arXiv subjects

Zohaib Aarfi

Publications and source records attributed to Zohaib Aarfi.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Search for New Physics through the Observables of Semileptonic $B_{c}^+\to D^{\ast+}\ell^{+}\ell^{-}$ Decay

Motivated by the current flavor anomalies and the comparatively less explored nature of the $b\to d$ sector, we present a model-independent study of the rare semileptonic $B_c^{+}\to D^{\ast+}\ell^{+}\ell^{-}$ ($\ell=\mu,\tau$) decay, to investigate its sensitivity to New Physics effects. The analysis incorporates penguin-box contributions, long-distance resonance effects, and the sizable weak-annihilation amplitudes. Using the $B_c\to D^\ast$ transition form factors calculated in the covariant confined quark model and the weak-annihilation form factors obtained within the Bethe--Salpeter approach, we analyze the differential branching fraction, forward-backward asymmetry, longitudinal helicity fraction, and a comprehensive set of normalized angular observables in several one- and two-dimensional New Physics scenarios and compare our results with the Standard Model predictions. Notably, the branching fraction, forward-backward asymmetry, and the normalized angular coefficients such as, $\langle I_{2c}\rangle$, $\langle I_{3}\rangle$, $\langle I_{5}\rangle$, and $\langle I_{6s} \rangle$, show clear sensitivity to New Physics effects. Our results indicate that the decay $B_c^{+}\to D^{\ast+}\ell^{+}\ell^{-}$ serves as a complementary probe of the flavor structure of New Physics and can therefore be investigated in future measurements at LHCb and other high-luminosity flavor experiments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

A Phenomenological Study of Semileptonic $B^+$ and $B_s^0$ Decays into Axial-Vector Mesons $\big(D_1(2420),\, D_1^\prime(2430),\, D_{s1}(2460),\, \text{and } D_{s1}^\prime(2536)\big)$ within the Standard Model

We study semileptonic $B$ meson decays $B^+ \to D_1^{(\prime)}\ell^+\nu_\ell$ and $B_s^0 \to D_{s1}^{-(\prime)}\ell^+\nu_\ell$, where $\ell=\mu,\tau$. The final state axial vector mesons are treated as mixtures of the heavy quark basis states with light degree of freedom angular momenta $j_\ell=1/2$ and $j_\ell=3/2$, parametrized by the mixing angle $\theta_{D_1}$. Using form factors obtained in the covariant light front quark model, we analyze the dependence of various observables on $\theta_{D_1}$ such as polarized and unpolarized branching ratios, the lepton forward-backward asymmetry, the longitudinal polarization fraction, and the lepton flavor universality ratios. In addition, we also discuss correlations among different observables. We study these observables in the experimentally motivated mixing angle regions as well as over a wider range of $\theta_{D_1}$. Our results show that branching ratios and other observables are sensitive to the axial-vector mixing structure. These predictions provide useful Standard Model benchmarks for future measurements of semileptonic $B_{(s)}$ decays into orbitally excited mesons and may help to clarify the long standing $1/2$ vs. $3/2$ puzzle through semileptonic $B$ decays.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

Weak Annihilation Contribution to Angular Observables in $B_{c}^+\to D^{\ast+}\ell^{+}\ell^{-}$ Decays

We analyze the rare semileptonic decays $B_{c}^+ \to D^{\ast+}(\to P_1 P_2)\ell^{+}\ell^{-}$, with $P_1 P_2 = D^+ \pi^0$ or $D^0 \pi^+$, and $\ell=\mu, \tau$. We focus on the impact of weak annihilation contributions alongside penguin, box, and long-distance effects. Using the effective Hamiltonian for $b \to d \ell^+ \ell^-$ transitions and $B_c \to D^{*}$ form factors from covariant confined quark model inputs, we compute the differential branching ratios, forward-backward asymmetry, longitudinal helicity fraction of the $D^{\ast}$, and various normalized angular coefficients. The results of the observables show that weak annihilation effects are sizable, particularly at low $q^2$, significantly modifying several observables and shifting zero-crossings. Resonance effects dominate at high $q^2$, restricting reliable analysis windows. We conclude that the inclusion of weak annihilation is essential for precise Standard Model predictions and for isolating possible New Physics effects in $B_c^+ \to D^{*+} \ell^+ \ell^-$ decays.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Investigating New Physics through the Observables of Semileptonic $B_{s}\to K^{\ast}(\to K \pi)\mu^{+}\mu^{-}$ Decay

The rare four-fold decay $B_s \to K^*(\to K\pi)\mu^+\mu^- $, governed by the flavor-changing neutral current transition $b \to d\mu^+\mu^-$, provides a sensitive probe for testing the Standard Model (SM) and investigating signatures of new physics (NP). This work presents a comprehensive model-independent analysis of the decay using the framework of the weak effective field theory. We compute a set of key physical observables, including the differential branching ratio, forward-backward asymmetry, longitudinal polarization fraction, and several normalized angular coefficients $\langle I_i\rangle$, as a function of the dilepton invariant mass squared $q^2$. The impact of NP is explored via both one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) scenarios involving NP Wilson coefficients $C_7^{\text{NP}}$, $C_9^{(\prime)\text{NP}}$, and $C_{10}^{(\prime)\text{NP}}$. Our findings reveal notable deviations from the SM predictions across multiple observables. Furthermore, we analyze the correlations between different observables and their 2D contour plots which would be useful to further constrain the parametric space of possible NP contributions. This study reinforces the potential of $B_s \to K^* \mu^+ \mu^-$ decay as a complementary channel in the search for physics beyond the SM.

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