B Counting at BaBar

TL;DR

This thesis improves the B counting method at BaBar by developing new cuts that reduce background sensitivity, achieving a systematic uncertainty of ±0.6%, thereby enhancing the accuracy of B meson event counting.

Contribution

The paper introduces a revised B counting method with optimized cuts that minimize background effects, updating the original 2000 approach with improved detector understanding.

Findings

New cuts reduce background sensitivity

Systematic uncertainty achieved is ±0.6%

Method updates improve counting accuracy

Abstract

In this thesis we examine the method of counting $B\overline{B}$ events produced in the BaBar experiment. The original method was proposed in 2000, but improvements to track reconstruction and our understanding of the detector since that date make it appropriate to revisit the $B$ Counting method. We propose a new set of cuts designed to minimize the sensitivity to time-varying backgrounds. We find the new method counts $B\overline{B}$ events with an associated systematic uncertainty of $\pm 0.6%