B^0 --> K^+ \pi^- \pi^0 Dalitz Plot Analysis

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the decay patterns of B^0 mesons into K pi pi final states using Dalitz plots, measuring branching fractions, CP asymmetries, and identifying intermediate resonant states with data from the BaBar experiment.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed Dalitz plot analysis of B^0 → K^+ π^- π^0 decays, including measurements of CP violation and intermediate state contributions.

Findings

Measured inclusive branching fraction and quasi-two-body fractions.

Observed CP-violating charge asymmetries in certain intermediate states.

Set upper limits on nonresonant and less significant decay modes.

Abstract

We present preliminary results on the Dalitz plot analysis of $B^0 \to K^+ \pi^- \pi^0$ decays. The data sample comprises 213 million $\Upsilon(4S) \to B {\bar B}$ decays collected with the BaBar detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy $B$ Factory at SLAC. We report measurements of the inclusive branching fraction, quasi-two-body fractions and CP-violating charge asymmetries for intermediate states including $K^*(892)^+ \pi^-$ and $\rho(770)^- K^+$. Observations of $B^0$ decays to the $K\pi$ $S$-wave intermediate states, $K_0^*(1430)^+ \pi^-$ and $K_0^*(1430)^0 \pi^0$, are reported. Evidence of the decay $B^0 \to K^*(892)^0 \pi^0$ is seen. We set upper limits at 90% confidence level on branching fractions of the nonresonant and other less significant intermediate states.