arXiv subjects

Marzia Bordone

Publications and source records attributed to Marzia Bordone.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Implications of $K\toπν\barν$ for new physics in $B$ decays

The new measurement of the $K^+\toπ^+ν\barν$ branching ratio by the NA62 collaboration represents an important milestone in precision flavour physics. Under different flavour assumptions on beyond the standard model physics, this decay mode can be related to many other observables with underlying flavour-changing currents, such as $B\to Kν\barν$ or $B_s\toμμ$, effectively providing an additional handle in our exploration of flavour-violating new physics effects. We study the impact of this new result, under the hypotheses that deviations from the standard model arise from modified $Z$ couplings, or from effects in semileptonic interactions. Finally, we review the implications of our scenarios for the yet to be measured partner mode $K_L\toπ^0ν\barν$.

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arXiv2026

Disentangling short- vs. long-distance dynamics in $B\to K^{*}μ^+μ^-$

We present an updated data-driven analysis of short- vs. long-distance dynamics in $B\to K^{*}μ^+μ^-$. The analysis is based on the recent LHCb measurement of the full angular distribution of this process, taking advantage of the previously published global amplitude fit. Thanks to the precise di-lepton invariant-mass binning and angular observables directly sensitive to absorptive phases, current data provide novel insights into non-local contributions. We analyze the latter using a dispersive description, whose free parameters are determined via the amplitude fit. The dispersive model provides a satisfactory overall description of current data, without the need to introduce additional ad hoc hadronic parameters. The extracted value of the short-distance coefficient $C_9$ is lower than its Standard Model prediction, but significantly closer to it than in analyses where long-distance contributions are not constrained by data. The overall tension with the SM does not exceed the $2σ$ level. We also obtain precise postdictions for the angular observables $S_{7,8,9}$, and envisage novel consistency tests among them. In view of future, more precise data, these could provide valuable tests of the description of non-local effects in this process that, if further validated, would enable an even more robust extraction of short-distance information.

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arXiv2026

Angular Analysis of $B \to D^{*}\ell \barν_{\ell}$ from Lattice and Experiment: $|V_{cb}|$ and New Physics Constraints

We present a combined angular analysis within and beyond the Standard Model (SM) of experimental measurements for the $B \to D^{*}\ell \barν_{\ell}$ angular coefficients provided by the Belle collaboration, together with lattice-calculated hadronic form-factor data from the HPQCD, JLQCD, and FNAL/MILC collaborations. We focus on determining the CKM matrix element $|V_{cb}|$ and constraining a set of Wilson coefficients associated with new physics (NP) mediated by scalar and tensor currents. SM predictions for the angular coefficients are obtained using form-factor parameterisations based on the Boyd-Grinstein-Lebed (BGL) ansatz, with unitarity constraints imposed as Bayesian priors. Experimental and theoretical data are analysed jointly by considering the cases $\ell = e, μ$ separately and comparing with the massless approximation. For the latter, we determine $|V_{cb}| = 0.03997(71)$, with no resolution of the exclusive-inclusive puzzle. Using the full expressions for the angular coefficients in the presence of scalar, vector, and tensor currents, the corresponding Wilson coefficients are constrained through a joint Bayesian fit to lattice and experimental data. By including the renormalisation group evolution of the Wilson coefficients in the SM effective field theory (SMEFT), these constraints translate into bounds on the effective scale of potential heavy NP at the TeV scale. We find, at the $68\%$ confidence level, that NP mediated by a scalar leptoquark and a vector leptoquark/colourless scalar boson are excluded at the effective scales 1.0 and 2.5 TeV, respectively.

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arXiv2026

Probing Lepton Flavour Universality with $Λ_b$ decays to $τ^+τ^-$ final states

We present a study of the rare baryonic decay $Λ_b \to Λτ^+ τ^-$ as a probe of new physics (NP) coupled preferentially to third-generation fermions. Within the Standard Model, we evaluate the branching ratio and the lepton-flavour-universality (LFU) ratio $R_Λ^{τ/μ}$, including both perturbative and long-distance charm contributions. We show that the LFU ratio can be predicted with an uncertainty below 10%. Possible NP effects arising from lepton non-universal dynamics are analysed within an effective field theory framework motivated by the current anomalies in $b \to cτν$ and $b \to sμ^+μ^-$ transitions. In this context, $R_Λ^{τ/μ}$ can be enhanced by several orders of magnitude, offering a clear target for upcoming searches. The implications for the related mode $Λ_b \to pKτ^+τ^-$ are also briefly discussed.

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arXiv2025

Precision Tests in $b\to s\ell^+\ell^-$ ($\ell=e,μ$) at FCC-ee

The rare semi-leptonic decays $B\to K^\ast \ell^+\ell^-$, with $\ell=e, μ$, are highly sensitive to new physics (NP) due to their suppression in the Standard Model (SM). Current LHCb measurements in the muon channel exhibit a significant tension with state-of-the-art SM theory predictions. The proposed tera-$Z$ run at FCC-ee provides a unique opportunity to untangle the origin of this tension by producing a very large sample of $B$-mesons in a clean $e^+e^-$ environment. We explore the expected precision of $B\to K^\ast \ell^+\ell^-$ ($\ell=e, μ$) measurements at FCC-ee, complementing existing studies with $τ^+τ^-$ in the final state, and compare with HL-LHC projections. For the case of muons in the final state, we show that HL-LHC and FCC-ee are expected to deliver a similar number of events, while the latter performs much better in the case of final state electrons. Regardless of the lepton flavour, we expect the FCC-ee environment to be much cleaner than at HL-LHC, with subleading systematics. We also find that a significant reduction in theory uncertainties on the SM predictions is required to capitalize on the advantage going from HL-LHC to FCC-ee. We demonstrate the power of such measurements at FCC-ee to extract information on the long-distance contribution to these decays, and to reveal evidence for new physics even if no deviations are seen in electroweak precision tests.

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arXiv2025

Challenging $\bar{B}_{(s)}\to D_{(s)}^{(*)}$ Form Factors with the Heavy Quark Expansion

Recent publications by three lattice QCD collaborations have provided an unprecedented wealth of theoretical predictions for the $\bar{B}_q \to D_q^{(*)}$ form factors, for spectator flavours $q=u/d$ and $q=s$. We analyse these predictions within the framework of the heavy-quark expansion (HQE) to order $α_s$, $1/m_b$, and $1/m_c^2$. For the first time, our analysis imposes unitarity bounds for all of the $\bar{B}_q^{(*)} \to D_q^{(*)}$ form factors; this includes newly identified tensor form factors arising in $\bar{B}_q^*\to D_q^{(*)}$. This enables us to treat all form factors in the same fashion. At the level of our present analysis, the inclusion of the tensor bounds is not yet constraining the HQE parameter space. We find the lattice QCD results to be well compatible with each other in a joint HQE fit as well as with QCD sum rule estimates that were used in previous HQE analyses. This is in contrast to the strong variability of the posterior predictions, in particular of the form factors ratios $R_0$ and $R_2$. Using the posterior distributions of our HQE analysis, we provide predictions for angular observables and LFU ratios in the $\bar{B}_q \to D_q^{(*)}\ell^-\barν$ decays.

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arXiv2025

Kaon Physics: A Cornerstone for Future Discoveries

The kaon physics programme, long heralded as a cutting-edge frontier by the European Strategy for Particle Physics, continues to stand at the intersection of discovery and innovation in high-energy physics (HEP). With its unparalleled capacity to explore new physics at the multi-TeV scale, kaon research is poised to unveil phenomena that could reshape our understanding of the Universe. This document highlights the compelling physics case, with emphasis on exciting new opportunities for advancing kaon physics not only in Europe but also on a global stage. As an important player in the future of HEP, the kaon programme promises to drive transformative breakthroughs, inviting exploration at the forefront of scientific discovery.

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arXiv2025

QED effects in inclusive semi-leptonic $B$ decays

We analyse in detail the QED corrections to the total decay width and the moments of the electron energy spectrum of the inclusive semi-leptonic $B \to X_c e ν$ decay. Our calculation includes short-distance electroweak corrections, the complete ${\cal O}(α)$ partonic terms and leading-logarithmic QED effects up to ${\cal O}(Λ^3_{\rm QCD}/m_b^3)$. A comprehensive numerical comparison of our results against those obtained with the Monte Carlo (MC) tool PHOTOS is presented. While the comparison indicates good overall agreement, our computation contains QED effects not included in PHOTOS and should therefore better describe photon radiation to $B \to X_c e ν$ as measured by the $B$-factories. Our calculations represent the first steps in the construction of a fully differential higher-order QED MC generator for inclusive semi-leptonic $B$ decays.

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arXiv2025

Probing third-generation New Physics with $K\to πν\barν$ and $B\to K^{(*)} ν\barν$

The recent observation of the $K^+ \to π^+ ν\barν$ decay by NA62 is an important milestone in precision flavor physics. Together with evidence of $B^+ \to K^+ν\barν$ reported by Belle-II, they are the only FCNC decays involving third-family leptons where a precision close to the SM expectation has been reached. We study the implications of these recent results in the context of a new physics scenario aligned to the third generation, with an approximate $U(2)^5$ flavor symmetry acting on the light families. We find that the slight excess observed in both channels supports the hypothesis of non-standard TeV dynamics of this type, as also hinted at by other $B$-meson decays, consistently with bounds from colliders and electroweak observables. We further discuss how future improvements in precision could affect this picture, highlighting the discovery potential in these di-neutrino modes.

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arXiv2024

New strategies for probing $B\to D^\ast \ell\barν_\ell$ lattice and experimental data

We present an analysis of the exclusive semileptonic decay $B\to D^\ast \ell\barν_\ell$ based on the Belle and Belle II data made public in 2023, combined with recent lattice-QCD calculations of the hadronic transition form factors by FNAL/MILC, HPQCD and JLQCD. We also consider a new combination of the Belle and Belle II data sets by HFLAV. The analysis is based on the form-factor parameterisation by Boyd-Grinstein-Lebed (BGL), using Bayesian and frequentist statistics, for which we discuss novel strategies. We compare the results of an analysis where the BGL parameterisation is fit only to the lattice data with those from a simultaneous fit to lattice and experiment, and discuss the resulting predictions for the CKM-matrix element $V_{cb}$, as well as other phenomenological observables, such as $R^{τ/μ}(D^\ast)$. We find tensions when comparing analyses based on different combinations of experimental or theoretical input, requiring the introduction of a systematic error for some of our results.

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arXiv2024

Short- vs. long-distance physics in $B\to K^{(*)} \ell^+\ell^-$: a data-driven analysis

We analyze data on $B\to Kμ^+μ^-$ and $B\to K^*μ^+μ^-$ decays in the whole dilepton invariant mass spectrum with the aim of disentangling short- vs. long-distance contributions. The sizable long-distance amplitudes from $c \bar{c}$ narrow resonances are taken into account by employing a dispersive approach. For each available $q^2=m_{μμ}^2$ bin and each helicity amplitude an independent determination of the Wilson coefficient $C_9$, describing $b\to s\ell^+\ell^-$ transitions at short distances, is obtained. The consistency of the $C_9$ values thus obtained provides an a posteriori check of the absence of additional, sizable, long-distance contributions. The systematic difference of these values from the Standard Model expectation supports the hypothesis of a non-standard $b\to s μ^+μ^-$ amplitude of short-distance origin.

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arXiv2024

Focus topics for the ECFA study on Higgs / Top / EW factories

In order to stimulate new engagement and trigger some concrete studies in areas where further work would be beneficial towards fully understanding the physics potential of an $e^+e^-$ Higgs / Top / Electroweak factory, we propose to define a set of focus topics. The general reasoning and the proposed topics are described in this document.

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arXiv2023

$τ_{B_{s}}/τ_{B_{d}}$ and $ΔΓ_{s}$ confront new physics in $b\to sττ$

Several new physics scenarios that address anomalies in $B$-physics predict an enhancement of $b \rightarrow s ττ$ with respect to its Standard Model prediction. Such scenarios necessarily imply modifications of the lifetime ratio $τ_{B_{s}}/τ_{B_{d}}$ and the lifetime difference $ΔΓ_{s}$. In this work, we explore indirect bounds provided by these observables over new physics scenarios. We also estimate future projections, showing that future experimental and theoretical improvements on both $τ_{B_{s}}/τ_{B_{d}}$ and $ΔΓ_{s}$ have the potential to provide bounds competitive with those directly extracted from $b\rightarrow s ττ$ transitions. After performing a model-independent analysis, we apply our results to the particular case of leptoquark mediators proposed to address the $R_{D^{(*)}}$ anomalies.

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arXiv2023

Dispersive analysis of $Λ_b \to Λ(1520)$ local form factors

We perform an analysis of $Λ_b\toΛ(1520)$ local form factors. We use dispersive techniques to provide a model-independent parametrisation of the form factors that can be used in the whole kinematic region. We use lattice QCD data to constrain the free parameters in the form factors expansion, which is further constrained by endpoint relations, dispersive bounds, and SCET relations. We analyse different scenarios, where we expand the form factors up to different orders, and their viability. Finally, we use our results to obtain predictions for some observables in $Λ_b\toΛ(1520)\ell^+\ell^-$ decays, as the differential branching ratio, the forward-backwards lepton asymmetry and the branching ratio of $Λ_b\toΛ(1520)γ$. Finally, we provide a python notebook based on the software EOS to reproduce our result.

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arXiv2023

New Sum Rules for the $B_c \to J/ψ$ Form Factors

We derive new sum rules for the form factors of the $B_c\to J/ψ\, \ell \barν_\ell$ semileptonic transitions, employing the vacuum-to-$B_c$ correlation function of the $J/ψ$-interpolating and $b\to c$ weak currents. In the heavy quark limit and at a space-like momentum transfer to the weak current, a local operator-product expansion is valid for this correlation function. As a result, in the leading power, the non-perturbative input is reduced to the decay constant of $B_c$ meson. Furthermore, applying hadronic dispersion relation in the $J/ψ$ channel, we find that a non-vanishing OPE spectral density in the duality interval of $J/ψ$ emerges only at $\mathcal{O}(α_s)$. We calculate this density in the relevant kinematic regime. The $B_c\to J/ψ$ form factors at space-like momentum transfer are then calculated from the new sum rules.

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arXiv2022

The semileptonic $B_s$ and $Λ_b$ widths

We present estimates of the semileptonic widths of the $B_s$ and $Λ_b$ hadrons. We employ the latest fit to the $B$ inclusive semileptonic data, the heavy quark expansion and lattice QCD results. Our results suffer from large uncertainties that could be reduced with dedicated measurements and new lattice QCD calculations.

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arXiv2021

EOS -- A Software for Flavor Physics Phenomenology

EOS is an open-source software for a variety of computational tasks in flavor physics. Its use cases include theory predictions within and beyond the Standard Model of particle physics, Bayesian inference of theory parameters from experimental and theoretical likelihoods, and simulation of pseudo events for a number of signal processes. EOS ensures high-performance computations through a C++ back-end and ease of usability through a Python front-end. To achieve this flexibility, EOS enables the user to select from a variety of implementations of the relevant decay processes and hadronic matrix elements at run time. In this article, we describe the general structure of the software framework and provide basic examples. Further details and in-depth interactive examples are provided as part of the EOS online documentation.

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arXiv2021

Three loop calculations and inclusive $V_{cb}$

We discuss the impact of the recent $\mathcal{O}(α_s^3)$ calculations of the semileptonic width of the $b$ quark and of the relation between pole and kinetic heavy quark masses by Fael et al. on the inclusive determination of $|V_{cb}|$. The most notable effect is a reduction of the uncertainty. Our final result is $|V_{cb}|=42.16(51)\, 10^{-3}$.

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