Unified resolution of the $R(D)$ and $R(D^*)$ anomalies and the lepton flavor violating decay $h\to\mu\tau$

TL;DR

This paper proposes a minimal set of higher-dimensional lepton flavor violating operators that simultaneously explain the $R(D^{(*)})$ anomalies in semileptonic B decays and predict the lepton flavor violating decay $h o$, consistent with current data.

Contribution

It introduces a minimal set of LFV operators that unify explanations for B decay anomalies and Higgs LFV decay, constrained by existing experimental data.

Findings

The minimal operator set explains $R(D^{(*)})$ anomalies.

Predicts the $h o$ decay rate within current bounds.

Survives all current experimental constraints.

Abstract

Taking advantage of the fact that the flavor of the neutrino in semileptonic $B$ decays $B\to D^{(*)}\tau\nu$ is not known, we show how a minimal set of higher-dimensional lepton flavor violating (LFV) operators can explain the $R(D^{(*)})$ anomalies, and as a spin-off, can give rise to the LFV decay of the Higgs boson, $h\to\mu\tau$. We also show how none but the minimal set of operators survive the present data.