Lattice determination of the $K \to (\pi\pi)_{I=2}$ Decay Amplitude $A_2$

TL;DR

This paper reports a lattice QCD calculation of the $K o (\pi\pi)_{I=2}$ decay amplitude $A_2$, providing new precise values for its real and imaginary parts, which are crucial for understanding CP violation in kaon decays.

Contribution

The study presents an updated lattice QCD determination of $A_2$ with increased configurations, including the first reliable calculation of Im$A_2$, enhancing understanding of CP violation.

Findings

Re$A_2$ agrees with experimental data

Im$A_2$ is determined for the first time

Electroweak penguin contribution to $\epsilon^\prime/\epsilon$ is quantified

Abstract

We describe the computation of the amplitude A_2 for a kaon to decay into two pions with isospin I=2. The results presented in the letter Phys.Rev.Lett. 108 (2012) 141601 from an analysis of 63 gluon configurations are updated to 146 configurations giving Re$A_2=1.381(46)_{\textrm{stat}}(258)_{\textrm{syst}} 10^{-8}$ GeV and Im$A_2=-6.54(46)_{\textrm{stat}}(120)_{\textrm{syst}}10^{-13}$ GeV. Re$A_2$ is in good agreement with the experimental result, whereas the value of Im$A_2$ was hitherto unknown. We are also working towards a direct computation of the $K\to(\pi\pi)_{I=0}$ amplitude $A_0$ but, within the standard model, our result for Im$A_2$ can be combined with the experimental results for Re$A_0$, Re$A_2$ and $\epsilon^\prime/\epsilon$ to give Im$A_0/$Re$A_0= -1.61(28)\times 10^{-4}$ . Our result for Im\,$A_2$ implies that the electroweak penguin (EWP) contribution to $\epsilon^\prime/\epsilon$ is Re$(\epsilon^\prime/\epsilon)_{\mathrm{EWP}} = -(6.25 \pm 0.44_{\textrm{stat}} \pm 1.19_{\textrm{syst}}) \times 10^{-4}$.