Malcolm John

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:

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.

Abstract:

We perform a search for near-threshold Ξb0 resonances decaying to Ξb−π+ in a sample of proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb−1 collected by the LHCb experiment. We observe one resonant state, with the following properties: m(Ξ∗0b) − m(Ξ−b) − m(π+) = 15.727 ± 0.068(stat) ± 0.023(syst) MeV/c2 Γ(Ξ∗0b) = 0.90 ± 0.16(stat) ± 0.08(syst) MeV. This confirms the previous observation by the CMS collaboration. The state is consistent with the JP = 3/2+  Ξb∗ 0 resonance expected in the quark model. This is the most precise determination of the mass and the first measurement of the natural width of this state. We have also measured the ratio σ(pp→Ξ∗0bX)B(Ξ∗0b→Ξ−bπ+)/σ(pp → Ξ−bX) =0.28 ± 0.03(stat.) ± 0.01(syst.).

Abstract:

The Λ0b → Λφ decay is observed using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb^-1 recorded by the LHCb experiment. The decay proceeds at leading order via a b → sss loop transition and is therefore sensitive to the possible presence of particles beyond the Standard Model. A first observation is reported with a significance of 5.9 standard deviations. The value of the branching fraction is measured to be (5.18 ± 1.04 ± 0.35^+0.67-0.62) X 10^-6, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third is related to external inputs. Triple-product asymmetries are measured to be consistent with zero.