arXiv subjects

K. Ackerstaff et al

Publications and source records attributed to K. Ackerstaff et al.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv1998

Determination of the Production Rate of D^*0 Mesons and of the Ratio V/(V+P) in Z^0 -> cc(bar) Decays

In e^+e^- collisions at centre-of-mass energies around 91 GeV, D^*0 mesons have been reconstructed using data collected with the OPAL detector at LEP. The hadronisation fraction has been measured to be f(c -> D^*0) = 0.218 +/- 0.054 +/- 0.045 +/- 0.007, where the errors correspond to the statistical and systematic errors specific to this analysis, and to systematic uncertainties from externally measured branching fractions, respectively. Together with previous OPAL measurements of the hadronisation fractions of other charmed mesons, this value is used to investigate the relative production of observed vector and pseudoscalar charmed mesons in Z^0 -> cc(bar) decays. The production ratio is determined to be P^eff_V = V/(V+P) = 0.57 +/- 0.05. The relative primary production of vector and pseudoscalar mesons, P^prim_V, is studied in the context of the production and decay of orbitally excited charmed resonances. The first measurement of the inclusive D^*+_s production rate in hadronic Z^0 decays is presented.

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arXiv1998

Search for charged Higgs bosons in e^+e- collisions at sqrt{s} = 130 - 172 GeV

A search is described to detect charged Higgs bosons via the process e^+e^- -> H^+H^-, using data collected by the OPAL detector at center-of-mass energies of 130-172 GeV with a total integrated luminosity of 25 pb^-1. The decay channels are assumed to be H^+ -> qq'(bar) and H^+ -> τ^+ ν_τ. No evidence for charged Higgs boson production is observed. The lower limit for its mass is determined to be 52 GeV at 95% confidence level, independent of the H^+ -> τ^+ ν_τ branching ratio.

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arXiv1998

Measurements of the B^0_s and Λ_b Lifetimes

This paper presents updated measurements of the lifetimes of the B^0_s meson and the Λ_b baryon using 4.4 million hadronic Z^0 decays recorded by the OPAL detector at LEP from 1990 to 1995. A sample of B^0_s decays is obtained using D_s^- \ell^+ combinations, where the D_s^- is fully reconstructed in the ϕπ^-, K^*0 K^- and K^- K^0_S decay channels and partially reconstructed in the ϕ\ell^- ν(bar) X decay mode. A sample of Λ_b decays is obtained using Λ_c^+ \ell^- combinations, where the Λ_c^+ is fully reconstructed in its decay to a p K^- π^+ final state and partially reconstructed in the Λ\ell^+ νX decay channel. From 172 +/- 28 D_s^- \ell^+ combinations attributed to B^0_s decays, the measured lifetime is τ(B^0_s) = 1.50 +0.16 -0.15 +/- 0.04 ps, where the errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. From the 129 +\- 25 \Lamda_c^+ \ell^- combinations attributed to Λ_b decays, the measured lifetime τ(Λ_b) = 1.29 +0.24 -0.22 +/- 0.06 ps, where the errors are statistical and systematic, respectively.

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arXiv1998

Measurement of the one-prong hadronic tau branching ratios at LEP

The branching ratios of the τ^- -> h^- ν_τ, τ^- -> h^- π^0 ν_τ, τ^- -> h^- >=2 π^0 ν_τdecays have been measured using the 1991-1995 data recorded with the OPAL detector at LEP. These branching ratios are measured simultaneously using three selection criteria and are found to be BR(τ^- -> h^- ν_τ) = (11.98 +/- 0.13 +/- 0.16)% BR(τ^- -> h^- π^0 ν_τ) = (25.89 +/- 0.17 +/- 0.29)% BR(τ^- -> h^- >=2 π^0 ν_τ) = ( 9.91 +/- 0.31 +/- 0.27)% where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic.

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arXiv1998

Search for the B_c Meson in Hadronic Z^0 Decays

A search for decays of the B_c meson was performed using data collected from 1990-1995 with the OPAL detector on or near the Z peak at LEP. The decay channels B_c^+ -> J/psi pi^+, B_c^+ -> J/psi a_1^+ and B_c^+ -> J/psi ell^+ nu were investigated, where ell denotes an electron or a muon. Two candidates are observed in the mode B_c^+ -> J/psi pi^+, with an estimated background of (0.63 +/- 0.20) events. The weighted mean of the masses of the two candidates is (6.32 +/- 0.06) GeV/c^2, which is consistent with the predicted mass of the B_c meson. One candidate event is observed in the mode B_c^+ -> J/psi ell^+ nu with an estimated background of (0.82 +/- 0.19) events. No candidate events are observed in the B_c^+ -> J/psi a_1^+ decay mode, with an estimated background of (1.10 +/- 0.22) events. Upper bounds at the 90% confidence level are set on the production rates for these processes.

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arXiv1998

Search for Anomalous Production of Photonic Events with Missing Energy in e+e- Collisions at sqrt{s} = 130-172 GeV

Photonic events with large missing energy have been observed in e+e- collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 130, 136, 161 and 172 GeV using the OPAL detector at LEP. Results are presented based on search topologies designed to select events with a single photon and missing transverse energy or events with a pair of acoplanar photons. In both search topologies, cross-section measurements are performed within the kinematic acceptance of the selection. These results are compared with the expectations from the Standard Model processes e+e- -> nu nu(bar) gamma (gamma) (single-photon) and e+e- -> νν(bar) gamma gamma (gamma) (acoplanar-photons). No evidence is observed for new physics contributions to these final states. Upper limits on sigma(e+e- -> XY)*Br(X -> Y gamma) and sigma(e+e- -> XX)*Br**2(X -> Y gamma) are derived for the case of stable and invisible Y. These limits apply to single and pair production of excited neutrinos (X = ν^*, Y = ν), to neutralino production (X = χ^0_2, Y = χ^0_1), and to supersymmetric models in which X = χ^0_1 and Y = \tilde{G} is a light gravitino. For the latter scenario, the results of the acoplanar-photons search are used to provide model-dependent lower limits on the mass of the lightest neutralino.

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arXiv1998

Investigation of CP violation in B^0 -> J/psi K^0_S decays at LEP

An investigation of CP violation was performed using a total of 24 candidates for B^0 -> J/psi K^0_S decay, with a purity of about 60%. These events were selected from 4.4 million hadronic Z^0 decays recorded by the OPAL detector at LEP. An analysis procedure, involving techniques to reconstruct the proper decay times and tag the produced b-flavours, B^0 or B^0(bar), has been developed to allow a first direct study of the time dependent CP asymmetry that, in the Standard Model, is sin(2beta). The result is sin(2beta) = 3.2_{-2.0}^{+1.8} +/- 0.5, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic. This result is used to determine probabilities for different values of sin(2beta) in the physical region from -1 to +1.

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arXiv1997

Search for a Massive Di-photon Resonance at sqrt{s} = 91-172 GeV

A search for the resonant production of high mass photon pairs associated with a leptonic or hadronic system has been performed using a total data sample of 25.7 pb^-1 taken at centre-of-mass energies between 130 GeV and 172 GeV with the OPAL detector at LEP. The observed number of events is consistent with the expected number from Standard Model processes. The observed candidates are combined with search results from sqrt{s} ~ M_Z to place limits on Br(H^0 -> gamma gamma) within the Standard Model for Higgs boson masses up to 77 GeV, and on the production cross section of any scalar resonance decaying into di-photons. Upper limits on Br(H^0 -> gamma gamma) x sigma(e^+e^- -> H^0 Z^0) of 290 - 830 fb are obtained over 40 < M_H < 160 GeV. Type-I two-Higgs-doublet scalars which couple only to gauge bosons are ruled out up to a mass of 76.5 GeV at the 95% confidence level.

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arXiv1997

Search for Anomalous Production of Di-lepton Events with Missing Transverse Momentum in e^+e^- Collisions at sqrt{s} = 161 and 172 GeV

Events containing a pair of charged leptons and significant missing transverse momentum are selected from a data sample corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 20.6 pb^-1 at centre-of-mass energies of 161 GeV and 172 GeV. The observed number of events, four at 161 GeV and nine at 172 GeV, is consistent with the number expected from Standard Model processes, predominantly arising from W+W- production with each W decaying leptonically. This topology is also an experimental signature for the pair production of new particles that decay to a charged lepton accompanied by one or more invisible particles. Further event selection criteria are described that optimise the sensitivity to particular new physics channels. No evidence for new phenomena is observed and limits on the production of scalar charged lepton pairs and other new particles are presented.

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arXiv1997

Search for Unstable Heavy and Excited Leptons in e^+e^- Collisions at sqrt{s} = 170-172 GeV

We have searched for unstable neutral and charged heavy leptons, N and L^+/-, and for excited states of neutral and charged leptons, nu*, e*, mu* and tau*, in e^+e^- collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 170 and 172 GeV using the OPAL detector at LEP. No evidence for their existence was found. From the analysis of charged-current decays of pair-produced unstable heavy leptons, and of charged-current and photonic decays of pair-produced excited leptons, lower limits on their masses are derived. From the analysis of charged-current and photonic decays of singly-produced excited leptons, upper limits on the ratio of the coupling to the compositeness scale, f/Lambda, are determined for masses up to the kinematic limit.

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arXiv1997

Measurement of triple gauge boson couplings from W^+W^- production at sqrt{s} = 172 GeV

We present measurements of triple gauge boson coupling parameters using data recorded by the OPAL detector at LEP2 at a centre-of-mass energy of 172 GeV. A total of 120 W-pair candidates has been selected in the q q(bar) q q(bar), q q(bar) l nu(bar)_l, and l nu(bar)_l l(bar)' nu_l' decay channels, for an integrated luminosity of 10.4 pb^-1. We use these data to determine several different anomalous coupling parameters using the measured cross-section and the distributions of kinematic variables. We measure alpha_B-phi = 0.35 + 1.29 - 1.07 +/- 0.38, alpha_W-phi = 0.00 + 0.30 - 0.28 +/- 0.11, alpha_W = 0.18 + 0.49 - 0.47 +/- 0.23, Delta(g_1^z) = -0.03 + 0.40 -0.37 +/- 0.14, Delta(kappa_gamma^(HISZ)) = 0.03 + 0.55 - 0.51 +/- 0.20, and Delta(kappa) = 0.03 + 0.49 - 0.46 +/- 0.21. Combining the alpha_W-phi result with our previous result obtained from the 161 GeV data sample we measure alpha_W-phi = -0.08 + 0.28 - 0.25 +/- 0.10. All of these measurements are consistent with the Standard Model.

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arXiv1997

Measurement of the W Boson Mass and Production and Decay Properties in e^+e^- Collisions at sqrt{s} = 172 GeV

This paper describes the measurement of the W boson mass, M_W, and decay width, Gamma_W, from the direct reconstruction of the invariant mass of its decay products in W pair events collected at a mean centre-of-mass energy of sqrt{s} = 172.12 GeV with the OPAL detector at LEP. Measurements of the W pair production cross-section, the W decay branching fractions and properties of the W decay final states are also described. A total of 120 candidate W^+W^- events has been selected for an integrated luminosity of 10.36 pb^-1. The W^+W^- production cross-section is measured to be sigma_WW = 12.3 +/- 1.3(stat.) +/- 0.3(syst.) pb, consistent with the Standard Model expectation. The W^+W^- -> qq(bar) l nu and W^+W^- -> qq(bar)qq(bar) final states are used to obtain a direct measurement of Gamma_W = 1.30^{+0.62}_{-0.55}(stat.) +/- 0.18(syst.) GeV. Assuming the Standard Model relation between M_W and Gamma_W, the W boson mass is measured to be M_W = 80.32 +/- 0.30(stat.) +/- 0.09(syst.) GeV. The event properties of the fully-hadronic decays of W^+W^- events are compared to those of the semi-leptonic decays. At the current level of precision there is no evidence for effects of colour reconnection in the observables studied. Combining data recorded by OPAL at sqrt{s} ~ 161-172 GeV, the W boson branching fraction to hadrons is determined to be 69.8^{+3.0}_{-3.2}(stat.) +/- 0.7(syst.)%, consistent with the prediction of the Standard Model. The combined mass measurement from direct reconstruction and from the W^+W^- production cross-sections measured at sqrt{s} ~ 161 and sqrt{s} ~ 172 GeV is M_W = 80.35 +/- 0.24(stat.) +/- 0.07(syst.) GeV.

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arXiv1997

Multi-photon final states in e^+e^- collisions at sqrt{s} = 130-172 GeV

The process e^+e^- -> gamma gamma (gamma) is studied using data recorded with the OPAL detector at LEP. The data sample corresponds to a total integrated luminosity of 25.38 pb^{-1} taken at centre-of-mass energies of 130-172 GeV. The measured cross-sections agree well with the expectation from QED. In a combined fit using data from all centre-of-mass energies, the angular distribution is used to obtain improved limits on the cut-off parameters: Lambda_+ > 195 GeV and Lambda_- > 210 GeV (95% CL). In addition, limits on non-standard e^+e^-gamma couplings and contact interactions, as well as a 95% CL mass limit for an excited electron, M_{e^*} > 194 GeV for an e^+e^-gamma coupling kappa = 1, are determined.

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arXiv1997

Search for the Standard Model Higgs Boson in e^+e^- Collisions at sqrt{s} = 161-172 GeV

This paper describes a search for the Standard Model Higgs boson using data from e^+e^- collisions collected at center-of-mass energies of 161, 170 and 172 GeV by the OPAL detector at LEP. The data collected at these energies correspond to integrated luminosities of 10.0, 1.0 and 9.4 pb^-1, respectively. The search is sensitive to the main final states from the process in which the Higgs boson is produced in association with a fermion anti-fermion pair, namely four jets, two jets with missing energy, and two jets produced together with a pair of electron, muon or tau leptons. One candidate event is observed, in agreement with the Standard Model background expectation. In combination with previous OPAL searches at center-of-mass energies close to the Z^0 resonance and the revised previous OPAL searches at 161 GeV, we derive a lower limit of 69.4 GeV for the mass of the Standard Model Higgs boson at the 95% confidence level.

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arXiv1997

Multiplicity distributions of gluon and quark jets and tests of QCD analytic predictions

Gluon jets are identified in e+e- hadronic annihilation events by tagging two quark jets in the same hemisphere of an event. The gluon jet is defined inclusively as all the particles in the opposite hemisphere. Gluon jets defined in this manner have a close correspondence to gluon jets as they are defined for analytic calculations, and are almost independent of a jet finding algorithm. The charged particle multiplicity distribution of the gluon jets is presented, and is analyzed for its mean, dispersion, skew, and curtosis values, and for its factorial and cumulant moments. The results are compared to the analogous results found for a sample of light quark (uds) jets, also defined inclusively. We observe differences between the mean, skew and curtosis values of gluon and quark jets, but not between their dispersions. The cumulant moment results are compared to the predictions of QCD analytic calculations. A calculation which includes next-to-next-to-leading order corrections and energy conservation is observed to provide a much improved description of the data compared to a next-to-leading order calculation without energy conservation. There is agreement between the data and calculations for the ratios of the cumulant moments between gluon and quark jets.

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arXiv1997

Asymmetry of Lambda Baryons in Hadronic Z^0 Decays

The longitudinal polarization, the transverse polarization, and the forward-backward asymmetry of Lambda baryons have been measured using a sample of 4.34 million hadronic Z^0 decays collected with the OPAL detector at LEP between 1990 and 1995. These results are important as an aid to the understanding of hadronization mechanisms. Significant longitudinal polarization has been observed at intermediate and high momentum. For x_E = 2 E_{Lambda}/\sqrt{s}) > 0.3, the longitudinal polarization has been measured to be -32.9 +/- 5.5(stat) +/- 5.2(syst)%. We have observed no transverse polarization. A significant forward-backward asymmetry has been measured and can be described by a JETSET model.

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arXiv1997

Measurement of the Photon Structure Function F_2^gamma at Low x

Deep inelastic electron-photon scattering is studied using e+e- data collected by the OPAL detector at centre-of-mass energies sqrt{s_ee} ~ M_{Z^0}. The photon structure function F_2^gamma(x,Q^2) is explored in a Q^2 range of 1.1 to 6.6 GeV/c^2 at lower x values than ever before. To probe this kinematic region events are selected with a beam electron scattered into one of the OPAL luminosity calorimeters at scattering angles between 27 and 55 mrad. A measurement is presented of the photon structure function F_2^gamma(x,Q^2) at = 1.86 GeV^2 and 3.76 GeV^2 in five logarithmic x bins from 0.0025 to 0.2.

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arXiv1997

Tests of the Standard Model and Constraints on New Physics from Measurements of Fermion-pair Production at 130-172 GeV at LEP

Production of events with hadronic and leptonic final states has been measured in e^+e^- collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 130-172 GeV, using the OPAL detector at LEP. Cross-sections and leptonic forward-backward asymmetries are presented, both including and excluding the dominant production of radiative Z γevents, and compared to Standard Model expectations. The ratio R_b of the cross-section for bb(bar) production to the hadronic cross-section has been measured. In a model-independent fit to the Z lineshape, the data have been used to obtain an improved precision on the measurement of γ-Z interference. The energy dependence of α_em has been investigated. The measurements have also been used to obtain limits on extensions of the Standard Model described by effective four-fermion contact interactions, to search for t-channel contributions from new massive particles and to place limits on chargino pair production with subsequent decay of the chargino into a light gluino and a quark pair.

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