arXiv subjects
Publications and source records attributed to O. Pène.
The thermal average of the Polyakov line is non-zero at high temperature. It has been suggested that its phase could be relevant for baryogenesis within the standard model, providing a source of spontaneously broken CP violation. This scenario suffers from a causal domain problem which cannot be cured by inflation: quantum fluctuations in de Sitter space overwhelm the periodicity of the potential.
We show that quark models of current matrix-elements based on the Bakamjian-Thomas construction of relativistic states with a fixed number of particles, plus the additivity assumption, are covariant in the heavy-quark limit and satisfy the full set of heavy-quark symmetry relations discovered by Isgur and Wise. We find the lower bound of $ρ^2$ in such models to be $3/4$ for ground state mesons, independently of any parameter. Another welcome property of these models is that in the infinite momentum limit the wave functions vanish outside the domain $0\le x \le 1$.
A major problem in the determination of the the CP angle $α$, that should be measured through modes of the type $B_d, \bar{B}_d \to ππ, \cdots ,$ is the uncertainty coming from Penguin diagrams. We consider the different ground state modes $ππ$, $πρ$, $ρρ$, and, assuming the FSI phases to be negligible, we investigate the amount of uncertainty coming from Penguins that can be parametrized by a dilution factor $D$ and an angle shift $Δα$. The parameter $D$ is either 1 or very close to 1 in all these modes, and it can be measured independently, up to a sign ambiguity, by the $t$ dependence. Assuming factorization, we show that $Δα$ is much smaller for the modes $ρπ$ and $ρρ$ than for $ππ$, and we plot their allowed region as a function of $α$ itself. Moreover, we show that most of the modes contribute to the asymmetry with the same sign, and define for their sum an effective $D_{eff}$ and an effective $Δα_{eff}$, an average of $Δα$ for the different modes. It turns out that $D_{eff}$ is of the order of 0.9, $Δα_{eff}$ is between 5 $\%$ and 10 $\%$ and, relative to $ππ$, the statistical gain for the sum is of about a factor 10. Finally, we compute the ratios $Kπ/ππ, \cdots$ that test the strength of the Penguins and depend on the CP angles, as emphasized by Silva and Wolfenstein and by Deandrea et al.
We underline the general features of the constituent quark model and its success in the description of the spectrum and transitions of hadrons made up of light or heavy quarks, briefly compared to first principles of QCD. To show the present usefulness of the techniques and intuitive insight of the model we present a semirelativistic quark model of meson form factors that exhibits Isgur-Wise scaling and corrections to it. As examples of applications, we consider semileptonic form factors and non-leptonic decays of heavy flavor mesons. We address the issue of the violation of factorization, and show how the quark model can give hints on the problem.
We review mixing and CP violation in $D$ mesons, emphasizing the differences with the other pseudoscalar mesons in the Standard Model, and show that $D$ mesons can be useful to look for physics beyond the Standard Model.
Lattice QCD is the only non-perturbative method based uniquely on the first principles of QCD. After a very simple introduction to the principles of lattice QCD, I discuss its present limitations and the type of processes it can deal with. Then I present some striking results in the light and heavy quarks sectors. Finally I try to guess the prospects.
We study in a quark model the contradiction between factorization and duality found in nonleptonic decays at next to leading order in $1/N_c$, concentrating on quark exchange mechanism. The contradiction originates in the fact that the standard factorization assumption approximates the asymptotic final states by a non-orthogonal set of states, thus leading to an overcounting of the decay probability. We consider a system with two heavy quarks treated as classical color sources with constant velocity, and two mass-degenerate antiquarks. Exploiting permutation symmetry in an adiabatic approximation, we find that final state interaction restores duality. Three $O(1/N_c)$ effects are exhibited: i) a proper treatment of orthogonality yields a global correction $1/N_c\to 1/2N_c$ within a generalized factorization à la BSW, (such a factor was present in an Ansatz by Shifman), ii) the distorsion of the meson wave functions at the time of the weak decay, iii) relative phases generated by the later evolution. The latter effect becomes dominant for light antiquarks or for a small velocity of the final mesons, and may thoroughly modify the factorization picture. For exclusive decay it may interchange the role of class I and class II final channels, and for semi-inclusive decay it may lead to an equal sharing of the probability between the two sets of final states. In the heavy antiquark and large velocity limit, the replacement $1/N_c\to 1/2N_c$ is the dominant correction.
We point out that current estimates of form factors fail to explain the non-leptonic decays $B \to ψK(K^{\ast})$ and that the combination of data on the semi-leptonic decays $D \to K(K^{\ast})\ell ν$ and on the non-leptonic decays $B \to ψK(K^{\ast})$ (in particular recent po\-la\-ri\-za\-tion data) severely constrain the form (normalization and $q^2$ dependence) of the heavy-to-light meson form factors, if we assume the factorization hypothesis for the latter. From a simultaneous fit to \bpsi and \dk data we find that strict heavy quark limit scaling laws applied to the form factors do not hold when going from $D$ to $B$ and must have large corrections that make softer the dependence on the masses. This is in contrast with the matrix elements themselves which are found to need smaller $1/m_Q$ corrections to the asymptotic heavy quark scaling laws. We also find that $A_1(q^2)$ should increase slower with \qq than $A_2, V, f_+$. We propose a simple parametrization of these corrections based on a quark model or on an extension of the \hhs laws to the \hl case, complemented with an approximately constant $A_1(q^2)$. This model may be viewed as assuming a precocious validity of strict heavy quark scaling laws for the current matrix elements. Although this model reproduces qualitatively the wanted features for mass and $q^2$ dependence, and thus reduces the discrepancy with data, it is insufficient to reach a full agreement with the experiment. In our opinion the puzzle is still there.
We point out that current estimates of form factors fail to explain the non-leptonic decays $B \to ψK(K^{\ast})$ and that the combination of data on the semi-leptonic decays $D \to K(K^{\ast})\ell ν$ and on the non-leptonic decays $B \to ψK(K^{\ast})$ (in particular recent po\-la\-ri\-za\-tion data) severely constrain the form (normalization and $q^2$ dependence) of the heavy-to-light meson form factors, if we assume the factorization hypothesis for the latter. From a simultaneous fit to \bpsi and \dk data we find that strict heavy quark limit scaling laws do not hold when going from $D$ to $B$ and must have large corrections that make softer the dependence on the masses. We find that $A_1(q^2)$ should increase slower with \qq than $A_2, V, f_+$. We propose a simple parametrization of these corrections based on a quark model or on an extension of the \hhs laws to the \hl case, complemented with an approximately constant $A_1(q^2)$. We analyze in the light of these data and theoretical input various theoretical approaches (lattice calculations, QCD sum rules, quark models) and point out the origin of the difficulties encountered by most of these schemes. In particular we check the compatibility of several quark models with the heavy quark scaling relations.
Simply on CP arguments, we argue against a Standard Model explanation of baryogenesis via the charge transport mechanism. A CP-asymmetry is found in the reflection coefficients of quarks hitting the electroweak phase boundary created during a first order phase transition. The problem is analyzed both in an academic zero temperature case and in the realistic finite temperature one. At finite temperature, a crucial role is played by the damping rate of quasi-quarks in a hot plasma, which induces loss of spatial coherence and suppresses reflection on the boundary even at tree-level. The resulting baryon asymmetry is many orders of magnitude below what observation requires. We comment as well on related works.
To help the difficult determination of the angle $γ$ of the unitarity triangle, Aleksan, Dunietz and Kayser have proposed the modes of the type $K^-D^+_s$, common to $B_s$ and $\bar{B}_s$. We point out that it is possible to gain in statistics by a sum over all modes with ground state mesons in the final state, i.e. $K^-D^+_s$, $K^{*-}D_+^s$, $K^-D^{*+}_s$, $K^{*-}D^{*+}_s$. The delicate point is the relative phase of these different contributions to the dilution factor $D$ of the time-dependent asymmetry. Each contribution to $D$ is proportional to a product $F^{cb}$ $F^{ub}$ $f_{D_s}$ $f_K$ where $F$ denotes form factors and $f$ decay constants. Within a definite phase convention, lattice calculations do not show any change in sign when extrapolating to light quarks the form factors and decay constants. Then, we can show that all modes contribute constructively to the dilution factor, except the $P$-wave $K^{*-}D^{*+}_s$, which is small. Quark model arguments based on wave function overlaps also confirm this stability in sign. By summing over all these modes we find a gain of a factor 6 in statistics relatively to $K^-D^+_s$. The dilution factor for the sum $D_{tot}$ is remarkably stable for theoretical schemes that are not in very strong conflict with data on $B \to ψK(K^*)$ or extrapolated from semileptonic charm form factors, giving $D_{tot} \geq 0.6$, always close to $D(K^- D^+_s)$.
To start the $b$-decay session we briefly introduce and comment some important theoretical tools which are currently used in $b$ physics. Heavy Quark Symmetry and its consequences for heavy to heavy and heavy to light semi-leptonic decays, as well as for leptonic decays, are briefly summarised. It is stressed that symmetry must be completed with dynamical calculations. A critical discussion of the nearest pole dominance (VMD) assumption is performed. Parton model and its higher twist corrections are discussed on the example of lifetimes. Finally non-leptonic decays are considered via the example of the exclusive calculation of $ΔΓ$ in the $B_s-\overline B_s$ system. The popular factorization assumption is discussed and seems to be rather good.
The heavy to light form factors in $B$ decays are discussed. Critical discussion of theoretical approaches is made with special emphasis on their failure to describe the $B \to K^{(\ast )}ψ$ data.
We consider the scattering of quasi-particles off the boundary created during a first order electroweak phase transition. Spatial coherence is lost due to the quasi-quark damping rate, and we show that reflection on the boundary is suppressed, even at tree-level. Simply on CP considerations, we argue against electroweak baryogenesis in the Standard Model via the charge transport mechanism. A CP asymmetry is produced in the reflection properties of quarks and antiquarks hitting the phase boundary. An effect is present at order $α_W^2$ in rate and a regular GIM behaviour is found, which can be expressed in terms of two unitarity triangles. A crucial role is played by the damping rate of quasi-particles in a hot plasma, which is a relevant scale together with $M_W$ and the temperature. The effect is many orders of magnitude below what observation requires.
We consider quantum effects in a world with two coexisting symmetry phases, unbroken and spontaneously broken, as a result of a first order phase transition. The discrete symmetries of the problem are discussed in general. We compute the exact two-point Green function for a free fermion, when a thin wall separates the two phases. The Dirac propagator displays both massive and massless poles, and new CP-even phases resulting from the fermion reflection on the wall. We discuss the possible quark-antiquark CP asymmetries produced in the Standard Model(SM) for the academic $T=0$ case. General arguments indicate that an effect first appears at order $α_W$ in the reflection amplitude, as the wall acts as a source of momentum and the on-shell one-loop self-energy cannot be renormalized away. The asymmetries stem from the interference of the SM CP-odd couplings and the CP-even phases in the propagator. We perform a toy computation that indicates the type of GIM cancellations of the problem. The behaviour can be expressed in terms of two unitarity triangles.
Simply based on CP arguments, we argue against a Standard Model explanation of the baryon asymmetry of the universe in the presence of a first order phase transition. A CP-asymmetry is found in the reflection coefficients of quarks hitting the phase boundary created during the electroweak transition. The problem is analyzed both in an academic zero temperature case and in the realistic finite temperature one. The building blocks are similar in both cases: Kobayashi-Maskawa CP-violation, CP-even phases in the reflection coefficients of quarks, and physical transitions due to fermion self-energies. In both cases an effect is present at order $α_W^2$ in rate. A standard GIM behaviour is found as intuitively expected. In the finite temperature case, a crucial role is played by the damping rate of quasi-particles in a hot plasma, which is a relevant scale together with $M_W$ and the temperature. The effect is many orders of magnitude below what observation requires, and indicates that non standard physics is indeed needed in the cosmological scenario.
We argue that a Tau-Charm factory (TCF) could improve our knowledge of CKM matrix elements since it is an incomparable tool to check the models and methods applied to extract $V_{bu}$ from $B$ decay partial widths. We report on some recent proposals to improve on parton model. Turning to exclusive decays, we compare the predictions from quark models, QCD sum rules, effective Lagrangians and lattice QCD. Quark models have anticipated on heavy quark symmetry. Their difficutly to account for the $q^2$ dependence might be partly cured by relativistic corrections. QCD sum rules and lattice seem to disagree on the $q^2$ dependence of axial form factors. We discuss the extrapolation from $D$ to $B$. Present uncertainties do not allow to predict reliably the $B\raπ,ρl ν$ matrix elements. We argue that QCD sum rules are in a good position to study $q^2$ dependence down to $q^2=0$. Lattice QCD is able to check the heavy quark scaling laws for the heavy to light semileptonic decays. It seems to confirm the increase of $A_2/A_1$ from $D$ to $B$ meson predicted by the scaling laws. Finally semileptonic decays in a TCF would give incomparable informations on $Kπ$ phase shifts, and on $K^{**}$ resonances.
We present the results of a numerical calculation of semi-leptonic form factors relevant for heavy flavour meson decays into light mesons, at $β=6.4$ on a $24^3 \times 60$ lattice, using the Wilson action in the quenched approximation. We obtain $f^+_K(0)=0.65\pm 0.18$, $V(0)=0.95\pm 0.34$, $A_1(0)=0.63\pm 0.14 $ and $A_2(0)=0.45\pm 0.33 $. We also obtain $A_1(q^2_{max})=0.62\pm 0.09$, $V(0)/A_1(0)=1.5\pm 0.28 $ and $A_2(0)/A_1(0)=0.7\pm 0.4$. The results for $f^+_K(0)$, $V(0)$ and $A_1(0)$ are consistent with the experimental data and with previous lattice determinations with larger lattice spacings. In the case of $A_2(0)$ the errors are too large to draw any firm conclusion. We have also extrapolated the form factors to the B meson, showing a behaviour compatible with the predictions by the heavy quark effective theory (HQET). Within large uncertainties, our results suggest that $A_2/A_1$ increases with the heavy quark mass. We also get very rough estimates for the partial decay widths $B \rightarrow πl ν_l)=\vert V_{ub} \vert^2 (12 \pm 8) 10^{12} s^{-1}$ and $Γ(B \rightarrow ρl ν_l)=\vert V_{ub} \vert^2 (13 \pm12) 10^{12} s^{-1}$, which can be used to give upper bounds on the rates