Abstract:

A new algorithm for the determination of the initial flavour of $B_s^0$ mesons is presented. The algorithm is based on two neural networks and exploits the $b$ hadron production mechanism at a hadron collider. The first network is trained to select charged kaons produced in association with the $B_s^0$ meson. The second network combines the kaon charges to assign the $B_s^0$ flavour and estimates the probability of a wrong assignment. The algorithm is calibrated using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb$^{-1}$ collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at 7 and 8 TeV centre-of-mass energies. The calibration is performed in two ways: by resolving the $B_s^0$-$\bar{B}_s^0$ flavour oscillations in $B_s^0 \to D_s^- \pi^+$ decays, and by analysing flavour-specific $B_{s 2}^{*}(5840)^0 \to B^+ K^-$ decays. The tagging power measured in $B_s^0 \to D_s^- \pi^+$ decays is found to be $(1.80 \pm 0.19({\rm stat}) \pm 0.18({\rm syst}))$\%, which is an improvement of about 50\% compared to a similar algorithm previously used in the LHCb experiment.

Abstract:

Within the TORCH (Time Of internally Reflected CHerenkov light) R&D; project, a small-scale TORCH prototype module is currently under study. Circular-shaped micro-channel plate photon detectors with finely segmented square anodes (32 X 32 channels) have been produced for TORCH requirements in industrial partnership. A new generation of custom multi-channel electronics based on the 32-channel NINO and HPTDC ASICs has been developed. The performance of the photon detector coupled to these customized electronics has been assessed in the laboratory and is reported on. A time resolution of 80 ps and a spatial resolution of 0.03 mm have been measured. Finally, tests of the TORCH prototype module illuminated with laser light and in a charged particle beam will be highlighted.

Abstract:

The production of W and Z bosons in association with jets is studied in the forward region of proton-proton collisions collected at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.98 ± 0.02 fb−1. The W boson is identified using its decay to a muon and a neutrino, while the Z boson is identified through its decay to a muon pair. Total cross-sections are measured and combined into charge ratios, asymmetries, and ratios of W +jet and Z+jet production cross-sections. Differential measurements are also performed as a function of both boson and jet kinematic variables. All results are in agreement with Standard Model predictions.

Abstract:

The branching fraction of the decay Bs0 → Ds(∗)+ Ds(∗)- is measured using pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb^-1, collected using the LHCb detector at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. It is found to be B(Bs0 → Ds(∗)+ Ds(∗)-) = (3.05 ± 0.10 ± 0.20 ± 0.34)%, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to the normalization channel, respectively. The branching fractions of the individual decays corresponding to the presence of one or two Ds∗± are also measured. The individual branching fractions are found to be B(Bs0 → Ds∗± Ds∓) = (1.35 ± 0.06 ± 0.09 ± 0.15)%, B(Bs0 → Ds∗+ Ds∗-) = (1.27 ± 0.08 ± 0.10 ± 0.14)%. All three results are the most precise determinations to date.