Loophole in $K \to \pi \nu \bar\nu$ Search \ \& $K_L \to \pi^0 \nu \bar\nu$ Beyond Grossman--Nir Bound

TL;DR

This paper reveals a potential loophole in the search for rare kaon decays, suggesting that experiments like KOTO could detect new dark bosons beyond the traditional Grossman-Nir bound, especially through a model involving gauged muon-tau symmetry.

Contribution

It introduces a novel scenario where KOTO can discover dark bosons by bypassing the Grossman-Nir bound, supported by a specific gauged $L_-$ model with vector-like quarks.

Findings

KOTO may detect $K_L o ext{invisible}$ decays beyond the GN bound.

A gauged $L_-$ model with light $Z'$ is proposed.

Implications for probing muon-related dark sectors at KOTO.

Abstract

The Grossman-Nir bound concept is robust, but the common perception of $K_L \to \pi^0\nu\bar\nu < 1.4 \times 10^{-9}$ may be circumvented. Because of the blinding $K\pi2$(3) decay, $K^+$ decay experiments such as E787/E949 and the currently running NA62 kinematically exclude the "blinding zone". This offers an opportunity for the currently running KOTO experiment. With no kinematic control, if the KOTO experiment is able to veto all true background, it may discover $K_L \to \pi^0 + X^0$, where $X^0$ is an invisible "dark" boson with mass $m_{X^0} \sim m_{\pi^0}$. This could happen with 2015 data at hand, which supposedly should allow KOTO to reach nominal GN bound sensitivity. An explicit model of gauged $L_\mu - L_\tau$, linked with muon $g-2$ hence with very light $Z'$, is given. Adding vector-like quarks that mix with usual quarks, $W$-boson loops induce $s\to dZ'$ and $b\to sZ'$ transitions. Besides realizing the scenario, the model provides further illustration of potential impact. Given that usual dark bosons linked with the photon are tightly constrained, KOTO has a unique opportunity to probe the muon-related dark sector.