arXiv subjects

J. Benton

Publications and source records attributed to J. Benton.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

arXiv2014

Precision measurement of $CP$ violation in $B_s^0 \to J/ψK^+K^-$ decays

The time-dependent $CP$ asymmetry in $B_s^0 \to J/ψK^+K^-$ decays is measured using $pp$ collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $3.0$fb$^{-1}$, collected with the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies of $7$ and $8$TeV. In a sample of 96 000 $B_s^0 \to J/ψK^+K^-$ decays, the $CP$-violating phase $ϕ_s$ is measured, as well as the decay widths $Γ_{L}$ and $Γ_{H}$ of the light and heavy mass eigenstates of the $B_s^0-\bar{B}_s^0$ system. The values obtained are $ϕ_s = -0.058 \pm 0.049 \pm 0.006$ rad, $Γ_s \equiv (Γ_{L}+Γ_{H})/2 = 0.6603 \pm 0.0027 \pm 0.0015$ps$^{-1}$, and$ΔΓ_s \equiv Γ_{L} - Γ_{H} = 0.0805 \pm 0.0091 \pm 0.0032$ps$^{-1}$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. These are the most precise single measurements of those quantities to date. A combined analysis with $B_s^{0} \to J/ψπ^+π^-$ decays gives $ϕ_s = -0.010 \pm 0.039 $rad. All measurements are in agreement with the Standard Model predictions. For the first time the phase $ϕ_s$ is measured independently for each polarisation state of the $K^+K^- $ system and shows no evidence for polarisation dependence.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Study of $η-η^{\prime}$ mixing from measurement of $B^0_{(s)} \rightarrow J/ψη^{(\prime)}$~decay rates

A study of $B^0$~and $B^0_s$ meson decays into $J/ψη$~and $J/ψη^{\prime}$ final states is performed using a data set of proton-proton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8TeV, collected by the LHCb experiment and corresponding to 3.0fb$^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity. The decay $B^0 \rightarrow J/ψη^{\prime}$ is observed for thefirst time. The following ratios of branching fractions are measured: $$ \frac{\mathcal{B}(B^0 \rightarrow J/ψη^{\prime})}{\mathcal{B}(B^0_s \rightarrow J/ψη^{\prime})} = (2.28\pm0.65\,(stat)\,\pm0.10\,(syst)\,\pm0.13\,(f_{s}/f_{d}))\times10^{-2},$$ $$ \frac{\mathcal{B}(B^0 \rightarrow J/ψη)}{\mathcal{B}(B^0_s \rightarrow J/ψη)} = (1.85\pm0.61\,(stat)\,\pm0.09\,(syst)\,\pm0.11\,(f_{s}/f_{d}))\times10^{-2},$$ where the third uncertainty is related to the present knowledge of $f_{s}/f_{d}$, the ratio between the probabilities for a $b$ quark to form a $B^0_s$ or $B^0$ meson. The branching fraction ratios are used to determine the parameters of $η-η^{\prime}$ meson mixing. In addition, the first evidence for the decay $B^0_s \rightarrow ψ(2S) η^{\prime}$ is reported, and the relative branching fraction is measured, $$\frac{\mathcal{B}(B^0_s \rightarrow ψ(2S) η^{\prime})}{\mathcal{B}(B^0_s \rightarrow J/ψη^{\prime})} = (38.7\pm9.0\,(stat)\,\pm1.3\,(syst)\,\pm0.9(\mathcal{B}))\times10^{-2},$$ where the third uncertainty is due to the limited knowledge of the branching fractions of $J/ψ$ and $ψ(2S)$~mesons.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Surrogate Search As a Way to Combat Harmful Effects of Ill-behaved Evaluation Functions

Recently, several researchers have found that cost-based satisficing search with A* often runs into problems. Although some "work arounds" have been proposed to ameliorate the problem, there has been little concerted effort to pinpoint its origin. In this paper, we argue that the origins of this problem can be traced back to the fact that most planners that try to optimize cost also use cost-based evaluation functions (i.e., f(n) is a cost estimate). We show that cost-based evaluation functions become ill-behaved whenever there is a wide variance in action costs; something that is all too common in planning domains. The general solution to this malady is what we call a surrogatesearch, where a surrogate evaluation function that doesn't directly track the cost objective, and is resistant to cost-variance, is used. We will discuss some compelling choices for surrogate evaluation functions that are based on size rather that cost. Of particular practical interest is a cost-sensitive version of size-based evaluation function -- where the heuristic estimates the size of cheap paths, as it provides attractive quality vs. speed tradeoffs

cs.AI↗

arXiv2014

Measurement of the $χ_b(3P)$ mass and of the relative rate of $χ_{b1}(1P)$ and $χ_{b2}(1P)$ production

The production of $χ_b$ mesons in proton-proton collisions is studied using a data sample collected by the LHCb detector, at centre-of-mass energies of $\sqrt{s}=7$ and $8$ TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb$^{-1}$. The $χ_b$ mesons are identified through their decays to $Υ(1S)γ$ and $Υ(2S)γ$ using photons that converted to $e^+e^-$ pairs in the detector. The relative prompt production rate of $χ_{b1}(1P)$ and $χ_{b2}(1P)$ mesons is measured as a function of the $Υ(1S)$ transverse momentum in the $χ_b$ rapidity range $2.0<y<4.5$. A precise measurement of the $χ_b(3P)$ mass is also performed. Assuming a mass splitting between the $χ_{b1}(3P)$ and the $χ_{b2}(3P)$ states of 10.5 MeV/$c^2$, the measured mass of the $χ_{b1}(3P)$ meson is $ m(χ_{b1}(3P))= 10515.7^{+2.2}_{-3.9}(stat) ^{+1.5}_{-2.1}(syst) MeV/c^2.$

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Measurement of the CKM angle γusing B^\pm --> D K^\pm with D-->K_Sπ^+π^-, K_SK^+K^- decays

A binned Dalitz plot analysis of $B^\pm \to D K^\pm$ decays, with $D \to K_S π^+π^-$ and $D \to K_S K^+ K^-$, is performed to measure the \CP-violating observables $x_{\pm}$ and $y_{\pm}$, which are sensitive to the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa angle $γ$. The analysis exploits a sample of proton-proton collision data corresponding to 3.0\invfb collected by the LHCb experiment. Measurements from CLEO-c of the variation of the strong-interaction phase of the $D$ decay over the Dalitz plot are used as inputs. The values of the parameters are found to be $x_+ = (-7.7 \pm 2.4 \pm 1.0 \pm 0.4)\times 10^{-2}$, $x_- = (2.5 \pm 2.5 \pm 1.0 \pm 0.5) \times 10^{-2}$, $y_+ = (-2.2 \pm 2.5 \pm 0.4 \pm 1.0)\times 10^{-2}$, and $y_- = (7.5 \pm 2.9 \pm 0.5 \pm 1.4) \times 10^{-2}$. The first, second, and third uncertainties are the statistical, the experimental systematic, and that associated with the precision of the strong-phase parameters. These are the most precise measurements of these observables and correspond to $γ= (62^{\,+15}_{\,-14})^\circ$, with a second solution at $γ\to γ+ 180^\circ$, and $r_B = 0.080^{+ 0.019}_{-0.021}$, where $r_B$ is the ratio between the suppressed and favoured $B$ decay amplitudes.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Dalitz plot analysis of $B_s^0 \rightarrow \bar{D}^0 K^- π^+$ decays

The resonant substructure of $B_s^0 \rightarrow \bar{D}^0 K^- π^+$ decays is studied with the Dalitz plot analysis technique. The study is based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $3.0\,{\rm fb}^{-1}$ of $pp$ collision data recorded by LHCb. A structure at $m(\bar{D}^0 K^-) \approx 2.86 {\rm GeV}/c^2$ is found to be an admixture of spin-1 and spin-3 resonances. The masses and widths of these states and of the $D^*_{s2}(2573)^-$ meson are measured, as are the complex amplitudes and fit fractions for all the $\bar{D}^0 K^-$ and $K^-π^+$ components included in the amplitude model. In addition, the $D^*_{s2}(2573)^-$ resonance is confirmed to be spin-2.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Observation of overlapping spin-1 and spin-3 $\bar{D}^0 K^-$ resonances at mass $2.86 {\rm GeV}/c^2$

The resonant substructure of $B_s^0 \rightarrow \bar{D}^0 K^- π^+$ decays is studied using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $3.0\,{\rm fb}^{-1}$ of $pp$ collision data recorded by the LHCb detector. An excess at $m(\bar{D}^0 K^-) \approx 2.86 {\rm GeV}/c^2$ is found to be an admixture of spin-1 and spin-3 resonances. Therefore the $D^*_{sJ}(2860)^-$ state previously observed in inclusive $e^+e^- \rightarrow \bar{D}^0 K^- X$ and $pp \rightarrow \bar{D}^0 K^- X$ processes consists of at least two particles. This is the first observation of a heavy flavoured spin-3 resonance, and the first time that any spin-3 particle has been seen to be produced in $B$ decays. The masses and widths of the new states and of the $D^*_{s2}(2573)^-$ meson are measured, giving the most precise determinations to date.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Search for $CP$ violation using $T$-odd correlations in $D^0 \to K^+K^-π^+π^-$ decays

A search for $CP$ violation using $T$-odd correlations is performed using the four-body $D^0 \to K^+K^-π^+π^-$ decay, selected from semileptonic $B$ decays. The data sample corresponds to integrated luminosities of $1.0\,\text{fb}^{-1}$ and $2.0\,\text{fb}^{-1}$ recorded at the centre-of-mass energies of 7 TeV and 8 TeV, respectively. The $CP$-violating asymmetry $a_{CP}^{T\text{-odd}}$ is measured to be $(0.18\pm 0.29\text{(stat)}\pm 0.04\text{(syst)})\%$. Searches for $CP$ violation in different regions of phase space of the four-body decay, and as a function of the $D^0$ decay time, are also presented. No significant deviation from the $CP$ conservation hypothesis is found.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Study of $Υ$ production and cold nuclear matter effects in pPb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=5~\mathrm{TeV}$

Production of $Υ$ mesons in proton-lead collisions at a nucleon-nucleon centre-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=5 \mathrm{TeV}$ is studied with the LHCb detector. The analysis is based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $1.6 \mathrm{nb}^{-1}$. The $Υ$ mesons of transverse momenta up to $15 \mathrm{GeV}/c$ are reconstructed in the dimuon decay mode. The rapidity coverage in the centre-of-mass system is $1.5<y<4.0$ (forward region) and $-5.0<y<-2.5$ (backward region). The forward-backward production ratio and the nuclear modification factor for $Υ(1S)$ mesons are determined. The data are compatible with the predictions for a suppression of $Υ(1S)$ production with respect to proton-proton collisions in the forward region, and an enhancement in the backward region. The suppression is found to be smaller than in the case of prompt $J/ψ$ mesons.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2014

First observations of the rare decays $B^+-> K^+π^+π^-μ^+μ^-$ and $B^+->ϕK^+μ^+μ^-$

First observations of the rare decays $B^+\rightarrow K^+π^+π^-μ^+μ^-$ and $B^+\rightarrow ϕK^+μ^+μ^-$ are presented using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $3.0\,{fb}^{-1}$, collected by the LHCb experiment at centre-of-mass energies of $7$ and $8\mathrm{\,TeV}$. The branching fractions of the decays are \begin{eqnarray*} \mathcal{B}(B^+\rightarrow K^+π^+π^-μ^+μ^-) &=& (4.36\,^{+0.29}_{-0.27}\,\mathrm{(stat)}\pm 0.21\,\mathrm{(syst)}\pm0.18\,\mathrm{(norm)})\times10^{-7},\\ \mathcal{B}(B^+\rightarrowϕK^+μ^+μ^-) &=& (0.82 \,^{+0.19}_{-0.17}\,\mathrm{(stat)}\,^{+0.10}_{-0.04}\,\mathrm{(syst)}\pm0.27\,\mathrm{(norm)}) \times10^{-7},\end{eqnarray*} where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to the uncertainty on the branching fractions of the normalisation modes. A measurement of the differential branching fraction in bins of the invariant mass squared of the dimuon system is also presented for the decay $B^+\rightarrow K^+π^+π^-μ^{+}μ^{-}$.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Observation of $Z$ production in proton-lead collisions at LHCb

The first observation of $Z$ boson production in proton-lead collisions at a centre-of-mass energy per proton-nucleon pair of $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=5~\text{TeV}$ is presented. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of $1.6~\text{nb}^{-1}$ collected with the LHCb detector. The $Z$ candidates are reconstructed from pairs of oppositely charged muons with pseudorapidities between 2.0 and 4.5 and transverse momenta above $20~\text{GeV}/c$. The invariant dimuon mass is restricted to the range $60-120~\text{GeV}/c^2$. The $Z$ production cross-section is measured to be \begin{eqnarray*} σ_{Z\toμ^+μ^-}(\text{fwd})&=&13.5^{+5.4}_{-4.0}\text{(stat.)}\pm1.2\text{(syst.)}~\text{nb} \end{eqnarray*} in the direction of the proton beam and \begin{eqnarray*} σ_{Z\toμ^+μ^-}(\text{bwd}) & =&10.7^{+8.4}_{-5.1}\text{(stat.)}\pm1.0\text{(syst.)}~\text{nb} \end{eqnarray*} in the direction of the lead beam, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Measurement of $CP$ violation and constraints on the CKM angle $γ$ in $B^{\pm}\rightarrow D K^{\pm}$ with $D \rightarrow K_S^0 π^+ π^-$ decays

A model-dependent amplitude analysis of $B^{\pm} \rightarrow D K^{\pm}$ with $D \rightarrow K_S^0 π^+ π^-$ decays is performed using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $1$ fb$^{-1}$, recorded by LHCb at a centre-of-mass energy of $7$ TeV in $2011$. Values of the $CP$ violation observables $x_{\pm}$ and $y_{\pm}$, which are sensitive to the CKM angle $γ$, are measured to be \begin{align*} x_- &= +0.027 \pm 0.044 ^{+0.010}_{-0.008} \pm 0.001, \\ y_- &= +0.013 \pm 0.048 ^{+0.009}_{-0.007} \pm 0.003, \\ x_+ &= -0.084 \pm 0.045 \pm 0.009 \pm 0.005, \\ y_+ &= -0.032 \pm 0.048 ^{+0.010}_{-0.009} \pm 0.008, \end{align*} where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic and the third arises from the uncertainty of the $D \rightarrow K_S^0 π^+ π^-$ amplitude model. The value of $γ$ is determined to be $(84^{+49}_{-42})^\circ$, including all sources of uncertainty. Neutral $D$ meson mixing is found to have negligible effect.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Measurement of $C\!P$ asymmetries in the decays $B^0 \rightarrow K^{*0} μ^+ μ^-$ and $B^+ \rightarrow K^{+} μ^+ μ^-$

The direct $C\!P$ asymmetries of the decays $B^0 \rightarrow K^{*0} μ^+ μ^-$ and $B^+ \rightarrow K^{+} μ^+ μ^-$ are measured using $pp$ collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0$\mbox{fb}^{-1}$ collected with the LHCb detector. The respective control modes $B^0 \rightarrow J/ψK^{*0}$ and $B^+ \rightarrow J/ψK^{+}$ are used to account for detection and production asymmetries. The measurements are made in several intervals of $μ^+ μ^-$ invariant mass squared, with the $ϕ(1020)$ and charmonium resonance regions excluded. Under the hypothesis of zero $C\!P$ asymmetry in the control modes, the average values of the asymmetries are \begin{align} {\cal A}_{C\!P}(B^0 \rightarrow K^{*0} μ^+ μ^-) &= -0.035 \pm 0.024 \pm 0.003, \cr {\cal A}_{C\!P}(B^+ \rightarrow K^{+} μ^+ μ^-) &= \phantom{-}0.012 \pm 0.017 \pm 0.001, \end{align} where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are due to systematic effects. Both measurements are consistent with the Standard Model prediction of small $C\!P$ asymmetry in these decays.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Measurement of CP violation in $B_s^0 \to ϕϕ$ decays

A measurement of the decay time dependent CP-violating asymmetry in $B_s^0 \to ϕϕ$ decays is presented, along with measurements of the $T$-odd triple-product asymmetries. In this decay channel, the CP-violating weak phase arises from the interference between $B_s^0$-$\bar{B}_s^0$ mixing and the loop-induced decay amplitude. Using a sample of proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $3.0\, fb^{-1}$ collected with the LHCb detector, a signal yield of approximately 4000 $B_s^0 \to ϕϕ$ decays is obtained. The CP-violating phase is measured to be ${ϕ_s =-0.17\pm0.15\mathrm{\,(stat)}\pm0.03\mathrm{\,(syst)}}$ rad. The triple-product asymmetries are measured to be ${A_U=-0.003\pm0.017\mathrm{\,(stat)}\pm0.006\mathrm{\,(syst)}}$ and ${A_V=-0.017\pm0.017\mathrm{\,(stat)}\pm0.006\mathrm{\,(syst)}}$. Results are consistent with the hypothesis of CP conservation.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Observation of charmonium pairs produced exclusively in $pp$ collisions

A search is performed for the central exclusive production of pairs of charmonia produced in proton-proton collisions. Using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $3{\rm\ fb}^{-1}$ collected at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, $J/ψJ/ψ$ and $J/ψψ(2S)$ pairs are observed, which have been produced in the absence of any other activity inside the LHCb acceptance that is sensitive to charged particles in the pseudorapidity ranges $(-3.5,-1.5)$ and $(1.5,5.0)$. Searches are also performed for pairs of P-wave charmonia and limits are set on their production. The cross-sections for these processes, where the dimeson system has a rapidity between 2.0 and 4.5, are measured to be $$ \begin{array}{rl} σ^{J/ψJ/ψ} &= 58\pm10{(\rm stat)} \pm 6{(\rm syst)} {\rm\ pb} , \\ σ^{J/ψψ(2S)} &= 63 ^{+27}_{-18}{(\rm stat)}\pm 10{(\rm syst)} {\rm\ pb} , \\ σ^{ψ(2S)ψ(2S)} &< 237 {\rm\ pb}, \\ σ^{χ_{c0}χ_{c0}} &< 69 {\rm\ nb}, \\ σ^{χ_{c1}χ_{c1}} &< 45 {\rm\ pb}, \\ σ^{χ_{c2}χ_{c2}} &< 141 {\rm\ pb}, \\ \end{array} $$ where the upper limits are set at the 90% confidence level. The measured $J/ψJ/ψ$ and $J/ψψ(2S)$ cross-sections are consistent with theoretical expectations.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Study of the kinematic dependences of $Λ_b^0$ production in $pp$ collisions and a measurement of the $Λ_b^0 \rightarrow Λ_c^+ π^-$ branching fraction

The kinematic dependences of the relative production rates, $f_{Λ_b^0}/f_d$, of $Λ_b^0$ baryons and $\bar{B}^0$ mesons are measured using $Λ_b^0 \rightarrow Λ_c^+ π^-$ and $\bar{B}^0 \rightarrow D^+ π^-$ decays. The measurements use proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1 fb$^{-1}$ at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV, recorded in the forward region with the LHCb experiment. The relative production rates are observed to depend on the transverse momentum, $p_T$, and pseudorapidity, $η$, of the beauty hadron, in the studied kinematic region $1.5 < p_T < 40$ GeV/$c$ and $2 < η< 5$. Using a previous LHCb measurement of $f_{Λ_b^0}/f_d$ in semileptonic decays, the branching fraction $\mathcal{B}(Λ_b^0 \rightarrow Λ_c^+ π^-) = \Big( 4.30 \pm 0.03 \,\, ^{+0.12}_{-0.11} \pm 0.26 \pm 0.21 \Big) \times 10^{-3}$ is obtained, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, the third is from the previous LHCb measurement of $f_{Λ_b^0}/f_d$ and the fourth is due to the $\bar{B}^0 \rightarrow D^+ π^-$ branching fraction. This is the most precise measurement of a $Λ_b^0$ branching fraction to date.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

First measurement of the charge asymmetry in beauty-quark pair production at a hadron collider

The difference in the angular distributions between beauty quarks and antiquarks, referred to as the charge asymmetry, is measured for the first time in $b\bar{b}$ pair production at a hadron collider. The data used correspond to an integrated luminosity of 1.0fb$^{-1}$ collected at 7TeV center-of-mass energy in proton-proton collisions with the LHCb detector. The measurement is performed in three regions of the invariant mass of the $b\bar{b}$ system. The results obtained are: \begin{eqnarray} A_{C}^{b\bar{b}}(40 < M_{b\bar{b}} < 75\,\rm{GeV/c^2}) &=& 0.4 \pm 0.4(\rm{stat}) \pm 0.3(\rm{syst})\%\newline A_{C}^{b\bar{b}}(75 < M_{b\bar{b}} < 105\,\rm{GeV/c^2}) &=& 2.0 \pm 0.9(\rm{stat}) \pm 0.6(\rm{syst})\%\newline A_{C}^{b\bar{b}}(M_{b\bar{b}} > 105\,\rm{GeV/c^2}) &=&1.6 \pm 1.7(\rm{stat}) \pm 0.6(\rm{syst})\% \end{eqnarray} where $A_{C}^{b\bar{b}}$ is defined as the asymmetry in the difference in rapidity between jets formed from the beauty quark and antiquark. The beauty jets are required to satisfy $2<η<4$, $E_{\rm T} > 20$GeV, and have an opening angle in the transverse plane $Δϕ>2.6$rad. These measurements are consistent with the predictions of the Standard Model.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Performance of the LHCb Vertex Locator

The Vertex Locator (VELO) is a silicon microstrip detector that surrounds the proton-proton interaction region in the LHCb experiment. The performance of the detector during the first years of its physics operation is reviewed. The system is operated in vacuum, uses a bi-phase CO2 cooling system, and the sensors are moved to 7 mm from the LHC beam for physics data taking. The performance and stability of these characteristic features of the detector are described, and details of the material budget are given. The calibration of the timing and the data processing algorithms that are implemented in FPGAs are described. The system performance is fully characterised. The sensors have a signal to noise ratio of approximately 20 and a best hit resolution of 4 microns is achieved at the optimal track angle. The typical detector occupancy for minimum bias events in standard operating conditions in 2011 is around 0.5%, and the detector has less than 1% of faulty strips. The proximity of the detector to the beam means that the inner regions of the n+-on-n sensors have undergone space-charge sign inversion due to radiation damage. The VELO performance parameters that drive the experiment's physics sensitivity are also given. The track finding efficiency of the VELO is typically above 98% and the modules have been aligned to a precision of 1 micron for translations in the plane transverse to the beam. A primary vertex resolution of 13 microns in the transverse plane and 71 microns along the beam axis is achieved for vertices with 25 tracks. An impact parameter resolution of less than 35 microns is achieved for particles with transverse momentum greater than 1 GeV/c.

physics.ins-det↗