B -> phi K*, B -> phi Ks and New Physics

TL;DR

This paper investigates new physics explanations for anomalies in B meson decays, finding that models with scalar/pseudoscalar operators, like two-Higgs-doublet models, better fit the data than vector/axial-vector models.

Contribution

It analyzes multiple new physics operators to explain polarization and CP violation data in B decays, identifying favored models and proposing future tests.

Findings

Scalar/pseudoscalar operators can explain both decay modes.

Vector/axial-vector models like supersymmetry are insufficient.

Two-Higgs-doublet models are favored for explaining the data.

Abstract

We consider the new-physics (NP) solution to the polarization puzzle in B -> phi K* decays. We note that any such solution must reproduce the data in B -> phi Ks, where there are disagreements with the standard model in CP-asymmetry measurements. We examine 10 NP operators, of S/P, V/A and T variety. We find that, as long as B -> phi Ks exhibits large CP-violating effects, no single operator can explain the observations in both B -> phi K* and B -> phi Ks. For 2-NP-operator solutions, there are four possibilities, all of S/P type, which are presently allowed. We discuss ways of distinguishing among these solutions in the future. Models which contain only V/A operators, such as those with supersymmetry or extra Z' bosons, cannot explain both B -> phi Ks and B -> phi K* data. On the other hand, the two-Higgs-doublet model, which has only S/P operators, is favored.}