.e. are weighty -- and why a better understanding of them will be of significant value. In this brief memo we sketch the underlying arguments based on heavy quark theory, the OPE, a special class of quark models and lattice QCD in a nutshell. After summarizing the experimental situation we conclude with two lists, namely one with measurements that need to be done and one with items of theoretical homework. Some of the latter can be done by employing existing theoretical tools, whereas others need new ideas.

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Hadronization -- the Unsung Hero rather than the Alleged Villain in the Tale of CP Violation

The novel successes scored by the Standard Model of High Energy Physics in the last few years concerning heavy flavour dynamics do not weaken the case for `New Physics' around the TeV scale. They do suggest however that one cannot {\em count} on that New Physics impacting heavy flavour decays in a numerically massive way. Yet studying this impact will be essential in diagnosing the features of the New Physics. In particular the decays of beauty hadrons have to be analyzed with considerable precision on the experimental as well as theoretical side. While hadronization effects often represent the main bottleneck in our understanding in the short run, they will provide powerful and discriminating tools in the long run, when applied comprehensively and judiciously. The expertise required to exhaust the discovery potential in $B$ decays does exist in the hadron physics community or can be developed without needing a new breakthrough -- yet a greater effort has to be made to communicate it to the heavy flavour community.

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A "Known" CP Asymmetry in $τ$ Decays

We point out that dynamics known from the observed CP violation in $K_L\to π^{\mp}l^{\pm}ν$ generate a CP asymmetry of $3.3\cdot 10^{-3}$ in $τ^{\pm} \to νK_Lπ^{\pm}$. CPT invariance requires the same asymmetry in the more approachable transitions $τ^{\pm} \to νK_Sπ^{\pm}$. While little new can be learnt from this fact, it has to be accounted for, since CP asymmetries in $τ\to νKπ$ channels are prime candidates for revealing the intervention of New Physics. This `known' CP asymmetry provides a very useful calibration point in such searches. It also provides a test of CPT symmetry (as well as the $ΔQ = ΔS$ selection rule).

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The Unreasonable Success of CKM Theory

CKM theory has scored novel successes recently, namely vindication of weak universality and its first decisive test in CP studies. While this does not weaken the case for New Physics, one cannot count on the latter to induce large discrepancies in future studies. To establish smallish deviations one needs precise predictions; those in turn require accurate CKM parameters. I list strategies for extracting $V(cb)$, $V(ub)$ and $V(td)$. After short comments on New Physics in semileptonic B decays and on $ΔΓ(B_s)$ I review the CP phenomenology in B decays and stress that a comprehensive program of studying flavour dynamics has to form an essential complement of our next adventure, uncovering the physics behind the electroweak phase transition.

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On the photon energy moments and their `bias' corrections in B -> X_s+γ

Photon energy moments in B -> X_s+γand the impact of experimental cuts are analyzed, including the biases exponential in the effective hardness missed in the conventional OPE. We incorporate the perturbative corrections fully implementing the Wilsonian momentum separation ab initio. This renders perturbative effects numerically suppressed while leaving heavy quark parameters and the corresponding light-cone distribution function well defined and preserving their physical properties. The moments of the distribution function are given by the heavy quark expectation values of which many have been extracted from the B -> X_c lνdecays. The quantitative estimates for the biases in the heavy quark parameters determined from the photon moments show they cannot be neglected for E_cut \gsim 1.85GeV, and grow out of theory control for E_cut above 2.1GeV. Implications for the moments in the B -> X_c lνdecays at high cuts are briefly addressed.

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On the Sign of $ΔM_B$, $M_{12}$, sin$2ϕ_1$ and all that

We are withdrawing our paper hep-ph/0411135 since its main conclusion is wrong as we have learnt with the assistance of Bob Cahn and Jerome Charles. The sign of $ΔM_B$ does not matter in interpreting the CP asymmetry in $B_d \to ψK_S$, as we could have seen from our very own Eq.(13). We know now how to derive the correct result of Grossman, Kayser and Nir also using our phase convention. Nostra culpa! As Bob Cahn told us we should have had more confidence in our own book.

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I Have Come to Praise Charm, not Bury it

The case for further dedicated studies of charm dynamics is presented as driven by three complementary motivations: core lessons on QCD and nonperturbative dynamics in general can be learnt; those can be applied with great profit in analyses of B decays; charm decays offer a novel portal to New Physics in particular through CP studies.

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`Per Aspera Ad Astra' -- A Short Essay on the Long Quest for CP Violation

After briefly explaining the special role played by violations of CP and T invariance and their connection with the baryon number of the Universe, I sketch the history of CP violation studies since its totally unexpected discovery in 1964. For about 30 years CP violation could be described by a single number; this has changed dramatically in the years around the turn of the millenium: (i) The existence of {\em direct} CP violation was unequivocally established in the decays of long lived kaons. (ii) For the first time CP violation was observed in a system other than that of neutral kaons, namely in $B\to ψK_S$. The findings are in impressive agreement with the prediction of the CKM ansatz, which thus has been promoted to the status of a tested theory. These new insights were made possible by close feedback between theory and experiment as well as advances in detector design and a novel machine concept, namely that of an asymmetric collider. We also have direct {\em experimental} evidence that the observed CP violation in $K_L$ and B decays is matched by a violation of microscopic time reversal violation, as required by CPT symmetry. More recently CP violation has been observed also in $B\to π^+π^-$ and $B\to K^{\mp}π^{\pm}$. A few comments are added on subtle aspects of direct CP violation. While we know that the CKM dynamics are irrelevant for generating the baryon number of the Universe -- i.e. hitherto unknown forces have to be driving it -- we have also learnt that such `New Physics' is likely to contain CP violation of sufficient strength.

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Is Super-$B$ Sufficiently Superb? -- On the Motivation for a Super-$B$ Factory

Despite the great success of the $Υ(4S)$ $B$ factories at KEK and SLAC and the guaranteed addition of high sensitivity measurements on beauty decays to be performed at the Tevatron and LHC, a strong case can be made for an $e^+e^-$ Super-$B$ factory yielding data samples of order $10^{10}$ $B \bar B$ pairs as a necessity rather than luxury. It has to be justified through its ability to not only establish deviations from the Standard Model, but also diagnose and interpret those in terms of specific features of the New Dynamics. The role to be played by a Super-$B$ factory is thus analogous {\em and even in parallel} to that of a linear collider. The latter's goal is to provide more detailed information on previously discovered New Physics involved in the electroweak phase transition. Likewise a Super-$B$ factory would provide precision probes for analyzing whether such New Dynamics has an impact on heavy flavour dynamics -- a need particularly manifest if the New Physics is housed under the `big tent' of SUSY. The huge statistics of a Super-$B$ factory and the comprehensive body of accurate measurements uniquely possible there would be harnessed in several classes of studies, among them more precise extractions of $V(ub)/V(cb)$ and $V(td)/V(ts)$, more detailed analyses of $B\to γX_{s,d}, l^+l^-X$ and novel data on $B\to τν, τνD, ν\bar νX$ and maybe even on $Υ(5S) \to B_s \bar B_s$ -- all in addition to a host of CP asymmetries.

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On Extracting Heavy Quark Parameters from Moments with Cuts

We point out that applying the photon energy cut significantly modifies the moments of energy spectrum in B->X_s+gamma decays, with a certain class of effects not accounted for in the mostly used OPE expressions. This leads to a systematic bias in the extracted values of the b quark mass and other heavy quark parameters. The apparent b quark mass increases typically by 70MeV or more, together with an even more dramatic downward shift in the kinetic expectation value. Accounting for these cut-related shifts brings different measurements into a good agreement, when the OPE-based theory employs the robust approach. These nonperturbative effects are exponential in the effective hardness severely lowered by high cuts, and do not signify a breakdown of the 1/m_b expansion itself. Similar effects in semileptonic b->c decays are briefly addressed. We stress the utility of the second moment of E_gamma once these effects are incorporated.

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Imprecated, yet Impeccable: On the Theoretical Evaluation of Gamma(B -> X_c \ell ν)

We present a detailed evaluation of the total semileptonic B meson width in terms of |V_{cb}| and heavy quark parameters (quark masses and the expectation values of local heavy quark operators). Special attention is given to perturbative corrections which can precisely be calculated in a scheme with a hard Wilsonian cutoff at a scale around 1GeV appropriate for the OPE, and to the potential impact of higher-order power corrections. We point out that the latter require control over possible contributions from four-quark operators containing charm quark fields. Analytical expressions are given which allow evaluating the width with various choices of parameters; ready-to-use expressions showing the dependence on the heavy quark parameters are presented as well. We illustrate these results by commenting on how these parameters can be extracted and what accuracy is likely to be achievable in the near future.

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The Vietri Codices

Studying heavy flavour physics is driven by multiple motivations: to probe our theoretical control over QCD; enhance our information on gluon and sea quark structure functions; use heavy flavour production as signal for the onset of the quark-gluon plasma; revisit light flavour spectroscopy through the final states in heavy flavour decays; extract fundamental quantities like CKM and MNS parameters; search for new Physics. The last two years have witnessed tremendous amplification in our knowledge of heavy flavour dynamics. We know the elements of the CKM matrix with significantly improved reliability; a new door has been opened by the observation of K^+ --> pi^+ nu nu-bar; with direct CP violation being established in K_L decays and the expected huge CP asymmetry been observed in B_d(t) --> psi K_S the CKM description has attained the level of a tested theory of CP violation. Yet more than ever the Standard Model is viewed as incomplete: apart from the peculiar pattern in mass related parameters of the fundamental fermions there is more direct evidence in the signals for neutrino oscillations, the strong CP problem and the baryon number of the universe. A worldwide, interrelated and comprehensive program has been developed for heavy quark and lepton physics that will provide essential impetus towards a deeper understanding of nature's grand design.

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Studying CP Violation -- Chances for a New Alliance

The last three years have seen a phase transition in our knowledge about CP violation: (i) Direct CP violation has been established in $K_L \to ππ$. (ii) The first CP violation outside $K_L$ decays has been observed in $B_d \to ψK_S$: $<{\rm sin}2ϕ_1 > = 0.78 \pm 0.08$ in amazing agreement with the prediction from the CKM description. The latter is thus seen as a tested theory. This increase in knowledge is not matched by progress in understanding. Searches for further manifestations of CP and T violation are mandatory. It is argued that one can profit greatly from studying atoms, molecules and nuclei.

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Looking from the East at an Elephant Trotting West: Direct CP Violation in $B^0$ Decays

With the time dependant CP asymmetry in $B_d(t) \to ψK_S$ well measured, the most powerful method to search for {\em direct} CP violation in $B_d$ decays is to analyze whether the CP asymmetry of other transitions like $B_d(t) \to π^+ π^-, η^{\prime}K_S$ etc. can be described by a $sin$ term taken from $B_d(t) \to ψK_S$ and without a cos term. The failure of such a constrained fit would establish direct CP violation (even if no CP asymmetry were observed in these other modes).

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