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Ruth S. Van de Water

Publications and source records attributed to Ruth S. Van de Water.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

$D$-meson semileptonic form factors at zero momentum transfer in (2+1+1)-flavor lattice QCD

We present a calculation of the $D\to K \ell ν$ and $D\toπ\ell ν$ semileptonic form factors at $q^2=0$, which enable determinations of the CKM matrix elements $\lvert{V_{cs}}\rvert$ and $\lvert{V_{cd}}\rvert$, respectively. We use gauge-field configurations generated by the MILC collaboration with four flavors of highly-improved staggered (HISQ) quarks, analyzing several ensembles including those with physical pion masses and approximate lattice spacings ranging from 0.12~fm to 0.042~fm. We also use the HISQ action for the valence quarks. We employ twisted boundary conditions to calculate the form factors at zero momentum transfer directly. We use heavy-light-meson chiral perturbation theory modified for energetic pions and kaons, and supplemented by terms to describe the lattice-spacing dependence, to obtain preliminary results at the physical point and in the continuum limit.

hep-lat↗

B-meson decay constants from 2+1-flavor lattice QCD with domain-wall light quarks and relativistic heavy quarks

We calculate the B-meson decay constants f_B, f_Bs, and their ratio in unquenched lattice QCD using domain-wall light quarks and relativistic b-quarks. We use gauge-field ensembles generated by the RBC and UKQCD collaborations using the domain-wall fermion action and Iwasaki gauge action with three flavors of light dynamical quarks. We analyze data at two lattice spacings of a ~ 0.11, 0.086 fm with unitary pion masses as light as M_pi ~ 290 MeV; this enables us to control the extrapolation to the physical light-quark masses and continuum. For the b-quarks we use the anisotropic clover action with the relativistic heavy-quark interpretation, such that discretization errors from the heavy-quark action are of the same size as from the light-quark sector. We renormalize the lattice heavy-light axial-vector current using a mostly nonperturbative method in which we compute the bulk of the matching factor nonperturbatively, with a small correction, that is close to unity, in lattice perturbation theory. We also improve the lattice heavy-light current through O(alpha_s a). We extrapolate our results to the physical light-quark masses and continuum using SU(2) heavy-meson chiral perturbation theory, and provide a complete systematic error budget. We obtain f_B0 = 199.5(12.6) MeV, f_B+ = 195.6(14.9) MeV, f_Bs = 235.4(12.2) MeV, f_Bs/f_B0 = 1.197(50), and f_Bs/f_B+ = 1.223(71), where the errors are statistical and total systematic added in quadrature. These results are in good agreement with other published results and provide an important independent cross check of other three-flavor determinations of $B$-meson decay constants using staggered light quarks.

hep-lat↗

Leptonic B- and D-meson decay constants with 2+1 flavors of asqtad fermions

We present the status of our updated D- and B-meson decay-constant analysis, based on the MILC $N_f = 2+1$ asqtad gauge ensembles. Heavy quarks are incorporated using the Wilson clover action with the Fermilab interpretation. This analysis includes ensembles at five lattice spacings from a $\approx$ 0.045 to 0.15 fm, and light sea-quark masses down to 1/20th of the strange-quark mass. Projected error budgets for ratios of decay constants, in particular between bottom- and charm-meson decay constants, are presented.

hep-lat↗

Review of lattice results concerning low energy particle physics

We review lattice results related to pion, kaon, D- and B-meson physics with the aim of making them easily accessible to the particle physics community. More specifically, we report on the determination of the light-quark masses, the form factor f+(0), arising in semileptonic K -> pi transition at zero momentum transfer, as well as the decay constant ratio fK/fpi of decay constants and its consequences for the CKM matrix elements Vus and Vud. Furthermore, we describe the results obtained on the lattice for some of the low-energy constants of SU(2)LxSU(2)R and SU(3)LxSU(3)R Chiral Perturbation Theory and review the determination of the BK parameter of neutral kaon mixing. The inclusion of heavy-quark quantities significantly expands the FLAG scope with respect to the previous review. Therefore, for this review, we focus on D- and B-meson decay constants, form factors, and mixing parameters, since these are most relevant for the determination of CKM matrix elements and the global CKM unitarity-triangle fit. In addition we review the status of lattice determinations of the strong coupling constant alpha_s.

hep-lat↗

Semileptonic decays $B\rightarrow D^{(*)}lν$ at nonzero recoil

We have analyzed the semileptonic decays $B\rightarrow D\ellν$ and $B\rightarrow D^*\ellν$ on the full suite of MILC (2+1)-flavor asqtad ensembles with lattice spacings as small as 0.045 fm and light-to-strange-quark mass ratios as low as 1/20. We use the Fermilab interpretation of the clover action for heavy valence quarks and the asqtad action for light valence quarks. We compute the hadronic form factors for $B\rightarrow D$ at both zero and nonzero recoil and for $B\rightarrow D^*$ at zero recoil. We report our results for $|V_{cb}|$.

hep-lat↗

The form factors for B -> pi l nu semileptonic decay from 2+1 flavors of domain-wall fermions

We present a calculation of the B -> pi l nu form factors with domain-wall light quarks and relativistic b-quarks on the lattice. We work with the 2+1 flavor domain-wall fermion and Iwasaki gauge-field ensembles generated by the RBC and UKQCD Collaborations. The chiral-continuum extrapolation is performed using SU(2) hard-pion chiral perturbation theory. To extrapolate the lattice form factors to the full kinematic range, we use the model independent z-parameterization and impose the kinematic constraint f_+(0) = f_0(0) at zero momentum transfer.

hep-lat↗

Form factors for semi-leptonic B decays

We report on form factors for the B->K l^+ l^- semi-leptonic decay process. We use several lattice spacings from a=0.12 fm down to 0.06 fm and a variety of dynamical quark masses with 2+1 flavors of asqtad quarks provided by the MILC Collaboration. These ensembles allow good control of the chiral and continuum extrapolations. The b-quark is treated as a clover quark with the Fermilab interpretation. We update our results for f_\parallel and f_\perp, or, equivalently, f_+ and f_0. In addition, we present new results for the tensor form factor f_T. Model independent results are obtained based upon the z-expansion.

hep-lat↗

The B -> pi l nu form factor from unquenched lattice QCD with domain-wall light quarks and relativistic b-quarks

We report on a lattice-QCD calculation of the B to pi l nu form factor with domain-wall light quarks and relativistic b-quarks using the 2 + 1 flavor domain-wall fermion and Iwasaki gauge-field ensembles generated by the RBC and UKQCD Collaborations. We present initial results obtained from the coarser (a ~ 0.11 fm) 24^3 lattices and some of the finer (a ~ 0.086 fm) 32^3 lattices.

hep-lat↗

Nonperturbative tuning of an improved relativistic heavy-quark action with application to bottom spectroscopy

We calculate the masses of bottom mesons using an improved relativistic action for the b-quarks and the RBC/UKQCD Iwasaki gauge configurations with 2+1 flavors of dynamical domain-wall light quarks. We analyze configurations with two lattice spacings: a^{-1} = 1.729 GeV (a ~ 0.11 fm) and a^{-1} = 2.281 GeV (a ~ 0.086 fm). We use an anisotropic, clover-improved Wilson action for the b-quark, and tune the three parameters of the action nonperturbatively such that they reproduce the experimental values of the B_s and B_s* heavy-light meson states. The masses and mass-splittings of the low-lying bottomonium states (such as the eta_b and Upsilon) can then be computed with no additional inputs, and comparison between these predictions and experiment provides a test of the validity of our method. We obtain bottomonium masses with total uncertainties of ~0.5-0.6% and fine-structure splittings with uncertainties of ~35-45%; for all cases we find good agreement with experiment. The parameters of the relativistic heavy-quark action tuned for b-quarks presented in this work can be used for precise calculations of weak matrix elements such as B-meson decay constants and mixing parameters with lattice discretization errors that are of the same size as in light pseudoscalar meson quantities. This general method can also be used for charmed meson masses and matrix elements if the parameters of the heavy-quark action are appropriately tuned.

hep-lat↗

Flavor Physics in the LHC era: the role of the lattice

We discuss the present status of global fits to the CKM unitary triangle using the latest experimental and theoretical constraints. For the required nonperturbative weak matrix elements, we use three-flavor lattice QCD averages from www.latticeaverages.org; these have been updated from Ref. [1] to reflect all available lattice calculations as of the "End of 2011". Because of the greater than 3 sigma disagreement between the extraction of |Vub| from inclusive and exclusive semileptonic b -> u l nu (l = e,mu) decays, particular emphasis is given to a clean fit in which we remove the information from these decays. Given current theoretical and experimental inputs, we observe an approximately 3 sigma tension in the CKM unitarity triangle that may indicate the presence of new physics in the quark-flavor sector. Using a model-independent parameterization of new-physics effects, we test the compatibility of the data with scenarios in which the new physics is in kaon mixing, in B-mixing, or in B -> tau nu decay. We find that scenarios with new physics in B -> tau nu decay or in B-mixing are approximately equally preferred. Finally, we interpret these results in terms contributions to Delta S = 2 and Delta B = 2 four-fermion operators. We find that the preferred scale of new physics (with Standard-Model like couplings) is in the few hundred GeV range.

hep-ph↗

Pseudoscalar decay constants, light-quark masses, and B_K from mixed-action lattice QCD

We present updated results for the leptonic decay constants f_pi and f_K, the light u, d, and s-quark masses, and the neutral kaon mixing parameter B_K from mixed-action lattice simulations with staggered sea quarks and domain-wall valence quarks. We use the publicly-available 2+1 flavor MILC asqtad-improved staggered gauge configurations with multiple light sea-quark masses and three lattice spacings, and compute the kaon mixing matrix element with several partially-quenched valence-quark masses. We then extrapolate to the physical light-quark masses and the continuum using partially-quenched chiral perturbation theory formulated for mixed-action lattice simulations. For B_K we match the lattice four-fermion operator to the continuum using the nonperturbative method of Rome-Southampton. Our new results benefit from two significant improvements over our published work: (1) we have added a third lattice spacing of a~0.06 fm to better control the continuum extrapolation, and (2) we have implemented a new lattice renormalization scheme (the RI/SMOM_{gamma_mu} scheme developed by Sturm et al.) that suppresses chiral-symmetry breaking and other infrared effects and, in practice, also shrinks the size of the 1-loop perturbative coefficient needed to match to the continuum MS-bar scheme. When combined with the use of volume-averaged momentum sources and twisted-boundary conditions, this significantly reduces the systematic uncertainty in the renormalization factor Z_{B_K}.

hep-lat↗

Form factors for $B$ to $Kll$ semileptonic decay from three-flavor lattice QCD

We study the $B \to Kl^+l^-$ semileptonic decay process in three-flavor lattice QCD. We analyze several ensembles generated by the MILC collaboration at different lattice spacings and sea-quark masses. We use the asqtad improved staggered action for the light quarks and the clover action with the Fermilab interpretation for the heavy $b$ quark. We present preliminary results for the vector current induced form factors for a range of kaon energies. Our analysis includes chiral and continuum extrapolations based on SU(2) staggered χPT.

hep-lat↗

Semileptonic B to D decays at nonzero recoil with 2+1 flavors of improved staggered quarks

The Fermilab Lattice-MILC collaboration is completing a comprehensive program of heavy-light physics on the MILC (2+1)-flavor asqtad ensembles with lattice spacings as small as 0.045 fm and light-to-strange-quark mass ratios as low as 1/20. We use the Fermilab interpretation of the clover action for heavy valence quarks and the asqtad action for light valence quarks. The central goal of the program is to provide ever more exacting tests of the unitarity of the CKM matrix. We give a progress report on one part of the program, namely the analysis of the semileptonic decay B to D at both zero and nonzero recoil. Although final results are not presented, we discuss improvements in the analysis methods, the statistical errors, and the parameter coverage that we expect will lead to a significant reduction in the final error for |V_cb| from this decay channel.

hep-lat↗

B-physics with dynamical domain-wall light quarks and relativistic b-quarks

We report on our progress in calculating the B-meson decay constants and B^0-bar B^0 mixing parameters using domain-wall light quarks and relativistic b-quarks. We present our computational method and show some preliminary results obtained on the coarser (a approx 0.11fm) 24^3 lattices. This work is presented on behalf of the RBC and UKQCD collaborations.

hep-lat↗

K --> pi pi matrix elements from mixed action lattice QCD

We present a new method for determining K --> pi pi matrix elements from lattice simulations that is less costly than direct simulations of K --> pi pi at physical kinematics. It improves, however, upon the traditional "indirect'' approach of constructing the K --> pi pi matrix elements using NLO SU(3) ChPT, which can lead to large higher-order chiral corrections. Using the explicit example of the Delta I =3/2 (27,1) operator to illustrate the method, we obtain a value for Re(A_2) that agrees with experiment and has a total uncertainty of ~20%. Although our simulations use domain-wall valence quarks on the MILC asqtad-improved gauge configurations, this method is more general and can be applied to calculations with any fermion formulation.

hep-lat↗

The neutral kaon mixing parameter B_K from unquenched mixed-action lattice QCD

We calculate the neutral kaon mixing parameter B_K in unquenched lattice QCD using asqtad-improved staggered sea quarks and domain-wall valence quarks. We use the "2+1" flavor gauge configurations generated by the MILC Collaboration, and simulate with multiple valence and sea quark masses at two lattice spacings of a ~ 0.12 fm and a ~ 0.09 fm. We match the lattice determination of B_K to the continuum value using the nonperturbative method of Rome-Southampton, and extrapolate B_K to the continuum and physical quark masses using mixed action chiral perturbation theory. The "mixed-action" method enables us to control all sources of systematic uncertainty and therefore to precisely determine B_K; we find a value of B_K^{MSbar, NDR}(2 GeV) = 0.527(6)(20), where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic.

hep-lat↗

Neutral B-meson mixing from unquenched lattice QCD with domain-wall light quarks and static b-quarks

We demonstrate a method for calculating the neutral B-meson decay constants and mixing matrix elements in unquenched lattice QCD with domain-wall light quarks and static b-quarks. Our computation is performed on the "2+1" flavor gauge configurations generated by the RBC and UKQCD Collaborations with a lattice spacing of a approx 0.11 fm (a^-1 = 1.729 GeV) and a lattice spatial volume of approximately (1.8 fm)^3. We simulate at three different light sea quark masses with pion masses down to approximately 430 MeV, and extrapolate to the physical quark masses using a phenomenologically-motivated fit function based on next-to-leading order heavy-light meson SU(2) chiral perturbation theory. For the b-quarks, we use an improved formulation of the Eichten-Hill action with static link-smearing to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. We also improve the heavy-light axial current used to compute the B-meson decay constant to O(alpha_s p a) using one-loop lattice perturbation theory. We present initial results for the SU(3)-breaking ratios f_{B_s}/f_{B_d} and xi = f_{B_s} sqrt{B_{B_s}}/f_{B_d} sqrt{B_{B_d}}, thereby demonstrating the viability of the method. For the ratio of decay constants, we find f_{B_s}/f_{B_d} = 1.15(12) and for the ratio of mixing matrix elements, we find xi = 1.13(12), where in both cases the errors reflect the combined statistical and systematic uncertainties, including an estimate of the size of neglected O(1/m_b) effects.

hep-lat↗

The CKM matrix and flavor physics from lattice QCD

I discuss the role of lattice QCD in testing the Standard Model and searching for physics beyond the Standard Model in the quark flavor sector. I first review the Standard Model CKM framework. I then present the current status of the CKM matrix, focusing on determinations of CKM matrix elements and constraints on the CKM unitarity triangle that rely on lattice QCD calculations of weak matrix elements. I also show the potential impact of improved lattice QCD calculations on the global CKM unitarity triangle fit. I then describe several hints of new physics in the quark flavor sector that rely on lattice QCD calculations of weak matrix elements, such as evidence of a ~2-3 sigma tension in the CKM unitarity triangle and the "f_{D_s} puzzle". I finish with a discussion of lattice QCD calculations of rare B- and K-decays needed to probe physics beyond the Standard Model at future experiments.

hep-lat↗