Semileptonic transitions: $B_{(s)} \to \pi(K)$; $D_s \to K$; $D\to \pi, K$; and $K\to \pi$

TL;DR

This paper uses continuum Schwinger function methods to predict semileptonic transition form factors and branching fractions for various meson decays, aligning well with existing data and offering benchmarks for future measurements.

Contribution

It provides a unified, parameter-free theoretical framework for semileptonic meson decays, improving predictions of form factors and branching ratios, and testing lepton flavor universality.

Findings

Quantitative agreement with existing data on form factors.

Predictions for unmeasured $D_s\to K^0$ and $\bar B_s \to K^+$ form factors.

Determination of $|V_{cs}| = 0.974(10)$.

Abstract

Continuum Schwinger function methods for the strong-interaction bound-state problem are used to arrive at a unified set of parameter-free predictions for the semileptonic $K\to \pi$, $D\to \pi, K$ and $D_s \to K$, $B_{(s)} \to \pi(K)$ transition form factors and the associated branching fractions. The form factors are a leading source of uncertainty in all such calculations: our results agree quantitatively with available data and provide benchmarks for the hitherto unmeasured $D_s\to K^0$, $\bar B_s \to K^+$ form factors. The analysis delivers a value of $|V_{cs}| = 0.974(10)$ and also predictions for all branching fraction ratios in the pseudoscalar meson sector that can be used to test lepton flavour universality. Quantitative comparisons are provided between extant theory and the recent measurement of ${\cal B}_{B_s^0\to K^- \mu^+ \nu_\mu}$. Here, further, refined measurements would be useful in moving toward a more accurate value of $|V_{ub}|$.