Toward a complete description of $b \to u \ell^- \bar\nu$ decays within the Weak Effective Theory

TL;DR

This paper analyzes semileptonic $b o u \, ext{decays}$ within the Standard Model and Weak Effective Theory, constraining parameters and comparing models to explore potential beyond Standard Model physics.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive fit to decay data, constrains effective theory coefficients, and performs Bayesian model comparison favoring beyond Standard Model interpretations.

Findings

Standard Model $|V_{ub}|$ value determined

Stringent constraints on $ub\ell\nu$ sector coefficients

Bayesian analysis favors beyond Standard Model explanations

Abstract

We fit the available data on exclusive semileptonic $b\to u\ell^-\bar\nu$ decays within the Standard Model and in the Weak Effective Theory. Assuming Standard Model dynamics, we find $|V_{ub}| = 3.59^{+0.13}_{-0.12} \times 10^{-3}$. Lifting this assumption, we obtain stringent constraints on the coefficients of the $ub\ell\nu$ sector of the Weak Effective Theory. Performing a Bayesian model comparison, we find that a beyond the Standard Model interpretation is favoured over a Standard Model interpretation of the available data. We provide a Gaussian mixture model that enables the efficient use of our fit results in subsequent analyses beyond the Standard Model, within and beyond the framework of the Standard Model Effective Field Theory.