0000000000158199
AUTHOR
J. A. Hernando Morata
Evidence for the decay X(3872)→ψ(2S)γ
Evidence for the decay mode X(3872) -> psi(2S)gamma in B+ -> X(3872)K+ decays is found with a significance of 4.4 standard deviations. The analysis is based on a data sample of proton proton collisions, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb(-1), collected with the LHCb detector, at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The ratio of the branching fraction of the X(3872) -> psi(2S)gamma decay to that of the X(3872) -> J/psi gamma decay is measured to be B(X(3872) -> psi(2S)gamma)/B(X(3872) -> J/psi gamma) = 2.46 +/- 0.64 +/- 0.29, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The measured value does not support a pure D (D) over bar* molecular interpre…
First observation of a baryonic Bc+ decay
A baryonic decay of the $B_c^+$ meson, $B_c^+\to J/\psi p\overline{p}\pi^+$, is observed for the first time, with a significance of $7.3$ standard deviations, in $pp$ collision data collected with the LHCb detector and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $3.0$ fb$^{-1}$ taken at center-of-mass energies of $7$ and $8$ $\mathrm{TeV}$. With the $B_c^+\to J/\psi \pi^+$ decay as normalization channel, the ratio of branching fractions is measured to be \begin{equation*} \frac{\mathcal{B}(B_c^+\to J/\psi p\overline{p}\pi^+)}{\mathcal{B}(B_c^+\to J/\psi \pi^+)} = 0.143^{\,+\,0.039}_{\,-\,0.034}\,(\mathrm{stat})\pm0.013\,(\mathrm{syst}). \end{equation*} The mass of the $B_c^+$ meson is dete…
Search for theX(4140)state inB+→J/ψϕK+decays
We investigate the decay B+ -> J/psi phi K+ in a search for the X(4140) state, a narrow threshold resonance in the J/psi phi system. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 10.4 fb(-1) of p (p) over bar collisions at root s = 1.96 TeV collected by the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. We observe a mass peak with a statistical significance of 3.1 standard deviations and measure its invariant mass to be M = 4159.0 +/- 4.3(stat) +/- 6.6(syst) MeV and its width to be Gamma = 19.9 +/- 12.6(stat)(-8.0)(+3.0)(syst) MeV.
Study ofB−→DK−π+π−andB−→Dπ−π+π−decays and determination of the CKM angleγ
We report a study of the suppressed B- -> DK-pi(+)pi(-) and favored B- -> D pi(-)pi(+)pi(-) decays, where the neutral D meson is detected through its decays to the K--/+pi(+/-) and CP -even K+K- and pi(+)pi(-) final states. The measurement is carried out using a proton-proton collision data sample collected by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb(-1). We observe the first significant signals in the CP - even final states of the D meson for both the suppressed B- -> DK-pi(+)pi(-) and favored B- -> D pi(-)pi(+)pi(-) modes, as well as in the doubly Cabibbo suppressed D -> K+pi(-) final state of the B- -> D pi(-)pi(+)pi(-) decay. Evidence for the suppressed d…
Observations of Bs0→ψ(2S)η and B(s)0→ψ(2S)π+π− decays
First observations of the $B^0_s \rightarrow \psi(2S) \eta$, $B^0 \rightarrow \psi(2S) \pi^+ \pi^-$ and $B^0_s \rightarrow \psi(2S) \pi^+ \pi^-$ decays are made using a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0~$fb^{-1}$ collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}=7$ TeV. The ratios of the branching fractions of each of the $\psi(2S)$ modes with respect to the corresponding $J/\psi$ decays are \[ \frac{\mathcal{B}(B^0_s \rightarrow \psi(2S) \eta) }{\mathcal{B}(B^0_s \rightarrow J/\psi \eta)} =0.83\pm0.14\,(stat)\pm0.12\,(syst)\pm0.02\,(\mathcalB}), \] \[ \frac{\mathcal{B}(B^0 \rightarrow \psi(2S) \pi^+ \pi^-)}{\mathcal{…
NEXT-100 Technical Design Report (TDR). Executive summary
[EN] In this Technical Design Report (TDR) we describe the NEXT-100 detector that will search for neutrinoless double beta decay (ßß0v) in 136XE at the Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc (LSC), in Spain. The document formalizes the design presented in our Conceptual Design Report (CDR): an electroluminescence time projection chamber, with separate readout planes for calorimetry and tracking, located, respectively, behind cathode and anode. The detector is designed to hold a maximum of about 150 kg of xenon at 15 bar, or 100 kg at 10 bar. This option builds in the capability to increase the total isotope mass by 50% while keeping the operating pressure at a manageable level. The readout pla…
Amplitude analysis ofB0→D¯0K+π−decays
The Dalitz plot distribution of B-0 -> (D) over bar K-0(+)pi(-) decays is studied using a data sample corresponding to 3.0 fb(-1) of pp collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment during 2011 and 2012. The data are described by an amplitude model that contains contributions from intermediate K* (892)(0), K*(1410)(0), K-2*(1430)(0) and D-2(*)(2460)(-) resonances. The model also contains components to describe broad structures, including the K-0(*)(1430)(0) and D-0(*)(2400)(-) resonances, in the K pi S-wave and the D pi S-and P-waves. The masses and widths of the D-0*(2400)(-) and D-2(*)(2460)(-) resonances are measured, as are the complex amplitudes and fit fractions for all components in…
Design and characterization of the SiPM tracking system of NEXT-DEMO, a demonstrator prototype of the NEXT-100 experiment
NEXT-100 experiment aims at searching the neutrinoless double-beta decay of the Xe-136 isotope using a TPC filled with a 100 kg of high-pressure gaseous xenon, with 90% isotopic enrichment. The experiment will take place at the Laboratorio Subterraneo de Canfranc (LSC), Spain. NEXT-100 uses electroluminescence (EL) technology for energy measurement with a resolution better than 1% FWHM. The gaseous xenon in the TPC additionally allows the tracks of the two beta particles to be recorded, which are expected to have a length of up to 30 cm at 10 bar pressure. The ability to record the topological signature of the beta beta 0 nu events provides a powerful background rejection factor for the bet…
Measurement ofCPviolation inBs0→ϕϕdecays
A measurement of the decay time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry in B-s(0) -> phi phi decays is presented, along with measurements of the T-odd triple-product asymmetries. In this decay channel, the CP-violating weak phase arises from the interference between B-s(0) -(B) over bar (0)(s) mixing and the loop-induced decay amplitude. Using a sample of proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb(-1) collected with the LHCb detector, a signal yield of approximately 4000 B-s(0) -> phi phi decays is obtained. The CP-violating phase is measured to be phi(s) = -0.17 +/- 0.15(stat) +/- 0.03(syst) rad. The triple-product asymmetries are measured to be A(U) = -0.003…
Mitigation of backgrounds from cosmogenic 137 Xe in xenon gas experiments using 3 He neutron capture
[EN] Xe-136 is used as the target medium for many experiments searching for 0 nu beta beta. Despite underground operation, cosmic muons that reach the laboratory can produce spallation neutrons causing activation of detector materials. A potential background that is difficult to veto using muon tagging comes in the form of Xe-137 created by the capture of neutrons on Xe-136. This isotope decays via beta decay with a half-life of 3.8 min and a Q(beta) of similar to 4.16 MeV. This work proposes and explores the concept of adding a small percentage of He-3 to xenon as a means to capture thermal neutrons and reduce the number of activations in the detector volume. When using this technique we f…
Ba$^{2+}$ ion trapping by organic submonolayer: towards an ultra-low background neutrinoless double beta decay detector
If neutrinos are their own antiparticles, the otherwise-forbidden nuclear reaction known as neutrinoless double beta decay ($\beta\beta 0\nu$) can occur, with a characteristic lifetime which is expected to be very long, making the suppression of backgrounds a daunting task. It has been shown that detecting (``tagging'') the Ba$^{+2}$ dication produced in the double beta decay ${}^{136}\mathrm{Xe} \rightarrow {}^{136}$Ba$^{+2}+ 2 e + (2 \nu)$ in a high pressure gas experiment, could lead to a virtually background free experiment. To identify these \Bapp, chemical sensors are being explored as a key tool by the NEXT collaboration . Although used in many fields, the application of such chemose…
First Observation ofD0−D¯0Oscillations inD0→K+π−π+π−Decays and Measurement of the Associated Coherence Parameters
Charm meson oscillations are observed in a time-dependent analysis of the ratio of D0→K+π−π+π− to D0→K−π+π−π+ decay rates, using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0fb−1 recorded by the LHCb experiment. The measurements presented are sensitive to the phase-space averaged ratio of doubly Cabibbo-suppressed to Cabibbo-favoured amplitudes rK3πD and the product of the coherence factor RK3πD and a charm mixing parameter y′K3π. The constraints measured are rK3πD=(5.67±0.12)×10−2, which is the most precise determination to date, and RK3πD⋅y′K3π=(0.3±1.8)×10−3, which provides useful input for determinations of the CP-violating phase γ in B±→DK±,D→K∓π±π∓π± decays. The analysis also …
Measurement of the resonant andCPcomponents inB¯0→J/ψπ+π−decays
The resonant structure of the reaction (B) over bar (0) --> J/psi pi(+)pi(-) is studied using data from 3 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected by the LHCb experiment, one third at 7 TeV center-of-mass energy and the remainder at 8 TeV. The invariant mass of the pi(+)pi(-) pair and three decay angular distributions are used to determine the fractions of the resonant and nonresonant components. Six interfering pi(+)pi(-) states, rho(770), f(0)(500), f(2)(1270), rho(1450), omega(782) and rho(1700), are required to give a good description of invariant mass spectra and decay angular distributions. The positive and negative charge parity fractions of each of the resonant final states are det…
Measurement of theB¯s0Meson Lifetime inDs+π−Decays
The first measurement of the effective lifetime of the (B) over bar (o)(s) meson in the decay (B) over bar (o)(s) -> D-s(-) D-s(+) is reported using a proton-proton collision data set, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb(-1), collected by the LHCb experiment. The measured value of the (B) over bar (o)(s) -> D-s(-) D-s(+) effective lifetime is 1.379 +/- 0.026 +/- 0.017 ps, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. This lifetime translates into a measurement of the decay width of the light (B) over bar (o)(s) mass eigenstate of Gamma(L) 0.725 +/- 0.014 +/- 0.009 ps(-1). The (B) over bar (o)(s) lifetime is also measured using the flavor-specific (B) ov…
Search for Hidden-Sector Bosons inB0→K*0μ+μ−Decays
A search is presented for hidden-sector bosons, $\chi$, produced in the decay ${B^0\!\to K^*(892)^0\chi}$, with $K^*(892)^0\!\to K^{+}\pi^{-}$ and $\chi\!\to\mu^+\mu^-$. The search is performed using $pp$-collision data corresponding to 3.0 fb$^{-1}$ collected with the LHCb detector. No significant signal is observed in the accessible mass range $214 \leq m({\chi}) \leq 4350$ MeV, and upper limits are placed on the branching fraction product $\mathcal{B}(B^0\!\to K^*(892)^0\chi)\times\mathcal{B}(\chi\!\to\mu^+\mu^-)$ as a function of the mass and lifetime of the $\chi$ boson. These limits are of the order of $10^{-9}$ for $\chi$ lifetimes less than 100 ps over most of the $m(\chi)$ range, a…
Measurement ofBc+Production in Proton-Proton Collisions ats=8 TeV
Production of B+c mesons in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 8~TeV is studied with data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.0 fb−1 recorded by the LHCb experiment. The ratio of production cross-sections times branching fractions between the B+c→J/ψπ+ and B+→J/ψK+ decays is measured as a function of transverse momentum and rapidity in the regions 0<pT<20 GeV/c and 2.0<y<4.5. The ratio integrated within this kinematic range is measured to be (0.683±0.018±0.009)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic.
First Observation of Top Quark Production in the Forward Region
Top quark production in the forward region in proton-proton collisions is observed for the first time. The W + b final state with W → μν is reconstructed using muons with a transverse momentum, p[subscript T], larger than 25 GeV in the pseudorapidity range 2.0 20 GeV. The results are based on data corresponding to integrated luminosities of 1.0 and 2.0 fb[superscript -1] collected at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV by LHCb. The inclusive top quark production cross sections in the fiducial region are σ(top)[7 TeV] = 239 ± 53(stat) ± 33(syst) ± 24(theory) fb, σ(top)[8 TeV] = 289 ± 43(stat) ± 40(syst) ± 29(theory) fb.These results, along with the observed differential yields and c…
Study of Beauty Hadron Decays into Pairs of Charm Hadrons
First observations of the decays Λ[0 over b] → Λ[+ over c]D[− over (s)] are reported using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb[superscript −1] collected at 7 and 8 TeV center-of-mass energies in proton-proton collisions with the LHCb detector. In addition, the most precise measurement of the branching fraction B(B[0 over s] → D[superscript +]D[− over s]) is made and a search is performed for the decays B[0 over (s)] → Λ[+ over c]Λ[− over c]. The results obtained are B(Λ[0 over b] → Λ[+ over c]D[superscript −])/B(Λ[0 over b] → Λ[+ over c]D[− over s]) = 0.042 ± 0.003(stat) ± 0.003(syst), ⎡⎣B(Λ[0 over b] → Λ[+ over c]D[− over s]) over B([¯ over B[superscript 0] → D[superscr…
High Voltage Insulation and Gas Absorption of Polymers in High Pressure Argon and Xenon Gases
High pressure gas time projection chambers (HPGTPCs) are made with a variety of materials, many of which have not been well characterized in high pressure noble gas environments. As HPGTPCs are scaled up in size toward ton-scale detectors, assemblies become larger and more complex, creating a need for detailed understanding of how structural supports and high voltage insulators behave. This includes the identification of materials with predictable mechanical properties and without surface charge accumulation that may lead to field deformation or sparking. This paper explores the mechanical and electrical effects of high pressure gas environments on insulating polymers PTFE, HDPE, PEEK, POM …
Radiopurity control in the NEXT-100 double beta decay experiment
An extensive material screening and selection process is underway in the construction of the "Neutrino Experiment with a Xenon TPC" (NEXT), intended to investigate neutrinoless double beta decay using a high-pressure xenon gas TPC filled with 100 kg of Xe enriched in 136Xe. Determination of the radiopurity levels of the materials is based on gamma-ray spectroscopy using ultra-low background germanium detectors at the Laboratorio Subterraneo de Canfranc (Spain) and also on Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry. Materials to be used in the shielding, pressure vessel, electroluminescence and high voltage components and energy and tracking readout planes have been already taken into consideration. T…
Radon and material radiopurity assessment for the NEXT double beta decay experiment
Artículo escrito por un elevado número de autores, solo se referencian el que aparece en primer lugar, el nombre del grupo de colaboración, si le hubiere, y los autores pertenecientes a la UAM
Study of W Boson Production in Association with Beauty and Charm
The associated production of a W boson with a jet originating from either a light parton or heavy-flavor quark is studied in the forward region using proton-proton collisions. The analysis uses data corresponding to integrated luminosities of 1.0 and 2.0 fb[superscript -1] collected with the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, respectively. The W bosons are reconstructed using the W → μν decay and muons with a transverse momentum, p[subscript T], larger than 20 GeV in the pseudorapidity range 2.0 20 GeV and 2.2 20 GeV. The fraction of W + jet events that originate from beauty and charm quarks is measured, along with the charge asymmetries of the W + b and W + c produ…
Measurement of the chi(b) (3 P) mass and of the relative rate of chi(b1) (1 P) and chi(b2) (1 P) production
The production of $\chi_b$ mesons in proton-proton collisions is studied using a data sample collected by the LHCb detector, at centre-of-mass energies of $\sqrt{s}=7$ and $8$ TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb$^{-1}$. The $\chi_b$ mesons are identified through their decays to $\Upsilon(1S)\gamma$ and $\Upsilon(2S)\gamma$ using photons that converted to $e^+e^-$ pairs in the detector. The $\chi_b(3P)$ meson mass, and the relative prompt production rate of $\chi_{b1}(1P)$ and $\chi_{b2}(1P)$ mesons as a function of the $\Upsilon(1S)$ transverse momentum in the $\chi_b$ rapidity range 2.0< $y$<4.5, are measured. Assuming a mass splitting between the $\chi_{b1}(3P)$ an…
Observation of charmonium pairs produced exclusively in $pp$ collisions
A search is performed for the central exclusive production of pairs of charmonia produced in proton-proton collisions. Using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $3{\rm\ fb}^{-1}$ collected at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, $J/\psi J/\psi$ and $J/\psi\psi(2S)$ pairs are observed, which have been produced in the absence of any other activity inside the LHCb acceptance that is sensitive to charged particles in the pseudorapidity ranges $(-3.5,-1.5)$ and $(1.5,5.0)$. Searches are also performed for pairs of P-wave charmonia and limits are set on their production. The cross-sections for these processes, where the dimeson system has a rapidity between 2.0 and 4.5, are measu…
Precision luminosity measurements at LHCb
Measuring cross-sections at the LHC requires the luminosity to be determined accurately at each centre-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s}$. In this paper results are reported from the luminosity calibrations carried out at the LHC interaction point 8 with the LHCb detector for $\sqrt{s}$ = 2.76, 7 and 8 TeV (proton-proton collisions) and for $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 5 TeV (proton-lead collisions). Both the "van der Meer scan" and "beam-gas imaging" luminosity calibration methods were employed. It is observed that the beam density profile cannot always be described by a function that is factorizable in the two transverse coordinates. The introduction of a two-dimensional description of the beams improves sig…
First observation of the rareB+→D+K+π−decay
The B+→D+K+π- decay is observed in a data sample corresponding to 3.0 fb-1 of pp collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment during 2011 and 2012. The signal significance is 8σ and the branching fraction is measured to be B(B+→D+K+π-)=(5.31±0.90±0.48±0.35)×10-6, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic and due to the normalization mode B+→D-K+π+, respectively. The Dalitz plot appears to be dominated by broad structures. Angular distributions are exploited to search for quasi-two-body contributions from B+→D2∗(2460)0K+ and B+→D+K∗(892)0 decays. No significant signals are observed and upper limits are set on their branching fractions.
Dalitz plot analysis ofBs0→D¯0K−π+decays
The resonant substructure of B-s(0) -> (D) over bar K-0(-)pi(+) decays is studied with the Dalitz plot analysis technique. The study is based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb(-1) of pp collision data recorded by LHCb. A structure at m((D) over bar K-0(-)) approximate to 2.86 GeV/c(2) is found to be an admixture of spin-1 and spin-3 resonances. The masses and widths of these states and of the D-s2*(2573)(-) meson are measured, as are the complex amplitudes and fit fractions for all the (D) over bar K-0(-) and K-pi(-) components included in the amplitude model. In addition, the D-s2*(2573)(-) resonance is confirmed to be spin 2.
Demonstration of the event identification capabilities of the NEXT-White detector
[EN] In experiments searching for neutrinoless double-beta decay, the possibility of identifying the two emitted electrons is a powerful tool in rejecting background events and therefore improving the overall sensitivity of the experiment. In this paper we present the first measurement of the efficiency of a cut based on the different event signatures of double and single electron tracks, using the data of the NEXT-White detector, the first detector of the NEXT experiment operating underground. Using a 228Th calibration source to produce signal-like and background-like events with energies near 1.6 MeV, a signal efficiency of 71.6 ± 1.5 stat ± 0.3 sys% for a background acceptance of 20.6 ± …
Measurement of CP asymmetry in D 0 → K - K + and D 0 → π - πdecays
Time-integrated $CP$ asymmetries in $D^0$ decays to the final states $K^- K^+$ and $\pi^- \pi^+$ are measured using proton-proton collisions corresponding to $3\mathrm{\,fb}^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity collected at centre-of-mass energies of $7\mathrm{\,Te\kern -0.1em V}$ and $8\mathrm{\,Te\kern -0.1em V}$. The $D^0$ mesons are produced in semileptonic $b$-hadron decays, where the charge of the accompanying muon is used to determine the initial flavour of the charm meson. The difference in $CP$ asymmetries between the two final states is measured to be \begin{align} \Delta A_{CP} = A_{CP}(K^-K^+)-A_{CP}(\pi^-\pi^+) = (+0.14 \pm 0.16\mathrm{\,(stat)} \pm 0.08\mathrm{\,(syst)})\% \ . \nonu…
Radiogenic backgrounds in the NEXT double beta decay experiment
[EN] Natural radioactivity represents one of the main backgrounds in the search for neutrinoless double beta decay. Within the NEXT physics program, the radioactivity- induced backgrounds are measured with the NEXT-White detector. Data from 37.9 days of low-background operations at the Laboratorio Subterraneo de Canfranc with xenon depleted in Xe-136 are analyzed to derive a total background rate of (0.84 +/- 0.02) mHz above 1000 keV. The comparison of data samples with and without the use of the radon abatement system demonstrates that the contribution of airborne-Rn is negligible. A radiogenic background model is built upon the extensive radiopurity screening campaign conducted by the NEX…
Operation and first results of the NEXT-DEMO prototype using a silicon photomultiplier tracking array
NEXT-DEMO is a high-pressure xenon gas TPC which acts as a technological test-bed and demonstrator for the NEXT-100 neutrinoless double beta decay experiment. In its current configuration the apparatus fully implements the NEXT-100 design concept. This is an asymmetric TPC, with an energy plane made of photomultipliers and a tracking plane made of silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) coated with TPB. The detector in this new configuration has been used to reconstruct the characteristic signature of electrons in dense gas, demonstrating the ability to identify the MIP and "blob" regions. Moreover, the SiPM tracking plane allows for the definition of a large fiducial region in which an excellent e…
Description and commissioning of NEXT-MM prototype: first results from operation in a Xenon-Trimethylamine gas mixture
[EN] A technical description of NEXT-MM and its commissioning and first performance is reported. Having an active volume of ∼35 cm drift × 28 cm diameter, it constitutes the largest Micromegas-read TPC operated in Xenon ever constructed, made by a sectorial arrangement of the 4 largest single wafers manufactured with the Microbulk technique to date. It is equipped with a suitably pixelized readout and with a sufficiently large sensitive volume (∼23 l) so as to contain long (∼20 cm) electron tracks. First results obtained at 1 bar for Xenon and Trymethylamine (Xe-(2%)TMA) mixture are presented. The TPC can accurately reconstruct extended background tracks. An encouraging fu…
Search for Structure in theBs0π±Invariant Mass Spectrum
The $B_s^0\pi^\pm$ invariant mass distribution is investigated in order to search for possible exotic meson states. The analysis is based on a data sample recorded with the LHCb detector corresponding to $3$ fb$^{-1}$ of $pp$ collision data at $\sqrt{s} = 7$ and $8$ TeV. No significant excess is found, and upper limits are set on the production rate of the claimed $X(5568)$ state. Upper limits are also set as a function of the mass and width of a possible exotic meson decaying to the $B_s^0\pi^\pm$ final state.
First observation and amplitude analysis of theB−→D+K−π−decay
The B- -> D+K-pi(-) decay is observed in a data sample corresponding to 3.0 fb(-1) of pp collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment during 2011 and 2012. Its branching fraction is measured to be B(B- -> D+K-pi(-)) = (7.31 +/- 0.19 +/- 0.22 +/- 0.39) x 10(-5) where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic and from the branching fraction of the normalization channel B- -> D+pi(-)pi(-), respectively. An amplitude analysis of the resonant structure of the B- -> D+K-pi(-) decay is used to measure the contributions from quasi-two-body B- -> D-0* (2400)K-0(-), B- -> D-2* (2460)K-0(-), and B- -> D-J* (2760)K-0(-) decays, as well as from nonresonant sources. The D-J* (2760)(0) resonance is …
Measurement of the lifetime of theBc+meson using theBc+→J/ψπ+decay mode
The difference in total widths between the B+c and B+ mesons is measured using 3.0fb−1 of data collected by the LHCb experiment in 7 and 8 TeV centre-of-mass energy proton-proton collisions at the LHC. Through the study of the time evolution of B+c→J/ψπ+ and B+→J/ψK+ decays, the width difference is measured to beΔΓ≡ΓB+c−ΓB+=4.46±0.14±0.07mm−1c,where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The known lifetime of the B+ meson is used to convert this to a precise measurement of the B+c lifetime,τB+c=513.4±11.0±5.7fs,where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic.
Measurement of the SemileptonicCPAsymmetry inB0-B¯0Mixing
The semileptonic $CP$ asymmetry in $B^0-\overline{B}{}^0$ mixing, $a_{\rm sl}^d$, is measured in proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb$^{-1}$, recorded by the LHCb experiment. Semileptonic $B^0$ decays are reconstructed in the inclusive final states $D^-\mu^+$ and $D^{*-}\mu^+$, where the $D^-$ meson decays into the $K^+\pi^-\pi^-$ final state, and the $D^{*-}$ meson into the $\overline{D}{}^0(\rightarrow K^+\pi^-)\pi^-$ final state. The asymmetry between the numbers of $D^{(*)-}\mu^+$ and $D^{(*)+}\mu^-$ decays is measured as a function of the decay time of the $B^0$ mesons. The $CP$ asymmetry is measured to be $a_{\rm sl}^d = (-0.02 \pm 0.19 \pm…
Sensitivity of a tonne-scale NEXT detector for neutrinoless double beta decay searches
The Neutrino Experiment with a Xenon TPC (NEXT) searches for the neutrinoless double-beta decay of Xe-136 using high-pressure xenon gas TPCs with electroluminescent amplification. A scaled-up version of this technology with about 1 tonne of enriched xenon could reach in less than 5 years of operation a sensitivity to the half-life of neutrinoless double-beta decay decay better than 1E27 years, improving the current limits by at least one order of magnitude. This prediction is based on a well-understood background model dominated by radiogenic sources. The detector concept presented here represents a first step on a compelling path towards sensitivity to the parameter space defined by the in…
Measurement ofCPviolation parameters inB0→DK*0decays
An analysis of B0→DK*0 decays is presented, where D represents an admixture of D0 and D¯0 mesons reconstructed in four separate final states: K−π+, π−K+, K+K− and π+π−. The data sample corresponds to 3.0 fb−1 of proton-proton collision, collected by the LHCb experiment. Measurements of several observables are performed, including CP asymmetries. The most precise determination is presented of rB(DK*0), the magnitude of the ratio of the amplitudes of the decay B0→DK+π− with a b→u or a b→c transition, in a Kπ mass region of ±50 MeV/c2 around the K∗(892) mass and for an absolute value of the cosine of the K*0 helicity angle larger than 0.4.
Search for CP violation inD0→π−π+π0decays with the energy test
A search for time-integrated CP violation in the Cabibbo-suppressed decay D-0 -> pi(-)pi(+)pi(0) ir is performed using for the first time an unbinned model-independent technique known as the energy test. Using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.0 fb(-1) collected by the LHCb detector at a centre-of-mass energy of root s = 8 TeV, the world's best sensitivity to CP violation in this decay is obtained. The data are found to be consistent with the hypothesis of CP symmetry with a p-value of (2.6 +/- 0.5)%. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Evidence for Exotic Hadron Contributions toΛb0→J/ψpπ−Decays
A full amplitude analysis of $\Lambda_b^0 \to J/\psi p \pi^-$ decays is performed with a data sample acquired with the LHCb detector from 7 and 8 TeV $pp$ collisions, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb$^{-1}$. A significantly better description of the data is achieved when, in addition to the previously observed nucleon excitations $N\to p\pi^-$, either the $P_c(4380)^+$ and $P_c(4450)^+\to J/\psi p$ states, previously observed in $\Lambda_b^0 \to J/\psi p K^-$ decays, or the $Z_c(4200)^-\to J/\psi \pi^-$ state, previously reported in $B^0 \to J/\psi K^+ \pi^-$ decays, or all three, are included in the amplitude models. The data support a model containing all three exotic sta…
Energy calibration of the NEXT-White detector with 1% resolution near Q ββ of 136Xe
Excellent energy resolution is one of the primary advantages of electroluminescent high pressure xenon TPCs, and searches for rare physics events such as neutrinoless double-beta decay ($\beta\beta0\nu$) require precise energy measurements. Using the NEXT-White detector, developed by the NEXT (Neutrino Experiment with a Xenon TPC) collaboration, we show for the first time that an energy resolution of 1% FWHM can be achieved at 2.6 MeV, establishing the present technology as the one with the best energy resolution of all xenon detectors for $\beta\beta0\nu$ searches.
Measurement of resonant andCPcomponents inB¯s0→J/ψπ+π−decays
Structure of the decay Bs0→J/ψπ+π- is studied using data corresponding to 3fb-1 of integrated luminosity from pp collisions produced by the LHC and collected by the LHCb detector. Five interfering π+π- states are required to describe the decay: f0(980),f0(1500),f0(1790),f2(1270), and f2′(1525). An alternative model including these states and a nonresonant J/ψπ+π- component also provides a good description of the data. Based on the different transversity components measured for the spin-2 intermediate states, the final state is found to be compatible with being entirely CP odd. The CP-even part is found to be <2.3% at a 95% confidence level. The f0(500) state is not observed, allowing a limi…
Study of the rare Bs0 and B0 decays into the π+π−μ+μ− final state
A search for the rare decays B0s→π+π−μ+μ− and B0→π+π−μ+μ− is performed in a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb−1 collected by the LHCb detector in proton-proton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. Decay candidates with pion pairs that have invariant mass in the range 0.5-1.3 GeV/c2 and with muon pairs that do not originate from a resonance are considered. The first observation of the decay B0s→π+π−μ+μ− and the first evidence of the decay B0→π+π−μ+μ− are obtained and the branching fractions are measured to be B(B0s→π+π−μ+μ−)=(8.6±1.5(stat)±0.7(syst)±0.7(norm))×10−8 and B(B0→π+π−μ+μ−)=(2.11±0.51(stat)±0.15(syst)±0.16(norm))×10−8, where the third unc…
Observation ofJ/ψpResonances Consistent with Pentaquark States inΛb0→J/ψK−pDecays
Observations of exotic structures in the J/ψp channel, that we refer to as pentaquark-charmonium states, in Λ0b→J/ψK−p decays are presented. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3/fb acquired with the LHCb detector from 7 and 8 TeV pp collisions. An amplitude analysis is performed on the three-body final-state that reproduces the two-body mass and angular distributions. To obtain a satisfactory fit of the structures seen in the J/ψp mass spectrum, it is necessary to include two Breit-Wigner amplitudes that each describe a resonant state. The significance of each of these resonances is more than 9 standard deviations. One has a mass of 4380±8±29 MeV and a width of 205±1…
Effective lifetime measurements in theBs0→K+K−,B0→K+π−andBs0→π+K−decays
Measurements of the effective lifetimes in the B-s(0) -> K+K-, B-0 -> K+pi(-) and B-s(0) -> pi K-+(-) decays are presented using 1.0 fb(-1)of pp collision data collected at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV by the LHCb experiment. The analysis uses a data-driven approach to correct for the decay time acceptance. The measured effective lifetimes are tau(Bs0 -> K+K-) = 1.407 +/- 0.016 (stat) +/- 0.007 (syst) ps, tau(Bs0 -> K+pi-) = 1.524 +/- 0.011 (stat) +/- 0.004 (syst) ps, tau(Bs0 ->pi+K-) = 1.60 +/- 0.06 (stat) +/- 0.01 (syst) ps. This is the most precise determination to date of the effective lifetime in the B-s(0) -> K+K- decay and provides constraints on contributions from physics beyond…
Precision Measurement ofCPViolation inBS0→J/ΨK+K−Decays
The time-dependent CP asymmetry in B-S(0) -> J/Psi K+K- decays is measured using pp collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb(-1), collected with the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. In a sample of 96 000 B-S(0) -> J/Psi K+K- decays, the CP-violating phase phi(s) is measured, as well as the decay widths GL and GH of the light and heavy mass eigenstates of the B-s(0)-(B) over bar (0)(s) system. The values obtained are phi(s) = -0.058 +/- 0.049 +/- 0.006 rad, Gamma(s) equivalent to (Gamma(L) + Gamma(H))/2 = 0.6603 +/- 0.0027 +/- 0.0015 ps(-1), and Delta Gamma(s) equivalent to Gamma(L)-Gamma(H) = 0.0805 +/- 0.0091 +/- 0.0032 ps(-1), where the f…
Measurement of the Ratio of Branching FractionsB(B¯0→D*+τ−ν¯τ)/B(B¯0→D*+μ−ν¯μ)
The branching fraction ratio R(D-*) = B((B) over bar (0) -> D-*(+)tau(-)(nu) over bar (tau))/B((B) over bar (0) -> D-*(+)mu(-)(nu) over bar (mu)) is measured using a sample of proton-proton collision data corresponding to 3.0 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity recorded by the LHCb experiment during 2011 and 2012. The tau lepton is identified in the decay mode tau(-) -> mu(-)(nu) over bar (mu)nu(tau). The semitauonic decay is sensitive to contributions from non-standard-model particles that preferentially couple to the third generation of fermions, in particular, Higgs-like charged scalars. A multidimensional fit to kinematic distributions of the candidate (B) over bar (0) decays gives R(D-*) =…
Initial results of NEXT-DEMO, a large-scale prototype of the NEXT-100 experiment
NEXT-DEMO is a large-scale prototype of the NEXT-100 detector, an electroluminescent time projection chamber that will search for the neutrinoless double beta decay of Xe-136 using 100-150 kg of enriched xenon gas. NEXT-DEMO was built to prove the expected performance of NEXT-100, namely, energy resolution better than 1% FWHM at 2.5MeV and event topological reconstruction. In this paper we describe the prototype and its initial results. A resolution of 1.75% FWHM at 511 keV (which extrapolates to 0.8% FWHM at 2.5 MeV) was obtained at 10 bar pressure using a gamma-ray calibration source. Also, a basic study of the event topology along the longitudinal coordinate is presented, proving that it…
Model-independent confirmation of theZ(4430)−state
The decay $B^0\to \psi(2S) K^+\pi^-$ is analyzed using $\rm 3~fb^{-1}$ of $pp$ collision data collected with the LHCb detector. A model-independent description of the $\psi(2S) \pi$ mass spectrum is obtained, using as input the $K\pi$ mass spectrum and angular distribution derived directly from data, without requiring a theoretical description of resonance shapes or their interference. The hypothesis that the $\psi(2S)\pi$ mass spectrum can be described in terms of $K\pi$ reflections alone is rejected with more than 8$\sigma$ significance. This provides confirmation, in a model-independent way, of the need for an additional resonant component in the mass region of the $Z(4430)^-$ exotic sta…
Dalitz plot analysis ofB0→D¯0π+π−decays
The resonant substructures of $B^0 \to \overline{D}^0 \pi^+\pi^-$ decays are studied with the Dalitz plot technique. In this study a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb$^{-1}$ of $pp$ collisions collected by the LHCb detector is used. The branching fraction of the $B^0 \to \overline{D}^0 \pi^+\pi^-$ decay in the region $m(\overline{D}^0\pi^{\pm})>2.1$ GeV$/c^2$ is measured to be $(8.46 \pm 0.14 \pm 0.29 \pm 0.40) \times 10^{-4}$, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic and the last arises from the normalisation channel $B^0 \to D^*(2010)^-\pi^+$. The $\pi^+\pi^-$ S-wave components are modelled with the Isobar and K-matrix formalisms. …
Differential branching fraction and angular analysis of the decay $B^{0} \to K^{*0} \mu^{+}\mu^{-}$
The angular distribution and differential branching fraction of the decay B-0 -> K*(0)mu(+)mu(-) are studied using a data sample, collected by the LHCb experiment in pp collisions at root s = 7 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb(-1). Several angular observables are measured in bins of the dimuon invariant mass squared, q(2). A first measurement of the zero-crossing point of the forward-backward asymmetry of the dimuon system is also presented. The zero-crossing point is measured to be q(0)(2) = 4.9 +/- 0.9 GeV2/c(4), where the uncertainty is the sum of statistical and systematic uncertainties. The results are consistent with the Standard Model predictions.
Determination of γ and−2βsfrom charmless two-body decays of beauty mesons
Using the latest LHCb measurements of time-dependent CP violation in the B-s(0) -> K+K- decay, a U-spin relation between the decay amplitudes of B-s(0) -> K+K- and B-0 -> p(+)p(-) decay processes allows constraints to be placed on the angle gamma of the unitarity triangle and on the B-s(0) mixing phase -2 beta(s). Results from an extended approach, which uses additional inputs on B-0 -> pi(0)pi(0) and B+ -> pi(+)pi(0) decays from other experiments and exploits isospin symmetry, are also presented. The dependence of the results on the maximum allowed amount of U-spin breaking is studied. At 68% probability, the value gamma =( 63.5(-6.7)(+7.2))degrees modulo 180 degrees is determined. In an a…
Search for direct CP violation in D0→h−h+ modes using semileptonic B decays
A search for direct CP violation in D0 -> h- h+ (where h=K or pi) is presented using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb^-1 collected in 2011 by LHCb in pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. The analysis uses D0 mesons produced in inclusive semileptonic b-hadron decays to the D0 mu X final state, where the charge of the accompanying muon is used to tag the flavour of the D0 meson. The difference in the CP-violating asymmetries between the two decay channels is measured to be Delta A_CP = A_CP(K-K+) - A_CP(pi-pi+) = (0.49 +- 0.30 (stat) +- 0.14 (syst)) % . This result does not confirm the evidence for direct CP violation in the charm sector reported in other…
Measurements of the Λb0→J/ψΛ decay amplitudes and the Λb0 polarisation in pp collisions at s=7 TeV
An angular analysis of Λ0b→J/ψΛ decays is performed using a data sample corresponding to 1.0 fb−1 collected in pp collisions at √s=7 TeV with the LHCb detector at the LHC. A parity violating asymmetry parameter characterising the Λ0b→J/ψΛ decay of 0.05±0.17±0.07 and a Λ0b transverse production polarisation of 0.06±0.07±0.02 are measured, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic.
Characterization of a medium size Xe/TMA TPC instrumented with microbulk Micromegas, using low-energy gamma-rays
NEXT-MM is a general-purpose high pressure (10 bar, $\sim25$ l active volume) Xenon-based TPC, read out in charge mode with an 8 cm $\times$8 cm-segmented 700 cm$^2$ plane (1152 ch) of the latest microbulk-Micromegas technology. It has been recently commissioned at University of Zaragoza as part of the R&D of the NEXT $0\nu\beta\beta$ experiment, although the experiment's first stage is currently being built based on a SiPM/PMT-readout concept relying on electroluminescence. Around 2 million events were collected during the last months, stemming from the low energy $\gamma$-rays emitted by a $^{241}$Am source when interacting with the Xenon gas ($\epsilon$ = 26, 30, 59.5 keV). The localized…
Present Status and Future Perspectives of the NEXT Experiment
Gómez Cadenas, Juan José et al.
Quantum numbers of theX(3872)state and orbital angular momentum in itsρ0J/ψdecay
Angular correlations in B+→X(3872)K+ decays, with X(3872)→ρ0J/ψ, ρ0→π+π− and J/ψ→μ+μ−, are used to measure orbital angular momentum contributions and to determine the JPC value of the X(3872) meson. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb−1 of proton-proton collisions collected with the LHCb detector. This determination, for the first time performed without assuming a value for the orbital angular momentum, confirms the quantum numbers to be JPC=1++. The X(3872) is found to decay predominantly through S wave and an upper limit of 4% at 95% C.L. is set on the fraction of D wave.
Observation of Photon Polarization in theb→sγTransition
This Letter presents a study of the flavor-changing neutral current radiative $B^{\pm} \to K^{\pm}\pi^{\mp}\pi^{\pm}\gamma$ decays performed using data collected in proton-proton collisions with the LHCb detector at $7$ and $8\,$TeV center-of-mass energies. In this sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $3\,\text{fb}^{-1}$, nearly $14\,000$ signal events are reconstructed and selected, containing all possible intermediate resonances with a $K^{\pm}\pi^{\mp}\pi^{\pm}$ final state in the $[1.1, 1.9]\,$GeV/$c^{2}$ mass range. The distribution of the angle of the photon direction with respect to the plane defined by the final-state hadrons in their rest frame is studied in interva…
Measurements ofCPviolation in the three-body phase space of charmlessB±decays
The charmless three-body decay modes B±→K±π+π−, B±→K±K+K−, B±→π±K+K− and B±→π±π+π− are reconstructed using data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb−1, collected by the LHCb detector. The inclusive CP asymmetries of these modes are measured to be ACP(B±→K±π+π−)=+0.025±0.004±0.004±0.007,ACP(B±→K±K+K−)=−0.036±0.004±0.002±0.007,ACP(B±→π±π+π−)=+0.058±0.008±0.009±0.007,ACP(B±→π±K+K−)=−0.123±0.017±0.012±0.007, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic, and the third is due to the CP asymmetry of the B±→J/ψK± reference mode. The distributions of these asymmetries are also studied as functions of position in the Dalitz plot and suggest contributions from res…
Study ofCPviolation inB∓→Dh∓(h=K,π) with the modesD→K∓π±π0,D→π+π−π0andD→K+K−π0
An analysis of the decays of B--/+ -> DK -/+ and B--/+ -> D pi(-/+) is presented in which the D meson is reconstructed in the three-body final states K--/+pi(+/-)pi(0), pi(+)pi(-)pi(0) and K+K-pi(0). Using data from LHCb corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb(-1) of pp collisions, measurements of several CP observables are performed. First observations are obtained of the suppressed Atwood-Dunietz-Soni decay B--/+ -> [pi K-+(+/-)pi(0)](D)pi(-/+) and the quasi-Gronau-London-Wyler decay B--/+ -> [K+K-pi(0)](D)pi(-/+). The results are interpreted in the context of the unitarity triangle angle gamma and related parameters.
Precision Measurement of the Mass and Lifetime of the Ξ[0 over b] Baryon
Using a proton-proton collision data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb$^{-1}$ collected by LHCb at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, about 3800 $\Xi_b^0\to\Xi_c^+\pi^-$, $\Xi_c^+\to pK^-\pi^+$ signal decays are reconstructed. From this sample, the first measurement of the $\Xi_b^0$ baryon lifetime is made, relative to that of the $\Lambda_b^0$ baryon. The mass differences $M(\Xi_b^0)-M(\Lambda_b^0)$ and $M(\Xi_c^+)-M(\Lambda_c^+)$ are also measured with precision more than four times better than the current world averages. The resulting values are $\frac{\tau_{\Xi_b^0}}{\tau_{\Lambda_b^0}} = 1.006\pm0.018\pm0.010$, $M(\Xi_b^0) - M(\Lambda_b^0) = 172.44\pm0.39\pm…
First measurement of the charge asymmetry in beauty-quark pair production.
The difference in the angular distributions between beauty quarks and antiquarks, referred to as the charge asymmetry, is measured for the first time in b[bar over b] pair production at a hadron collider. The data used correspond to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb[superscript −1] collected at 7 TeV center-of-mass energy in proton-proton collisions with the LHCb detector. The measurement is performed in three regions of the invariant mass of the b[bar over b] system. The results obtained are A[b[bar over b] over C](40 105 GeV/c[superscript 2]) = 1.6 ± 1.7 ± 0.6%, where A[b[bar over b] over C] is defined as the asymmetry in the difference in rapidity between jets formed from the beauty q…
Measurement of CP asymmetries in the decays B0 → K*0 μ+μ- and B+ → K+ μ+μ-
The direct CP asymmetries of the decays B 0 → K *0 μ + μ − and B + → K + μ + μ − are measured using pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb−1 collected with the LHCb detector. The respective control modes B 0 → J/ψK *0 and B + → J/ψK + are used to account for detection and production asymmetries. The measurements are made in several intervals of μ + μ − invariant mass squared, with the ϕ(1020) and charmonium resonance regions excluded. Under the hypothesis of zero CP asymmetry in the control modes, the average values of the asymmetries are ACP(B0→K∗0μ+μ−)=−0.035±0.024±0.003,ACP(B+→K+μ+μ−)=0.012±0.017±0.001, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the …
Constraints on the unitarity triangle angleγfrom Dalitz plot analysis ofB0→DK+π−decays
The first study is presented of CP violation with an amplitude analysis of the Dalitz plot of B0→DK+π- decays, with D→K+π-, K+K-, and π+π-. The analysis is based on a data sample corresponding to 3.0 fb-1 of pp collisions collected with the LHCb detector. No significant CP violation effect is seen, and constraints are placed on the angle γ of the unitarity triangle formed from elements of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa quark mixing matrix. Hadronic parameters associated with the B0→DK∗(892)0 decay are determined for the first time. These measurements can be used to improve the sensitivity to γ of existing and future studies of the B0→DK∗(892)0 decay.
Measurement of the Difference of Time-IntegratedCPAsymmetries inD0→K−K+andD0→π−π+Decays
A search for CP violation in $D^0 \rightarrow K^{-} K^{+} $ and $D^0 \rightarrow \pi^{-} \pi^{+} $ decays is performed using $pp$ collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $3~fb^{-1}$, collected using the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and $8~$TeV. The flavour of the charm meson is inferred from the charge of the pion in $D^{*+}\rightarrow D^0\pi^+$ and $D^{*-}\rightarrow \bar{D^0}\pi^{-}$ decays. The difference between the CP asymmetries in $D^0 \rightarrow K^{-} K^{+} $ and $D^0 \rightarrow \pi^{-} \pi^{+} $ decays, $\Delta A_{CP} \equiv A_{CP}(K^{-} K^{+}) - A_{CP}(\pi^{-} \pi^{+})$, is measured to be $\left( -0.10 \pm 0.08(stat) \pm 0.03(syst) \right) \…
Amplitude analysis ofB−→D+π−π−decays
The Dalitz plot analysis technique is used to study the resonant substructures of $B^{-} \to D^{+} \pi^{-} \pi^{-}$ decays in a data sample corresponding to 3.0 ${\rm fb}^{-1}$ of $pp$ collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment during 2011 and 2012. A model-independent analysis of the angular moments demonstrates the presence of resonances with spins 1, 2 and 3 at high $D^{+}\pi^{-}$ mass. The data are fitted with an amplitude model composed of a quasi-model-independent function to describe the $D^{+}\pi^{-}$ S-wave together with virtual contributions from the $D^{*}(2007)^{0}$ and $B^{*0}$ states, and components corresponding to the $D^{*}_{2}(2460)^{0}$, $D^{*}_{1}(2680)^{0}$, $D^{*}_…
Radiopurity control in the NEXT-100 double beta decay experiment: procedures and initial measurements
[EN] The "Neutrino Experiment with a Xenon Time-Projection Chamber" (NEXT) is intended to investigate the neutrinoless double beta decay of Xe-136, which requires a severe suppression of potential backgrounds. An extensive screening and material selection process is underway for NEXT since the control of the radiopurity levels of the materials to be used in the experimental set-up is a must for rare event searches. First measurements based on Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry and gamma-ray spectroscopy using ultra-low background germanium detectors at the Laboratorio Subterraneo de Canfranc (Spain) are described here. Activity results for natural radioactive chains and other common radionucl…
Determination of the $X(3872)$ meson quantum numbers
The quantum numbers of the X(3872) meson are determined to be J(PC) = 1(++) based on angular correlations in B+ -> X(3872)K+ decays, where X(3872) -> pi(+) pi(-) j/psi and J/psi -> pi(+) mu(-). The data correspond to 1.0 fb(-1) of pp collisions collected by the LHCb detector. The only alternative assignment allowed by previous measurements J(PC) = 2(-+) is rejected with a confidence level equivalent to more than 8 Gaussian standard deviations using a likelihood-ratio test in the full angular phase space. This result favors exotic explanations of the X(3872) state.
Observation of the Resonant Character of theZ(4430)−State
Resonant structures in B-0 -> psi'pi K--(+) decays are analyzed by performing a four-dimensional fit of the decay amplitude, using pp collision data corresponding to 3 fb(-1) collected with the LHCb detector. The data cannot be described with K+pi(-) resonances alone, which is confirmed with a model-independent approach. A highly significant Z(4430)(-) -> psi'pi(-) component is required, thus confirming the existence of this state. The observed evolution of the Z(4430)(-) amplitude with the psi'pi(-) mass establishes the resonant nature of this particle. The mass and width measurements are substantially improved. The spin parity is determined unambiguously to be 1(+).
Search for CP violation using T-odd correlations in D-0 -> K+K-pi(+)pi(-) decays
A search for $CP$ violation using $T$-odd correlations is performed using the four-body $D^0 \to K^+K^-\pi^+\pi^-$ decay, selected from semileptonic $B$ decays. The data sample corresponds to integrated luminosities of $1.0\,\text{fb}^{-1}$ and $2.0\,\text{fb}^{-1}$ recorded at the centre-of-mass energies of 7 TeV and 8 TeV, respectively. The $CP$-violating asymmetry $a_{CP}^{T\text{-odd}}$ is measured to be $(0.18\pm 0.29\text{(stat)}\pm 0.04\text{(syst)})\%$. Searches for $CP$ violation in different regions of phase space of the four-body decay, and as a function of the $D^0$ decay time, are also presented. No significant deviation from the $CP$ conservation hypothesis is found.
Calibration of the NEXT-White detector using $^{83m}\mathrm{Kr}$ decays
The NEXT-White (NEW) detector is currently the largest radio-pure high-pressure xenon gas time projection chamber with electroluminescent readout in the world. NEXT-White has been operating at Laboratorio Subterr\'aneo de Canfranc (LSC) since October 2016. This paper describes the calibrations performed with $^{83m}\mathrm{Kr}$ decays during a long run taken from March to November 2017 (Run II). Krypton calibrations are used to correct for the finite drift-electron lifetime as well as for the dependence of the measured energy on the event position which is mainly caused by variations in solid angle coverage. After producing calibration maps to correct for both effects we measure an excellen…
Ionization and scintillation response of high-pressure xenon gas to alpha particles
High-pressure xenon gas is an attractive detection medium for a variety of applications in fundamental and applied physics. In this paper we study the ionization and scintillation detection properties of xenon gas at 10 bar pressure. For this purpose, we use a source of alpha particles in the NEXT-DEMO time projection chamber, the large scale prototype of the NEXT-100 neutrinoless double beta decay experiment, in three different drift electric field configurations. We measure the ionization electron drift velocity and longitudinal diffusion, and compare our results to expectations based on available electron scattering cross sections on pure xenon. In addition, two types of measurements add…
Observation of the suppressed ADS modes B±→[π±K∓π+π−]DK± and B±→[π±K∓π+π−]Dπ±
An analysis of and B-+/- -> DK +/- and B-+/- -> D pi(+/-) decays is presented where the D meson is reconstructed in the four-body final state K-+/-pi(-/+)pi(+)pi(-). Using LHCb data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb(-1), first observations are made of the suppressed ADS modes B-+/- ->[pi K-+/-(-/+)pi(+)pi(-)](D)K-+/- and B +/- -> [pi K-+/-(-/+)pi(+)pi(-)](D)pi(+/-) with a significance of 5.1 sigma and greater than 10 sigma, respectively. Measurements of CP asymmetries and CP-conserving ratios of partial widths from this family of decays are also performed. The magnitude of the ratio between the suppressed and favoured B-+/- -> DK +/- amplitudes is determined to be r(B)(K) …
Measurement of the ratio ofBc+branching fractions toJ/ψπ+andJ/ψμ+νμfinal states
The first measurement that relates semileptonic and hadronic decay rates of the B-c(+) meson is performed using proton-proton collision data corresponding to 1.0 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected with the LHCb detector. The measured value of the ratio of branching fractions, B(B-c(+) -> J/psi pi(+))/B(B-c(+) -> J/psi mu(+)nu(mu)) = 0.0469 +/- 0.0028(stat) +/- 0.0046(syst), is at the lower end of available theoretical predictions.
Observation of Two NewΞb−Baryon Resonances
Two structures are observed close to the kinematic threshold in the Ξb0π- mass spectrum in a sample of proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0fb-1, recorded by the LHCb experiment. In the quark model, two baryonic resonances with quark content bds are expected in this mass region: the spin-parity JP=(1/2)+ and JP=(3/2)+ states, denoted Ξb′- and Ξb∗-. Interpreting the structures as these resonances, we measure the mass differences and the width of the heavier state to be m(Ξb′-)-m(Ξb0)-m(π-)=3.653±0.018±0.006MeV/c2, m(Ξb∗-)-m(Ξb0)-m(π-)=23.96±0.12±0.06MeV/c2, Γ(Ξb∗-)=1.65±0.31±0.10MeV, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systema…
Measurements of charm mixing and CP violation using D0→K±π∓ decays
Measurements of charm mixing and CP violation parameters from the decay-time-dependent ratio of D0→K+π− to D0→K−π+ decay rates and the charge-conjugate ratio are reported. The analysis uses B¯¯¯¯→D∗+μ−X, and charge-conjugate decays, where D∗+→D0π+, and D0→K∓π±. The pp collision data are recorded by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies s√ = 7 and 8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb−1. The data are analyzed under three hypotheses: (i) mixing assuming CP symmetry, (ii) mixing assuming no direct CP violation in the Cabibbo-favored or doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decay amplitudes, and (iii) mixing allowing either direct CP violation and/or CP violation in the superpos…
Measurement of the effective Bs0→K+K− lifetime
A precise determination of the effective $B_s^0 \rightarrow K^+ K^-$ lifetime can be used to constrain contributions from physics beyond the Standard Model in the $B_s^0$ meson system. Conventional approaches select $B$ meson decay products that are significantly displaced from the $B$ meson production vertex. As a consequence, $B$ mesons with low decay times are suppressed, introducing a bias to the decay time spectrum which must be corrected. This analysis uses a technique that explicitly avoids a lifetime bias by using a neural network based trigger and event selection. Using 1.0 fb$^{-1}$ of data recorded by the LHCb experiment, the effective $B_s^0 \rightarrow K^+ K^-$ lifetime is meas…