Precise measurement of the b-quark fragmentation function in Z0 boson decays

TL;DR

This paper presents a highly precise measurement of the b-quark fragmentation function in Z0 boson decays, utilizing a new inclusive reconstruction technique that improves accuracy and efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces a novel inclusive reconstruction method for B hadron energy, enabling the most precise measurement of the b-quark fragmentation function to date.

Findings

Measured average scaled energy <x_B>=0.714 with high precision

Excluded several fragmentation models based on the measurement

Provided detailed comparison with theoretical predictions

Abstract

We have developed a new technique for inclusive reconstruction of the energy of B hadrons. The excellent efficiency and resolution of this technique allow us to make the most precise determination of the b-quark fragmentation function, using e+e- -> Z0 decays recorded in the SLD experiment at SLAC. We compared our measurement with the predictions of a number of fragmentation models. We excluded several of these models and measured the average scaled energy of weakly-decaying B hadrons to be <x_B>=0.714+-0.005(stat)+-0.007(syst) +-0.002(model dependence).