LHCb

Abstract:

A search is performed for the charmless three-body decays of the Λb0 and Ξb0 baryons to the final states Λh+h′−, where h(′) = π or K. The analysis is based on a data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb−1 of pp collisions, collected by the LHCb experiment. The Λb0 → ΛK+π− and Λb0 → ΛK+K− decays are observed for the first time and their branching fractions and CP asymmetry parameters are measured. Evidence is seen for the Λb0 → Λπ+π− decay and limits are set on the branching fractions of Ξb0 baryon decays to the Λh+h′− final states.

Abstract:

A search for CP violation in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays is performed using pp collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}, collected using the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The flavor of the charm meson is inferred from the charge of the pion in D^{*+}→D^{0}π^{+} and D^{*-}→D[over ¯]^{0}π^{-} decays. The difference between the CP asymmetries in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays, ΔA_{CP}≡A_{CP}(K^{-}K^{+})-A_{CP}(π^{-}π^{+}), is measured to be [-0.10±0.08(stat)±0.03(syst)]%. This is the most precise measurement of a time-integrated CP asymmetry in the charm sector from a single experiment.

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.