Simultaneous Explanation of the $R_K$ and $R(D^{(*)})$ Puzzles

TL;DR

This paper proposes a unified new physics explanation for the observed anomalies in lepton flavor universality, specifically addressing the $R_K$ and $R(D^{(*)})$ puzzles, by considering gauge-invariant operators that connect both neutral and charged current processes.

Contribution

It introduces a gauge-invariant framework that links the $R_K$ and $R(D^{(*)})$ anomalies through new physics operators, providing a unified explanation.

Findings

A new charged-current operator can explain both puzzles.

Gauge invariance constrains the form of new physics operators.

Future measurements of $R(D)/R(D^*)$ can test this model.

Abstract

At present, there are several hints of lepton flavor non-universality. The LHCb Collaboration has measured $R_K\equiv{\cal B}(B^+ \to K^+ \mu^+ \mu^-)/{\cal B}(B^+ \to K^+ e^+ e^-)$, and the BaBar Collaboration has measured $R(D^{(*)}) \equiv {\cal B}({\bar B} \to D^{(*)+} \tau^- {\bar\nu}_\tau) / {\cal B}({\bar B} \to D^{(*)+} \ell^- {\bar\nu}_\ell)$ ($\ell = e,\mu$). In all cases, the experimental results differ from the standard model predictions by 2-3$\sigma$. Recently, an explanation of the $R_K$ puzzle was proposed in which new physics (NP) generates a neutral-current operator involving only third-generation particles. Now, assuming the scale of NP is much larger than the weak scale, this NP operator must be made invariant under the full $SU(3)_C \times SU(2)_L \times U(1)_Y$ gauge group. In this Letter, we note that, when this is done, a new charged-current operator can appear, and this can explain the $R(D^{(*)})$ puzzle. A more precise measurement of the double ratio $R(D)/R(D^*)$ can rule out this model.