Measurement of lepton universality parameters in $B^+\to K^+\ell^+\ell^-$ and $B^0\to K^{*0}\ell^+\ell^-$ decays

TL;DR

This study tests muon-electron universality in specific B meson decays using LHCb data, finding results consistent with the Standard Model and employing advanced analysis techniques for improved sensitivity.

Contribution

First or improved measurements of lepton universality parameters in B decays across different q^2 ranges using enhanced data analysis methods.

Findings

Results are compatible with Standard Model predictions.

Enhanced signal purity and statistical sensitivity compared to previous tests.

Most measurements are the first in their q^2 intervals or supersede earlier results.

Abstract

A simultaneous analysis of the $B^+\to K^+\ell^+\ell^-$ and $B^0\to K^{*0}\ell^+\ell^-$ decays is performed to test muon-electron universality in two ranges of the square of the dilepton invariant mass, $q^2$. The measurement uses a sample of beauty meson decays produced in proton-proton collisions collected with the LHCb detector between 2011 and 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $9$ $\text{fb}^{-1}$. A sequence of multivariate selections and strict particle identification requirements produce a higher signal purity and a better statistical sensitivity per unit luminosity than previous LHCb lepton universality tests using the same decay modes. Residual backgrounds due to misidentified hadronic decays are studied using data and included in the fit model. Each of the four lepton universality measurements reported is either the first in the given $q^2$ interval or supersedes previous LHCb measurements. The results are compatible with the predictions of the Standard Model.