arXiv subjects

P. Billoir

Publications and source records attributed to P. Billoir.

At least 523 records · Page 29Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

Measurement of the mass and lifetime of the $Ω_b^-$ baryon

A proton-proton collision data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb$^{-1}$ collected by LHCb at $\sqrt{s}=7$ and 8 TeV, is used to reconstruct $63\pm9$ $Ω_b^-\toΩ_c^0π^-$, $Ω_c^0\to pK^-K^-π^+$ decays. Using the $Ξ_b^-\toΞ_c^0π^-$, $Ξ_c^0\to pK^-K^-π^+$ decay mode for calibration, the lifetime ratio and absolute lifetime of the $Ω_b^-$ baryon are measured to be \begin{align*} \frac{τ_{Ω_b^-}}{τ_{Ξ_b^-}} &= 1.11\pm0.16\pm0.03, \\ τ_{Ω_b^-} &= 1.78\pm0.26\pm0.05\pm0.06~{\rm ps}, \end{align*} where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic and from the calibration mode (for $τ_{Ω_b^-}$ only). A measurement is also made of the mass difference, $m_{Ω_b^-}-m_{Ξ_b^-}$, and the corresponding $Ω_b^-$ mass, which yields \begin{align*} m_{Ω_b^-}-m_{Ξ_b^-} &= 247.4\pm3.2\pm0.5~{\rm MeV}/c^2, \\ m_{Ω_b^-} &= 6045.1\pm3.2\pm 0.5\pm0.6~{\rm MeV}/c^2. \end{align*} These results are consistent with previous measurements.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

Prototype muon detectors for the AMIGA component of the Pierre Auger Observatory

Auger Muons and Infill for the Ground Array) is an upgrade of the Pierre Auger Observatory to extend its range of detection and to directly measure the muon content of the particle showers. It consists of an infill of surface water-Cherenkov detectors accompanied by buried scintillator detectors used for muon counting. The main objectives of the AMIGA engineering array, referred to as the Unitary Cell, are to identify and resolve all engineering issues as well as to understand the muon-number counting uncertainties related to the design of the detector. The mechanical design, fabrication and deployment processes of the muon counters of the Unitary Cell are described in this document. These muon counters modules comprise sealed PVC casings containing plastic scintillation bars, wavelength-shifter optical fibers, 64 pixel photomultiplier tubes, and acquisition electronics. The modules are buried approximately 2.25 m below ground level in order to minimize contamination from electromagnetic shower particles. The mechanical setup, which allows access to the electronics for maintenance, is also described in addition to tests of the modules' response and integrity. The completed Unitary Cell has measured a number of air showers of which a first analysis of a sample event is included here.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2016

Measurement of the difference of time-integrated CP asymmetries in $D^0 \rightarrow K^{-} K^{+} $ and $D^0 \rightarrow π^{-} π^{+} $ decays

A search for CP violation in $D^0 \rightarrow K^{-} K^{+} $ and $D^0 \rightarrow π^{-} π^{+} $ decays is performed using $pp$ collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $3~fb^{-1}$, collected using the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and $8~$TeV. The flavour of the charm meson is inferred from the charge of the pion in $D^{*+}\rightarrow D^0π^+$ and $D^{*-}\rightarrow \bar{D^0}π^{-}$ decays. The difference between the CP asymmetries in $D^0 \rightarrow K^{-} K^{+} $ and $D^0 \rightarrow π^{-} π^{+} $ decays, $ΔA_{CP} \equiv A_{CP}(K^{-} K^{+}) - A_{CP}(π^{-} π^{+})$, is measured to be $\left( -0.10 \pm 0.08(stat) \pm 0.03(syst) \right) \%$. This is the most precise measurement of a time-integrated CP asymmetry in the charm sector from a single experiment.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

Observation of $B^0_s\to\bar{D}^0 K^0_S$ and evidence for $B^0_s\to\bar{D}^{*0} K^0_S$ decays

The first observation of the $B^0_s\to\bar{D}^0 K^0_S$ decay mode and evidence for the $B^0_s\to\bar{D}^{*0} K^0_S$ decay mode are reported. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 $\text{fb}^{-1}$ collected in $pp$ collisions by LHCb at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The branching fractions are measured to be \begin{align*} \mathcal{B}(B^0_s\to\bar{D}^0 \bar{K}^0) &= (4.3\pm0.5(\text{stat})\pm0.3(\text{syst})\pm0.3(\text{frag})\pm0.6(\text{norm}))\times10^{-4},\\ \mathcal{B}(B^0_s\to\bar{D}^{*0} \bar{K}^0) &= (2.8\pm1.0(\text{stat})\pm0.3(\text{syst})\pm0.2(\text{frag})\pm0.4(\text{norm}))\times10^{-4}, \end{align*} where the uncertainties are due to contributions coming from statistical precision, systematic effects, and the precision of two external inputs, the ratio $f_s/f_d$ and the branching fraction of $B^0\to\bar{D}^0 K^0_S$, which is used as a calibration channel.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

Observation of the $B_s^0 \rightarrow J/ψϕϕ$ decay

The $B_s^0 \rightarrow J/ψϕϕ$ decay is observed in $pp$ collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb$^{-1}$ recorded by the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies of 7 TeV and 8 TeV. This is the first observation of this decay channel, with a statistical significance of 15 standard deviations. The mass of the $B_s^0$ meson is measured to be $5367.08\,\pm \,0.38\,\pm\, 0.15$ MeV/c$^2$. The branching fraction ratio $\mathcal{B}(B_s^0 \rightarrow J/ψϕϕ)/\mathcal{B}(B_s^0 \rightarrow J/ψϕ)$ is measured to be $0.0115\,\pm\, 0.0012\, ^{+0.0005}_{-0.0009}$. In both cases, the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. No evidence for non-resonant $B_s^0 \rightarrow J/ψϕK^+ K^-$ or $B_s^0 \rightarrow J/ψK^+ K^- K^+ K^-$ decays is found.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

Model-independent evidence for $J/ψp$ contributions to $Λ_b^0\to J/ψp K^-$ decays

The data sample of $Λ_b^0\to J/ψp K^-$ decays acquired with the LHCb detector from 7 and 8~TeV $pp$ collisions, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb$^{-1}$, is inspected for the presence of $J/ψp$ or $J/ψK^-$ contributions with minimal assumptions about $K^- p$ contributions. It is demonstrated at more than 9 standard deviations that $Λ_b^0\to J/ψp K^-$ decays cannot be described with $K^- p$ contributions alone, and that $J/ψp$ contributions play a dominant role in this incompatibility. These model-independent results support the previously obtained model-dependent evidence for $P_c^+\to J/ψp$ charmonium-pentaquark states in the same data sample.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

The Pierre Auger Observatory Upgrade - Preliminary Design Report

The Pierre Auger Observatory has begun a major Upgrade of its already impressive capabilities, with an emphasis on improved mass composition determination using the surface detectors of the Observatory. Known as AugerPrime, the upgrade will include new 4 m$^2$ plastic scintillator detectors on top of all 1660 water-Cherenkov detectors, updated and more flexible surface detector electronics, a large array of buried muon detectors, and an extended duty cycle for operations of the fluorescence detectors. This Preliminary Design Report was produced by the Collaboration in April 2015 as an internal document and information for funding agencies. It outlines the scientific and technical case for AugerPrime. We now release it to the public via the arXiv server. We invite you to review the large number of fundamental results already achieved by the Observatory and our plans for the future.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2016

Azimuthal asymmetry in the risetime of the surface detector signals of the Pierre Auger Observatory

The azimuthal asymmetry in the risetime of signals in Auger surface detector stations is a source of information on shower development. The azimuthal asymmetry is due to a combination of the longitudinal evolution of the shower and geometrical effects related to the angles of incidence of the particles into the detectors. The magnitude of the effect depends upon the zenith angle and state of development of the shower and thus provides a novel observable, $(\sec θ)_\mathrm{max}$, sensitive to the mass composition of cosmic rays above $3 \times 10^{18}$ eV. By comparing measurements with predictions from shower simulations, we find for both of our adopted models of hadronic physics (QGSJETII-04 and EPOS-LHC) an indication that the mean cosmic-ray mass increases slowly with energy, as has been inferred from other studies. However, the mass estimates are dependent on the shower model and on the range of distance from the shower core selected. Thus the method has uncovered further deficiencies in our understanding of shower modelling that must be resolved before the mass composition can be inferred from $(\sec θ)_\mathrm{max}$.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2016

Model-independent measurement of mixing parameters in $D^0 \to K_S π^+ π^-$ decays

The first model-independent measurement of the charm mixing parameters in the decay $D^0 \to K_S π^+ π^-$ is reported, using a sample of $pp$ collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb$^{-1}$ at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. The measured values are \begin{eqnarray*} x &=& (-0.86 \pm 0.53 \pm 0.17) \times 10^{-2}, \\ y &=& (+0.03 \pm 0.46 \pm 0.13) \times 10^{-2}, \end{eqnarray*} where the first uncertainties are statistical and include small contributions due to the external input for the strong phase measured by the CLEO collaboration, and the second uncertainties are systematic.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

Angular analysis of the $B^{0}\rightarrow K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-}$ decay using $3\,\mbox{fb}^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity

An angular analysis of the $B^{0}\rightarrow K^{*0}(\rightarrow K^{+}π^{-})μ^{+}μ^{-}$ decay is presented. The dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of $3.0\,{\mbox{fb}^{-1}}$ of $pp$ collision data collected at the LHCb experiment. The complete angular information from the decay is used to determine $C\!P$-averaged observables and $C\!P$ asymmetries, taking account of possible contamination from decays with the $K^{+}π^{-}$ system in an S-wave configuration. The angular observables and their correlations are reported in bins of $q^2$, the invariant mass squared of the dimuon system. The observables are determined both from an unbinned maximum likelihood fit and by using the principal moments of the angular distribution. In addition, by fitting for $q^2$-dependent decay amplitudes in the region $1.1<q^{2}<6.0\mathrm{\,Ge\kern -0.1em V}^{2}/c^{4}$, the zero-crossing points of several angular observables are computed. A global fit is performed to the complete set of $C\!P$-averaged observables obtained from the maximum likelihood fit. This fit indicates differences with predictions based on the Standard Model at the level of 3.4 standard deviations. These differences could be explained by contributions from physics beyond the Standard Model, or by an unexpectedly large hadronic effect that is not accounted for in the Standard Model predictions.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

Nanosecond-level time synchronization of autonomous radio detector stations for extensive air showers

To exploit the full potential of radio measurements of cosmic-ray air showers at MHz frequencies, a detector timing synchronization within 1 ns is needed. Large distributed radio detector arrays such as the Auger Engineering Radio Array (AERA) rely on timing via the Global Positioning System (GPS) for the synchronization of individual detector station clocks. Unfortunately, GPS timing is expected to have an accuracy no better than about 5 ns. In practice, in particular in AERA, the GPS clocks exhibit drifts on the order of tens of ns. We developed a technique to correct for the GPS drifts, and an independent method is used for cross-checks that indeed we reach nanosecond-scale timing accuracy by this correction. First, we operate a "beacon transmitter" which emits defined sine waves detected by AERA antennas recorded within the physics data. The relative phasing of these sine waves can be used to correct for GPS clock drifts. In addition to this, we observe radio pulses emitted by commercial airplanes, the position of which we determine in real time from Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcasts intercepted with a software-defined radio. From the known source location and the measured arrival times of the pulses we determine relative timing offsets between radio detector stations. We demonstrate with a combined analysis that the two methods give a consistent timing calibration with an accuracy of 2 ns or better. Consequently, the beacon method alone can be used in the future to continuously determine and correct for GPS clock drifts in each individual event measured by AERA.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2016

A model-independent confirmation of the $Z(4430)^-$ state

The decay $B^0\to ψ(2S) K^+π^-$ is analyzed using $\rm 3~fb^{-1}$ of $pp$ collision data collected with the LHCb detector. A model-independent description of the $ψ(2S) π$ mass spectrum is obtained, using as input the $Kπ$ mass spectrum and angular distribution derived directly from data, without requiring a theoretical description of resonance shapes or their interference. The hypothesis that the $ψ(2S)π$ mass spectrum can be described in terms of $Kπ$ reflections alone is rejected with more than 8$σ$ significance. This provides confirmation, in a model-independent way, of the need for an additional resonant component in the mass region of the $Z(4430)^-$ exotic state.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

Study of $D^{()+}_{sJ}$ mesons decaying to $D^{+} K^0_{\rm S}$ and $D^{*0} K^+$ final states

A search is performed for $D^{(*)+}_{sJ}$ mesons in the reactions $pp \to D^{*+} K^0_{\rm S} X$ and $pp \to D^{*0} K^+ X$ using data collected at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV with the LHCb detector. For the $D^{*+} K^0_{\rm S}$ final state, the decays $D^{*+} \to D^0 π^+$ with $D^0 \to K^- π^+$ and $D^0 \to K^- π^+ π^+ π^-$ are used. For $D^{*0} K^+$, the decay $D^{*0} \to D^0 π^0$ with $D^0 \to K^- π^+$ is used. A prominent $D_{s1}(2536)^+$ signal is observed in both $D^{*+} K^0_{\rm S}$ and $D^{*0} K^+$ final states. The resonances $D^*_{s1}(2700)^+$ and $D^*_{s3}(2860)^+$ are also observed, yielding information on their properties, including spin-parity assignments. The decay $D^*_{s2}(2573)^+ \to D^{*+} K^0_{\rm S}$ is observed for the first time, at a significance of 6.9 $σ$, and its branching fraction relative to the $D^*_{s2}(2573)^+ \to D^+ K^0_{\rm S}$ decay mode is measured.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

Measurement of forward $W$ and $Z$ boson production in $pp$ collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 8\mathrm{\,Te\kern -0.1em V}$

Measurements are presented of electroweak boson production using data from $pp$ collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s} = 8\mathrm{\,Te\kern -0.1em V}$. The analysis is based on an integrated luminosity of $2.0\mathrm{\,fb}^{-1}$ recorded with the LHCb detector. The bosons are identified in the $W\rightarrowμν$ and $Z\rightarrowμ^{+}μ^{-}$ decay channels. The cross-sections are measured for muons in the pseudorapidity range $2.0 < η< 4.5$, with transverse momenta $p_{\rm T} > 20{\mathrm{\,Ge\kern -0.1em V\!/}c}$ and, in the case of the $Z$ boson, a dimuon mass within $60 < M_{μ^{+}μ^{-}} < 120{\mathrm{\,Ge\kern -0.1em V\!/}c^{2}}$. The results are \begin{align*} σ_{W^{+}\rightarrowμ^{+}ν} &= 1093.6 \pm 2.1 \pm 7.2 \pm 10.9 \pm 12.7{\rm \,pb} \, , σ_{W^{-}\rightarrowμ^{-}\barν} &= \phantom{0}818.4 \pm 1.9 \pm 5.0 \pm \phantom{0}7.0 \pm \phantom{0}9.5{\rm \,pb} \, , σ_{Z\rightarrowμ^{+}μ^{-}} &= \phantom{00}95.0 \pm 0.3 \pm 0.7 \pm \phantom{0}1.1 \pm \phantom{0}1.1{\rm \,pb} \, , \end{align*} where the first uncertainties are statistical, the second are systematic, the third are due to the knowledge of the LHC beam energy and the fourth are due to the luminosity determination. The evolution of the $W$ and $Z$ boson cross-sections with centre-of-mass energy is studied using previously reported measurements with $1.0\mathrm{\,fb}^{-1}$ of data at $7\mathrm{\,Te\kern -0.1em V}$. Differential distributions are also presented. Results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions at next-to-next-to-leading order in perturbative quantum chromodynamics.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

Study of $ψ(2S)$ production and cold nuclear matter effects in pPb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=5~\mathrm{TeV}$

The production of $ψ(2S)$ mesons is studied in dimuon final states using proton-lead collision data collected by the LHCb detector. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of $1.6~\mathrm{nb}^{-1}$. The nucleon-nucleon centre-of-mass energy of the proton-lead collisions is $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=5~\mathrm{TeV}$. The measurement is performed using $ψ(2S)$ mesons with transverse momentum less than $14~\mathrm{GeV}/c$ and rapidity $y$ in the ranges $1.5<y<4.0$ and $-5.0<y<-2.5$ in the nucleon-nucleon centre-of-mass system. The forward-backward production ratio and the nuclear modification factor are determined for $ψ(2S)$ mesons. Using the production cross-section results of $ψ(2S)$ and $J/ψ$ mesons from $b$-hadron decays, the $b\bar{b}$ cross-section in pPb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=5~\mathrm{TeV}$ is obtained.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2016

Search for the lepton-flavour violating decay $D^0 \to e^\pmμ^\mp$

A search for the lepton-flavour violating decay $D^0 \to e^\pm μ^\mp$ is made with a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb$^{-1}$ of proton-proton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of $7$ TeV and $8$ TeV, collected by the LHCb experiment. Candidate $D^0$ mesons are selected using the decay $D^{*+} \to D^0 π^+$ and the $D^0 \to e^\pm μ^\mp$ branching fraction is measured using the decay mode $D^0 \to K^-π^+$ as a normalisation channel. No significant excess of $D^0 \to e^\pm μ^\mp$ candidates over the expected background is seen, and a limit is set on the branching fraction, $\mathcal{B}(D^0 \to e^\pm μ^\mp) < 1.3 \times 10^{-8}$, at 90 % confidence level. This is an order of magnitude lower than the previous limit and it further constrains the parameter space in some leptoquark models and in supersymmetric models with R-parity violation.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

Study of the production of $Λ_b^0$ and $\overline{B}^0$ hadrons in $pp$ collisions and first measurement of the $Λ_b^0\rightarrow J/ψpK^-$ branching fraction

The product of the $Λ_b^0$ ($\overline{B}^0$) differential production cross-section and the branching fraction of the decay $Λ_b^0\rightarrow J/ψpK^-$ ($\overline{B}^0\rightarrow J/ψ\overline{K}^*(892)^0$) is measured as a function of the beauty hadron transverse momentum, $p_{\rm T}$, and rapidity, $y$. The kinematic region of the measurements is $p_{\rm T}<20~{\rm GeV}/c$ and $2.0<y<4.5$. The measurements use a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $3~{\rm fb}^{-1}$ collected by the LHCb detector in $pp$ collisions at centre-of-mass energies $\sqrt{s}=7~{\rm TeV}$ in 2011 and $\sqrt{s}=8~{\rm TeV}$ in 2012. Based on previous LHCb results of the fragmentation fraction ratio, $f_{Λ_B^0}/f_d$, the branching fraction of the decay $Λ_b^0\rightarrow J/ψpK^-$ is measured to be \begin{equation*} \mathcal{B}(Λ_b^0\rightarrow J/ψpK^-)= (3.17\pm0.04\pm0.07\pm0.34^{+0.45}_{-0.28})\times10^{-4}, \end{equation*} where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, the third is due to the uncertainty on the branching fraction of the decay $\overline{B}^0\rightarrow J/ψ\overline{K}^*(892)^0$, and the fourth is due to the knowledge of $f_{Λ_b^0}/f_d$. The sum of the asymmetries in the production and decay between $Λ_b^0$ and $\overlineΛ_b^0$ is also measured as a function of $p_{\rm T}$ and $y$. The previously published branching fraction of $Λ_b^0\rightarrow J/ψpπ^-$, relative to that of $Λ_b^0\rightarrow J/ψpK^-$, is updated. The branching fractions of $Λ_b^0\rightarrow P_c^+(\rightarrow J/ψp)K^-$ are determined.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2015

Measurement of the forward-backward asymmetry in $Z/γ^{\ast} \rightarrow μ^{+}μ^{-}$ decays and determination of the effective weak mixing angle

The forward-backward charge asymmetry for the process $q\bar{q} \rightarrow Z/γ^{\ast} \rightarrow μ^{+}μ^{-}$ is measured as a function of the invariant mass of the dimuon system. Measurements are performed using proton proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector at $\sqrt{s} = 7$ and 8\tev, corresponding to integrated luminosities of $1$fb$^{-1}$ and $2$fb$^{-1}$ respectively. Within the Standard Model the results constrain the effective electroweak mixing angle to be $$sin^{2}θ_{W}^{eff} = 0.23142 \pm 0.00073 \pm 0.00052 \pm 0.00056 $$ where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic and the third theoretical. This result is in agreement with the current world average, and is one of the most precise determinations at hadron colliders to date.

hep-ex↗