Search

We perform a global analysis of $|\Delta c| = |\Delta u| = 1$ transitions using recent data on $D^0 \to \mu^+\mu^-$, $D^+ \to \pi ^+\,\mu^+\mu^-$, $\Lambda_c \to p\,\mu^+\mu^-$, and $D^0 \to \pi^+\pi^-\,\mu^+\mu^-$ decays, and work out constraints on new physics Wilson coefficients $\mathcal{C}_{7,9,10}^{(\prime)}$. While results are consistent with the standard model, we find sizeable room for new physics that can be cleanly signaled with null test observables, not probed with searches in other sectors such as kaon and $b$-decays. The decay $D^0 \to \pi^+\pi^-\,\mu^+\mu^-$ requires better understanding of hadronic contributions to be competitive in the current fit. Progress can be achieved by precision study of the double differential decay rate in the dipion and dimuon masses, together with improved theory modelling and $D \to \pi \pi$ transition form factors. On the other hand, the 4-body decay is an important contributor to the future global analysis due to its angular distributions that probe complementary combinations of Wilson coefficients, and as a QCD laboratory. The decay $\Lambda_c \to p\,\ell^+\ell^-$ is the rising star due to the simplicity of a 3-body decay with available form factors from lattice QCD, sensitivity to both 4-fermion and electromagnetic dipole couplings and its null test forward-backward asymmetry., Comment: 40 pages, 9 figures, v2: Angle phi convention in footnote 3 corrected, Figs 5,6,7 and Tables 3,4 updated accordingly, sign in I_9 Eq 3.34, B9 fixed, conclusions unchanged

We study the production of dineutrinos in proton-proton collisions, with large missing transverse energy and an energetic jet as the experimental signature. Recasting a search from the ATLAS collaboration we work out constraints on semileptonic four-fermion operators, gluon and electroweak dipole operators and $Z$-penguins in the SMEFT. All but the $Z$-penguin operators experience energy-enhancement. Constraints on gluon dipole operators are the strongest, probing new physics up to 14 TeV, and improve over existing ones from collider studies. Limits on FCNC four-fermion operators are competitive with Drell-Yan production of dileptons, and improve on those for tau final states. For left-handed $|\Delta s|=|\Delta d|=1$ and right-handed $|\Delta c|=|\Delta u|=1$ transitions these are the best available limits, also considering rare kaon and charm decays. We estimate improvements for the $3000 \;\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider., Comment: 41 pages, 9 figures, v2: clarifications, figure and references added

We revisit the stability of the Standard Model vacuum, and investigate its quantum effective potential using the highest available orders in perturbation theory and the most accurate determination of input parameters to date. We observe that the stability of the electroweak vacuum centrally depends on the values of the top mass and the strong coupling constant. We estimate that reducing their uncertainties by a factor of two to three is sufficient to establish or refute SM vacuum stability at the $5\sigma$ level. We further investigate vacuum stability for a variety of singlet scalar field extensions with and without flavor using the Higgs portal mechanism. We identify the BSM parameter spaces for stability and find sizable room for new physics. We further study the phenomenology of Planck-safe models at colliders, and determine the impact on the Higgs trilinear, the Higgs-to-electroweak-boson, and the Higgs quartic couplings, some of which can be significant. The former two can be probed at the HL-LHC, the latter requires a future collider with sufficient energy and precision such as the FCC-hh., Comment: v2: Numerical typo in SM input fixed and Tab. 1, Figs. 1, 2 and related text corrected, clarifications to App A. added; v3: clarifications added, conclusions unchanged

The recent LHCb determination of the direct CP asymmetries in the decays $D^0 \to K^+ K^-, \pi^+ \pi^-$ hints at a sizeable breaking of two approximate symmetries of the SM: CP and U-spin. We aim at explaining the data with BSM physics and use the framework of flavorful $Z^\prime$ models. Interestingly, experimental and theoretical constraints very much narrow down the shape of viable models: Viable, anomaly-free models are electron- and muon-phobic and feature a light $Z^\prime$ of 10-20 GeV coupling only to right-handed fermions. The $Z^\prime$ can be searched for in low mass dijets or at the LHC as well as dark photon searches. A light $Z^\prime$ of $\sim$ 3 GeV or $\sim$ 5-7 GeV can moreover resolve the longstanding discrepancy in the $J/\psi, \psi^\prime$ branching ratios with pion form factors from fits to $e^+ e^- \to \pi^+ \pi^-$ data, and simultaneously explain the charm CP asymmetries. Smoking gun signatures for this scenario are $\Upsilon$ and charmonium decays into pions, taus or invisbles., Comment: 2 pages, 4 figures

Rare decays mediated by $b \to s \nu \bar \nu$ transitions have been reported by the Belle II experiment. The branching ratio of the decay $B^+ \to K^+ \nu \bar \nu$ is found to be enhanced with respect to the standard model value. If taken at face value, the implications are profound: either lepton flavor universality is violated at the (multi)-TeV-scale, or light new physics is involved. This holds in general if $\mathcal{B}(B^+ \to K^+ \nu \bar \nu)$ exceeds $1.2 \cdot 10^{-5} \, (1.3 \cdot 10^{-5})$ at $1 \sigma$ ($2 \sigma$), which tightens with a decreasing upper limit on $\mathcal{B}(B \to K^*\nu \bar \nu)$, that is in reach of the Belle II experiment. In view of the strong constraints on electron-muon universality violation in $|\Delta b|=|\Delta s|=1$ processes, viable explanations are heavy, $(5-10)$-TeV tree-level new physics mediators that couple only to tau-flavors, or lepton flavor violating ones. In addition, couplings of similar size to both left- and right-handed quarks are generically required, implying non-minimal BSM sectors which are carefully balanced against flavor constraints. The decay $B_s^0 \to \text{invisibles}$ can shed light on whether new physics is light or heavy. In the former case, branching ratios can be as large as $10^{-5}$., Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures. v2: References and clarifications to Eqs.(3),(21),(22), and the model sections added, upper limit Bs to nothing corrected. v3: Discussion on b--> s tau tau couplings improved (new Fig. 3), minor corrections and references added

The Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) is a powerful tool to search for new physics in a model-independent way. We explore the synergies arising from different types of observables in a combined, global SMEFT fit. Specifically, we investigate the combination of top-quark measurements, $b\to s$ flavor changing neutral current transitions, $Z\to b \bar b$ and $Z\to c \bar c$, as well as Drell-Yan data from the LHC. We also examine the impact of Minimal Flavor Violation (MFV) as a flavor pattern in the global fit. We find that the combination of high-p$_T$ with flavor physics observables provides powerful synergies that significantly improve the fit and enable more precise tests of various SMEFT operators. By incorporating different observables, we are able to remove flat directions in the parameter space and infer on the flavor structure based on the MFV parameterization. In particular, we find that MFV significantly strengthens the constraints in comparison to a flavor-specific approach. Furthermore, our analysis yields a prediction for the dineutrino branching ratios ${\cal{B}}(B \to K^{(*)} \nu \bar \nu)$ within MFV, which can be tested experimentally at Belle II., Comment: Prepared for the FPCP 2023 proceedings, 6 pages, 4 figures

We explain why vector-like fermions are natural candidates to lift the Standard Model vacuum instability. Results are further discussed from the viewpoint of criticality. Several models allow for vector-like quarks and leptons in the TeV-range which can be searched for at the LHC., Comment: Proceedings Moriond EW 2023, 6 pages, 5 figures

We perform a global analysis of Beauty, Top, $Z$ and Drell-Yan measurements in the framework of the Standard Model effective theory (SMEFT). We work within the minimal flavor violation (MFV) hypothesis, which relates different sectors and generations beyond the $SU(2)_L$-link between left-handed top and beauty quarks. We find that the constraints on the SMEFT Wilson coefficients from the combined analysis are stronger than the constraints from a fit to the individual sectors, highlighting synergies in the global approach. We also show that constraints within MFV are strengthened compared to single-generation fits. The strongest bounds are obtained for the semileptonic four-fermion triplet operator $C_{lq}^{(3)}$, probing scales as high as $18$ TeV, followed by the gluon dipole operator $C_{uG}$ with $7$ TeV, and other four-fermion and penguin operators in the multi-TeV range. Operators with left-handed quark bilinears receive order one contributions from higher orders in the MFV expansion induced by the top Yukawa coupling as a result of the FCNC $b \to s \mu \mu$ anomalies combined with the other sectors. We predict the $68\%$ credible intervals of the dineutrino branching ratios within MFV as $5.3 \cdot 10^{-6} \leq {\cal{B}}(B^0 \to K^{* 0} \nu \bar\nu) \leq 12.8 \cdot 10^{-6}$ and $ 2.5 \cdot 10^{-6} \leq {\cal{B}}(B^+ \to K^+ \nu \bar\nu) \leq 5.9 \cdot 10^{-6}$, which include the respective Standard Model predictions, and are in reach of the Belle II experiment. We show how future measurements of the dineutrino branching ratios can provide insights into the structure of new physics in the global fit., Comment: 45 pages, 13 figures, v2: $B \to K$ form factors updated, conclusions unchanged, v3: clarifications on MFV expansion, $B \to K^*$ form factors updated, conclusions unchanged

We present a global fit of Drell-Yan, top-quark and beauty-physics data in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory framework using the Minimal Flavor Violation ansatz for the quark-flavor structure. The different energy scales are thereby connected by applying the renormalization group equation and matching onto the Weak Effective Theory in order to incorporate $b\to s$ FCNCs at low energies into the fit. We find that the combination of the different sectors greatly improves the bounds on the Wilson coefficients., Comment: Talk at the 15th International Workshop on Top Quark Physics, Durham, UK, 4-9 September 2022

The recent measurement of the CP-asymmetry in the decay $D \to K^+ K^-$ by LHCb, combined with $\Delta A_{\text{CP}}$, evidences a sizable CP-asymmetry in $D \to \pi^+ \pi^-$ decays, which requires a dynamical enhancement of standard model higher-order contributions over tree-level ones by a factor of two. The data furthermore imply huge U-spin breaking, about 4-5 times larger than the nominal standard model one of $\lesssim 30 \%$ in charm. Enhanced breakdown of the two approximate symmetries points to models that violate U-spin and CP and disfavors flavor singlet contributions such as chromomagnetic dipole operators as explanations of the data. We analyze the reach of flavorful $Z^\prime$ models for charm CP-asymmetries. Models feature explicit U-spin and isospin breaking, allowing for correlations with $D \to \pi^0 \pi^0$ and $D^+ \to \pi^+ \pi^0$ decays with corresponding CP-asymmetries at a similar level and sign as $D \to \pi^+ \pi^-$, about $ {\cal{O}}(1-2) \cdot 10^{-3}$. Experimental and theoretical constraints narrow down the shape of viable models: anomaly-free models are leptophobic -- or at least electro- and muo-phobic -- with light $Z^\prime$ below ${\cal{O}}(20)$ GeV, and can be searched for in low mass dijets at the LHC, $\Upsilon$ and charmonium decays, and dark photon signatures. A $Z^\prime$ around $\sim 3$ GeV or $\sim (5-7)$ GeV can relieve the tensions in the $J/\psi \to \pi^+ \pi^-$ and $\psi^\prime \to \pi^+ \pi^-$ branching ratios with pion form factors from fits to Babar and JLab data, and simultaneously explain the charm CP asymmetries. Models also feature sizable branching ratios into light right-handed neutrinos or vector-like dark fermions, which can be searched for in $e^+ e^- \to$~hadrons + invisibles at Belle II and BESIII. Due to the low new physics scale dark fermions may induce an early Landau pole which requires UV-completion near the TeV-scale., Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures. v2: Fig.1 and discussion on U-Spin improved, minor corrections and references added, v3: match published version

We perform a model-independent analysis of $|\Delta b|=|\Delta d|=1$ processes to test the standard model and probe flavor patterns of new physics. Constraints on Wilson coefficients are obtained from global fits to $B^+ \to \pi^+ \,\mu^+\mu^-$, $B^0_s\to \bar{K}^{*0}\, \mu^+\mu^-$, $B^0\to\mu^+\mu^-$, and radiative $B \to X_d \,\gamma$ decays data. The fits are consistent with the standard model but leave sizable room for new physics. Besides higher-statistics measurements and more data in theory-friendly bins of the dilepton mass, further complementary observables such as angular distributions of $B_s^0 \to \bar{K}^{*0}\,\ell^+ \ell^-$, $B \to \rho\,\ell^+ \ell^-$ or the baryonic modes $\Xi_b \to \Sigma\,\ell^+ \ell^-$, $\Omega_b^- \to \Xi^- \, \ell^+ \ell^-$ are necessary to resolve the significant degeneracy in the fit for the semileptonic four-fermion operators. Assuming minimal quark flavor violation, the $b \to s$ global fit implies tight constraints on the $b \to d$ couplings, and hence allows to test this paradigm with improved data. Another benefit from $|\Delta b|=|\Delta d|=1$ processes is to shed light on the $B$-anomalies in $|\Delta b|=|\Delta s|=1$ modes from a new angle. Specifically, studies of lepton flavor-specific and dineutrino modes are informative on the lepton flavor structure. Rare $b \to d \, \ell \ell, \nu \bar \nu$ decays can be studied at high luminosity flavor facilities LHCb, Belle II, and a future $Z$-factory., Comment: 16 pages, 5 figures, 8 tables. Adaptations of parametric and experimental fit input, corresponding tables and figures, minor clarifications added, conclusions unchanged

We address the notorious metastability of the standard model (SM) and promote it to a model building task: What are the new ingredients required to stabilize the SM up to the Planck scale without encountering subplanckian Landau poles? Using the SM extended by vector-like fermions (VLFs), we chart out the corresponding landscape of Higgs stability. We find that the gauge portal mechanism, triggered by new SM charge carriers, opens up sizeable room for stability in a minimally invasive manner. We also find models with Higgs criticality, and Yukawa portals opening up at stronger coupling. Several models allow for VLFs in the TeV-range, which can be searched for at the LHC. For nontrivial flavor structure severe flavor-changing neutral current constraints arise which complement those from stability, and push lower fermion masses up to $\mathcal{O}(10^3\,\text{TeV})$., Comment: 18 pages, 16 figures. v2: match published version

We study weak radiative $|\Delta c|=|\Delta u|=1$ decays of the charmed anti-triplett ($\Lambda_c$, $\Xi_c^{+}$, $\Xi_c^{0}$) and sextet ($\Sigma_c^{++}$, $\Sigma_c^+$, $\Sigma_c^0$, $\Xi_c^{\prime +}$, $\Xi_c^{\prime 0}$, $\Omega_c$) baryons in the standard model (SM) and beyond. We work out $SU(2)$ and $SU(3)_F$-symmetry relations. We propose to study self-analyzing decay chains such as $\Xi_c^+ \to \Sigma^+ (\to p \pi^0) \gamma$ and $\Xi_c^0 \to \Lambda (\to p \pi^-) \gamma$, which enable new physics sensitive polarization studies. SM contributions can be controlled by corresponding analysis of the Cabibbo-favored decays $\Lambda_c^+ \to \Sigma^+ (\to p \pi^0) \gamma$ and $\Xi_c^0 \to \Xi^0 (\to \Lambda \pi^0) \gamma$. Further tests of the SM are available with initially polarized baryons including $\Lambda_c \to p \gamma$ together with $\Lambda_c \to \Sigma^+ \gamma$ decays, or $\Omega_c \to \Xi^0 \gamma$ together with $\Omega_c \to (\Lambda,\Sigma^0) \gamma$. In addition, CP-violating new physics contributions to dipole operators can enhance CP-asymmetries up to few percent., Comment: 30 pages, 3 figures, 15 tables

Rare $\vert \Delta c \vert=\vert \Delta u \vert=1$ processes uniquely probe flavor in the Standard Model and beyond from the up-type quark sector. Opportunities to search for BSM physics in charm arise from the severe GIM suppression which kills SM contributions to leptonic axial-vector contributions and suppresses CP violation. Semileptonic decays of charmed hadrons offer a variety of clean null test observables, featuring new physics effects which are even enhanced by resonance contributions. In particular, angular observables in three- and self-analyzing four-body baryon decays, such as $\Lambda_c\to p \ell^+\ell^-$ and $\Xi_c^+\to\Sigma^+(\to p\pi^0)\ell^+\ell^-$, $\Xi_c^0\to\Lambda^0\,(\to p \pi^-)\ell^+\ell^-$ and $\Omega_c^0\to\Xi^0\,(\to \Lambda^{0} \pi^0)\ell^+\ell^-$ disentangle possible new physics effects in electromagnetic dipole couplings $C_7^{(\prime)}$ and (axial-)vector 4-fermion ones $C^{(\prime)}_{9\,(10)}$. There is sensitivity to BSM couplings as small as $\sim 0.01$., Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, Contribution to the 11th International Workshop on the CKM Unitarity Triangle (CKM2021), 22-26 November 2021, The University of Melbourne, Australia

We study the full angular distribution of semileptonic rare charm baryon decays in which the secondary baryon undergoes weak decay with sizable polarization parameter, $\Xi_c^+\to\Sigma^+\,(\to p\pi^0)\ell^+\ell^-$, $\Xi_c^0\to\Lambda^0\,(\to p \pi^-)\ell^+\ell^-$ and $\Omega_c^0\to\Xi^0\,(\to \Lambda^{0} \pi^0)\ell^+\ell^-$. Such self-analyzing decay chains allow for seven additional observables compared to three-body decays such as $\Lambda_c \to p \ell^+ \ell^-$, with different sensitivities to the $|\Delta c|=|\Delta u|=1$ weak couplings. Opportunities to test the standard model in $c \to u$ transitions with standard model null tests and other angular observables are worked out. We show that a joint model-independent analysis of the leptonic $A_{\text{FB}}^\ell$, hadronic $A_{\text{FB}}^{\text{H}}$, and combined forward-backward asymmetry $A_{\text{FB}}^{\ell\text{H}}$ together with the fraction of longitudinally produced leptons, $F_L$, is able to pin down the dipole couplings $C_{7},C^\prime_{7}$ and the semileptonic (axial-) vector ones $C_{10},C^\prime_{9},C^\prime_{10}$. $A_{\text{FB}}^{\text{H}}$ is also accessible with dineutrino $c \to u \nu \bar \nu$ modes and probes right-handed currents., Comment: 24 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables

We search for weakly interacting fixed points in extensions of the minimally supersymmetric standard model (MSSM). Necessary conditions lead to three distinct classes of anomaly-free extensions involving either new quark singlets, new quark doublets, or a fourth generation. While interacting fixed points arise prolifically in asymptotically free theories, their existence is significantly constrained as soon as some of the non-abelian gauge sectors are infrared free. Performing a scan over $\sim 200$k different MSSM extensions using matter field multiplicities and the number of superpotential couplings as free parameters, we find mostly infrared conformal fixed points, and a small subset with ultraviolet ones. All settings predict low-scale supersymmetry-breaking and a violation of $R$-parity. Despite of residual interactions, the running of couplings out of asymptotically safe fixed points is logarithmic as in asymptotic freedom. Some fixed points can be matched to the Standard Model though the matching scale comes out too low. Prospects for higher matching scales and asymptotic safety beyond the MSSM are indicated., Comment: 26 pages, 9 figures

$SU(2)_L$-invariance links charged dilepton $\bar q\,q^\prime\,\ell^+\,\ell^-$ and dineutrino $\bar q\, q^\prime\, \bar\nu\,\nu$ couplings. This connection can be established using the Standard Model Effective Field Theory framework, and allows to perform complementary experimental tests of lepton universality and charged lepton flavor conservation with flavor-summed dineutrino observables. We present its phenomenological implications for the branching ratios of rare charm decays $c\to u\,\nu\,\bar\nu$ and rare $B$ decays $b\to s\,\bar\nu\,\nu$ decays., Comment: Contribution to Proceedings of EPS-HEP2021, 26-30 July 2021, Univ. Hamburg and DESY, 6 pages, 1 figure

$U(1)^\prime$ extensions of the standard model with generation-dependent couplings to quarks and leptons are investigated as an explanation of anomalies in rare $B$-decays, with an emphasis on stability and predictivity up to the Planck scale. To these ends, we introduce three generations of vector-like standard model singlet fermions, an enlarged, flavorful scalar sector, and, possibly, right-handed neutrinos, all suitably charged under the $U(1)^\prime$ gauge interaction. We identify several gauge-anomaly free benchmarks consistent with $B_s$-mixing constraints, with hints for electron-muon universality violation, and the global $b \to s$ fit. We further investigate the complete two-loop running of gauge, Yukawa and quartic couplings up to the Planck scale to constrain low-energy parameters and enhance the predictive power. A characteristic of models is that the $Z^\prime$ with TeV-ish mass predominantly decays to invisibles, i.e. new fermions or neutrinos. $Z^\prime$-production can be studied at a future muon collider. While benchmarks feature predominantly left-handed couplings $C_9^{\mu}$ and $C_{10}^{\mu}$, right-handed ones can be accommodated as well., Comment: 22 pages, 15 figures, v2: match published version

We present a systematic global analysis of dineutrino modes $b \to q \,\nu \bar \nu$, $q=d,s$, and charged dilepton $b \to q \,\ell^+ \ell^-$ transitions. We derive improved or even entirely new limits on dineutrino branching ratios including decays $B^0 \to (K^0 , X_s)\, \nu \bar \nu$, $B_s \to \phi \,\nu \bar \nu$ and $B^0 \to (\pi^0, \rho^0)\, \nu \bar \nu$ from dineutrino modes which presently are best constrained: $B^+ \to (K^+,\pi^+, \rho^+) \,\nu \bar \nu$ and $B^0 \to K^{*0} \,\nu \bar \nu$. Using SMEFT we obtain new flavor constraints from the dineutrino modes, which are stronger than the corresponding ones from charged dilepton rare $b$-decay or Drell-Yan data, for $e \tau$ and $\tau \tau$ final states, as well as for $\mu \tau$ ones in $b \to s$ processes. The method also allows to put novel constraints on semileptonic four-fermion operators with top quarks. Implications for ditau modes $b \to s \, \tau^+ \tau^-$ and $b \to d \, \tau^+ \tau^-$ are worked out. Furthermore, the interplay between dineutrinos and charged dileptons allows for concrete, novel tests of lepton universality in rare $B$-decays. Performing a global fit to $b \to s \,\mu^+ \mu^-, \,s \gamma$ transitions we find that lepton universality predicts the ratio of the $B^0 \to K^{*0} \,\nu \bar \nu$ to $B^0 \to K^0 \,\nu \bar \nu$ ($B^+ \to K^+ \,\nu \bar \nu$) branching fractions to be within 1.7 to 2.6 (1.6 to 2.4) at $1\,\sigma$, a region that includes the standard model, and that can be narrowed with improved charged dilepton data. There is sizable room outside this region where universality is broken and that can be probed with the Belle II experiment. Using results of a fit to $B^0 \to \mu^+ \mu^-$, $B^0_s\to \bar{K}^{\ast 0}\,\mu^+\mu^-$ and $ B^+ \to \pi^+\, \mu^+ \mu^-$ data we obtain an analogous relation for $|\Delta b|=|\Delta d|=1$ transitions., Comment: 40 pages, 4 figures, 10 tables. v2: minor clarifications, fits the accepted version of JHEP

We analyze rare charm baryon decays within the standard model and beyond. We identify all null test observables in unpolarized $\Lambda_c \to p \ell^+ \ell^-$, $\ell=e, \mu$ decays, and study the new physics sensitivities. We find that the longitudinal dilepton polarization fraction $F_L$ is sensitive to electromagnetic dipole couplings $C_{7}^{(\prime)}$, and to the right-handed 4-fermion vector coupling $C_{9}^\prime$. The forward-backward asymmetry, $A_{\rm FB}$, due to the GIM-suppression a standard model null test already, probes the left-handed axialvector 4-fermion coupling $C_{10}$; its CP-asymmetry, $A_{\rm FB}^{\rm CP}$, probes CP-violating phases in $C_{10}$. Physics beyond the standard model can induce branching ratios of dineutrino modes $\Lambda_c \to p \nu \bar \nu $ up to a few times $10^{-5}$, and one order of magnitude smaller if lepton flavor universality is assumed, while standard model rates are negligible. Charged lepton flavor violation allows for striking signals into $e^\pm \mu^\mp$ final states, up to $10^{-6}$ branching ratios model-independently, and up to order $10^{-8}$ in leptoquark models. Related three-body baryon decays $\Xi_c \to \Sigma \ell \ell$, $\Xi_c \to \Lambda \ell \ell$ and $\Omega_c \to \Xi \ell \ell$ offer similar opportunities to test the standard model with $|\Delta c|=|\Delta u|=1$ transitions., Comment: v3: Reference [24] updated, upper left plot in Fig.3 replaced, due to small numerical bug at low-q^2

Following our earlier work we establish kinematic endpoint relations for baryon decays using the Wigner-Eckart theorem and apply them to $\frac{1}{2} \to \frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{2} \to \frac{3}{2}$ baryon transitions. We provide angular distributions at the kinematic endpoint which hold for the generic $d=6$ model-independent effective Hamiltonian. Moreover, we explicitly verify the endpoint relations using an explicit form factor parametrisation and clarify constraints on helicity based form factors to evidence endpoint relations. Our results provide guidance for phenomenological parameterisations, consistency checks for theory computations and experiment. Results are applicable to ongoing and future new physics searches at LHCb, BES III and Belle II with rare semileptonic-, dineutrino-and charged-modes, which include $\Lambda_b \to \Lambda^{(*)} \ell \ell, \Lambda_b \to \Lambda^{(*)} \nu \nu$, $\Omega_b \to \Omega \ell \ell$, $\Lambda_c \to p \ell \ell$, $\Sigma \to p \ell \ell$ and $\Lambda_b \to \Lambda_c^{(*)} \ell \nu$, Comment: 21pp + refs, derived tensor form factor constraints and discussion of vicinity of endpoint

We present constraints on Wilson coefficients from a combined fit to data from top-quark and beauty-physics measurements within the Standard Model effective field theory. We consider present data on top-quark pair production and decay, $b\to s$ flavor changing neutral currents, and $Z\to b\bar b$ decay, as well as different future scenarios. These comprise projections for HL-LHC, Belle II, and a lepton collider using the example of CLIC. We investigate opportunities for detecting deviations from the Standard Model hinted at by present data on $b\to s$ transitions. In the fit, we find strong synergies between top-quark and beauty physics that allow to tighten constraints on various coefficients., Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, contribution to the "2021 Electroweak session of the 55th Rencontres de Moriond"

We compute 10 radiative three-body decays of charged charmed mesons $D^+ \to P^+ P^0 \gamma$ and $D_s \to P^+ P^0 \gamma$, $P=\pi, K$, in leading order QCDF, HH$\chi$PT and the soft photon approximation. We work out decay distributions and asymmetries in the standard model and with new physics in the electromagnetic dipole operators. The forward-backward asymmetry is suitable to probe the QCD frameworks, in particular the $s$-channel dependent weak annihilation contributions in QCDF against the markedly different resonance structure in HH$\chi$PT. These studies can be performed with Cabibbo-favored modes $D_s \to \pi^+ \pi^0 \gamma$, $D^+ \to \pi^+ \overline{K}^0 \gamma$ and $D_s \to K^+ \overline{K}^0 \gamma$ with ${\cal{O}}(10^{-4}-10^{-3})$-level branching ratio, which are standard model-like and induced by different hadronic dynamics. Understanding of the latter can therefore be improved in a data-driven way and sharpens the interpretation of standard model tests. Singly Cabibbo-suppressed modes such as $ D^+ \to \pi^+ \pi^0 \gamma$, $D_s \to \pi^+ K^0 \gamma$, $D_s \to K^+ \pi^0 \gamma$ with branching ratios within $\sim 10^{-5}-10^{-4}$ are sensitive to new physics that can be signalled in the forward-backward asymmetry and in the CP-asymmetry of the rate, ideally in the Dalitz region but also in single differential distributions. Results complement those with neutral $D^0 \to PP \gamma$ decays., Comment: 22 pages + appendix, 20 Figures

Evidence for electron-muon universality violation that has been revealed in $b\to s \ell\ell$ transitions in the observables $R_{K,K^*}$ by the LHCb Collaboration can be explained with spin-1 leptoquarks in $SU(2)_L$ singlet $V_1$ or triplet $V_3$ representations in the ${\cal{O}}(1-10)$ TeV range. We explore the sensitivity of the high luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) and future proton-proton colliders to $V_1$ and $V_3$ in the parameter space connected to $R_{K,K^*}$-data. We consider pair production and single production in association with muons in different flavor benchmarks. Reinterpreting a recent ATLAS search for scalar leptoquarks decaying to $b \mu$ and $j \mu$, we extract improved limits for the leptoquark masses: For gauge boson-type leptoquarks ($\kappa=1$) we obtain $M_{V_1}> 1.9$ TeV, $M_{V_1}> 1.9$ TeV, and $M_{V_1}> 1.7$ TeV for leptoquarks decaying predominantly according to hierarchical, flipped and democratic quark flavor structure, respectively. Future sensitivity projections based on extrapolations of existing ATLAS and CMS searches are worked out. We find that for $\kappa=1$ the mass reach for pair (single) production of $V_1$ can be up to 3 TeV (2.1 TeV) at the HL-LHC and up to 15 TeV (19.9 TeV) at the FCC-hh with $\sqrt{s}=100$ TeV and $20 \, \mbox{ab}^{-1}$. The mass limits and reach for the triplet $V_3$ are similar or higher, depending on flavor. While there is the exciting possibility that leptoquarks addressing the $R_{K,K^*}$-anomalies are observed at the LHC, to fully cover the parameter space $pp$-collisions beyond the LHC-energies are needed., Comment: 16 pages, 8 figures; v2: Clarifying comments, four plots and few references added. Few typos corrected. Conclusions unchanged

We perform global fits within Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) combining top-quark pair production processes and decay with $b\rightarrow s$ flavor changing neutral current transitions and $Z \to b \bar b$ in three stages: using existing data from the LHC and $B$-factories, using projections for the HL-LHC and Belle II, and studying the additional new physics impact from a future lepton collider. The latter is ideally suited to directly probe $\ell^+\ell^-\rightarrow t\bar t$ transitions. We observe powerful synergies in combining both top and beauty observables as flat directions are removed and more operators can be probed. We find that a future lepton collider significantly enhances this interplay and qualitatively improves global SMEFT fits., Comment: 34 pages, 15 figures, v2: Corrected matching conditions between SMEFT and WET. Included data on top-quark decay width. Changed the scale of coefficients to 1 TeV and included EW RGE effects. Added a plot on constraints from B data in SMEFT basis. Conclusions unchanged

We investigate collider signatures of standard model extensions featuring vector-like leptons and a flavorful scalar sector. Such a framework arises naturally within asymptotically safe model building, which tames the UV behavior of the standard model towards the Planck scale and beyond. We focus on values of Yukawa couplings and masses which allow to explain the present data on the muon and electron anomalous magnetic moments. Using a CMS search based on $77.4 \, \rm{fb}^{-1}$ at the $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV LHC we find that flavorful vector-like leptons are excluded for masses below around $300$ GeV if they are singlets under $SU(2)_L$, and around $800$ GeV if they are doublets. Exploiting the flavor-violating-like decays of the scalars, we design novel null test observables based on opposite sign opposite flavor invariant masses. These multi-lepton distributions allow to signal new physics and to extract mass hierarchies in reach of near-future searches at the LHC and the HL-LHC., Comment: 32 pages, 17 figures

Rare $|\Delta c|=|\Delta u|=1$ transitions into dineutrinos are strongly GIM-suppressed and constitute excellent null tests of the standard model. While branching ratios of $D \to P \,\nu \bar \nu$, $D \to P^+ P^- \, \nu \bar \nu$, $P=\pi, K$, baryonic $\Lambda_c^+ \to p \,\nu \bar \nu$, and $\Xi_c^+ \to \Sigma^+ \, \nu \bar \nu$ and inclusive $D \to X \nu \bar \nu$ decays are experimentally unconstrained, signals of new physics can be just around the corner. We provide model-independent upper limits on branching ratios reaching few $\times 10^{-5}$ in the most general case of arbitrary lepton flavor structure, $\sim 10^{-5}$ for scenarios with charged lepton conservation and few $\times 10^{-6}$ assuming lepton universality. We also give upper limits in $Z^\prime$ and leptoquark models. The presence of light right-handed neutrinos can affect these limits, a possibility that can occur for lepton number violation at a TeV, and that can be excluded with an improved bound on $\mathcal{B}(D^0 \to \text{invisibles})$ at the level of $\sim 10^{-6}$, about two orders of magnitude better than the present one. Signatures of $c \to u \nu \bar \nu$ modes contain missing energy and are suited for experimental searches at $e^+ e^-$-facilities, such as BES III, Belle II and future $e^+ e^-$-colliders, such as the FCC-ee running at the $Z$., Comment: v2: 14 pages, 5 figures, 8 tables; typos fixed and minor numerical changes in inclusive results, conclusions unchanged; published version

We study radiative charm decays $D \to P_1 P_2 \gamma$, $P_{1,2}=\pi,K$ in QCD factorization at leading order and within heavy hadron chiral perturbation theory. Branching ratios including resonance contributions are around $\sim 10^{-3}$ for the Cabibbo-favored modes into $K \pi \gamma$ and $\sim 10^{-5}$ for the singly Cabibbo-suppressed modes into $\pi^+ \pi^- \gamma, K^+ K^- \gamma$, and thus in reach of the flavor factories BES III and Belle II. Dalitz plots and forward-backward asymmetries reveal significant differences between the two QCD frameworks; such observables are therefore ideally suited for a data-driven identification of relevant decay mechanisms in the standard-model dominated $D \to K \pi \gamma$ decays. This increases the potential to probe new physics with the $D \to \pi^+ \pi^- \gamma$ and $D \to K^+ K^- \gamma$ decays, which are sensitive to enhanced dipole operators. CP asymmetries are useful to test the SM and look for new physics in neutral $|\Delta C|=1$ transitions. Cuts in the Dalitz plot enhance the sensitivity to new physics due to the presence of both $s$- and $t,u$-channel intermediate resonances., Comment: 40 pages, 20 figures; clarifications and minor improvements; published version

We perform a comprehensive search for Standard Model extensions inspired by asymptotic safety. Our models feature a singlet matrix scalar field, three generations of vector-like leptons, and direct links to the Higgs and flavor sectors via new Yukawa and portal couplings. A novel feature is that the enlarged scalar sector may spontaneously break lepton flavor universality. We provide a complete two-loop renormalization group analysis of the running gauge, Yukawa, and quartic couplings to find ultraviolet fixed points and the BSM critical surface of parameters, $i.e.$ the set of boundary conditions at the TeV scale for which models remain well-behaved and predictive up to the Planck scale without encountering Landau poles or instabilities. This includes templates for asymptotically safe Standard Model extensions which match the measured values of gauge couplings and the Higgs, top, and bottom masses. We further detail the phenomenology of our models covering production, decay, fermion mixing, anomalous magnetic moments, effects from scalar mixing and chiral enhancement, and constraints on model parameters from data. Signatures at proton-proton and lepton colliders such as lepton flavor violation and displaced vertices, and the prospect for electric dipole moments or charged lepton-flavor-violating type processes, are also indicated., Comment: 40 pages, 23 figures, 11 tables

$SU(2)_L$-invariance links charged dilepton and dineutrino couplings. Phenomenological implications are worked out for flavor changing neutral currents involving strange, charm, beauty and top quark transitions in a model-independent way. We put forward novel tests of lepton universality and lepton flavor conservation in $|\Delta c|= |\Delta u|=1$ and $|\Delta b|= |\Delta q|=1$, $q=d,s$, transitions suitable for the experiments Belle II and BES III. Single top production plus dileptons uniquely probes semileptonic four-fermion $|\Delta t|= |\Delta q'|=1$, $q'=u,c$, couplings and further study at the LHC is encouraged. Tests with single top production associated with dileptons and missing energy are suitable for study at future $e^+ e^-$ or muon colliders., Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, 7 tables. v2: Discussion of concrete applications of new method significantly expanded; contains analyses of FCNC strange, charm, beauty and top sectors. v3: References and minor clarifications added, conclusions unchanged. Matches published version

We analyze patterns from CP-violating new physics (NP) in hadronic and semileptonic rare charm $\vert \Delta c \vert=\vert \Delta u\vert=1$ transitions. Observation of direct CP-violation in hadronic decays, as in $\Delta A_{\text{CP}}$, provides opportunities for $c \to u \,\ell^+ \ell^-$, $\ell=e,\mu$ transitions, and vice versa. For the concrete case of flavorful, anomaly-free $Z^\prime$-models a NP-interpretation of $\Delta A_{\text{CP}}$ suggests measurable CP-asymmetries in semileptonic decays such as $D \to \pi\, \ell^+ \ell^-$ or $D \to \pi \pi\, \ell^+ \ell^-$. Conversely, an observation of CP-violation in $c \to u\, e^+ e^-$ or $c \to u\, \mu^+ \mu^-$ decays supports a NP--interpretation of $\Delta A_{\text{CP}}$. Flavorful $U(1)^\prime$-extensions provide explicit U--spin and isospin breaking which can be probed in patterns of hadronic decays of charm mesons. We work out signatures for CP-asymmetries in $D^0 \to \pi^+ \pi^-$, $D^0 \to K^+ K^-$ and $D^0 \to \pi^0 \pi^0$, $D^+ \to \pi^+ \pi^0$ decays, which can be probed in the future at LHCb and Belle II and provide further informative cross checks., Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures

We investigate the impact of correlations between (theoretical and experimental) uncertainties on multi-experiment, multi-observable analyses within the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT). To do so, we perform a model-independent analysis of $t$-channel single top-quark production and top-quark decay data from ATLAS, CMS, CDF and D0. We show quantitatively how the fit changes when different experimental or theoretical correlations are assumed. Scaling down statistical uncertainties according to the luminosities of future colliders with $300 \, {\rm fb}^{-1}$ and higher, we find that this effect becomes a matter of life and death: assuming no correlations returns a fit in agreement with the Standard Model while a 'best guess'-ansatz taking into account correlations would observe new physics. At the same time, modelling the impact of higher order SMEFT-corrections the latter turn out to be a subleading source of uncertainty only., Comment: 17 pages, 6 figures, v2:Corrected a sign mistake in the code used to derive results of v1. Results are updated and numerical values included in two tables. Additional clarifications added. Conclusions unchanged

The measurements of the muon and electron anomalous magnetic moments hint at physics beyond the standard model. We show why and how models inspired by asymptotic safety can explain deviations from standard model predictions naturally. Our setup features an enlarged scalar sector and Yukawa couplings between leptons and new vector-like fermions. Using the complete two-loop running of couplings, we observe a well-behaved high energy limit of models including a stabilization of the Higgs. We find that a manifest breaking of lepton universality beyond standard model Yukawas is not necessary to explain the muon and electron anomalies. We further predict the tau anomalous magnetic moment, and new particles in the TeV energy range whose signatures at colliders are indicated. With small CP phases, the electron EDM can be as large as the present bound., Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures; v2: explanations expanded and references added, conclusions unchanged; match with published version

We present a first, consistent combination of measurements from top-quark and $B$ physics to constrain top-quark properties within the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT). We demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of this approach and detail the ingredients required for a proper combination of observables from different energy scales. Specifically, we employ measurements of the $t\bar t\gamma$ cross section together with measurements of the $\bar B\rightarrow X_s\gamma$ branching fraction to test the Standard Model and look for new physics contributions to the couplings of the top quark to the gauge bosons within SMEFT. We perform fits of three Wilson coefficients of dimension-six operators considering only the individual observables as well as their combination to demonstrate how the complementarity between top-quark and $B$ physics observables allows to resolve ambiguities and significantly improves the constraints on the Wilson coefficients. No significant deviation from the Standard Model is found with present data., Comment: 16 pages, 12 figures; v2: Minor clarifications and references added, conclusions unchanged

$|\Delta c|=|\Delta u|=1$ processes are unique probes of flavor physics in the up-sector within and beyond the Standard Model (SM). SM tests with rare semileptonic charm meson decays are based on an approximate CP--symmetry, a superior GIM--mechanism, angular distributions, lepton-universality and lepton flavor conservation. We analyze the complete set of null test observables in $D \to \pi \ell \ell^{(\prime)}$ and $D_s \to K \ell \ell^{(\prime)}$ decays, $\ell^{(\prime)}=e, \mu$, and find large room for new physics safely above the SM contribution. We identify signatures of supersymmetry, leptoquarks and anomaly-free $U(1)^\prime$-models with generation-dependent charges, for which we provide explicit examples. $Z^\prime$-effects in $c \to u \ell \ell^{(\prime)}$ transitions can be sizable if both left-handed and right-handed couplings to quarks are present., Comment: v3: 35 pages, 12 figures; Terms involving finite m_l and C_T corrected in Eqs. (7), (17), (18), (21); q^2 integration limits in Eq.(9) adapted to LHCb analysis; benchmarks for D->pi mumu in Table II corrected; bounds on WCs in Eq. (10) and (25) corrected; further numerics and conclusions unchanged

We investigate asymptotically safe extensions of the Standard Model with new matter fields arising in the TeV energy range. The new sector contains singlet scalars and vector-like fermions in representations which permit Yukawa interactions with the Standard Model leptons. Phenomenological implications are explored including charged lepton flavour violation, Drell-Yan processes and lepton anomalous magnetic moments. For the latter, we find that BSM contributions can be sizeable enough to explain the present experimental discrepancies of the electron and muon anomalous magnetic moments with the Standard Model., Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures. Contribution to the 2019 EW session of the 54th Rencontres de Moriond

The photon polarization in $D_{(s)} \to K_1 (\to K\pi\pi) \gamma$ decays can be extracted from an up-down asymmetry in the $K \pi \pi$ system, along the lines of the method known to $B \to K_1 (\to K\pi\pi) \gamma$ decays. Charm physics is advantageous as partner decays exist: $D^+ \to K_1^+ (\to K\pi\pi) \gamma$, which is standard model-like, and $D_s \to K_1^+ (\to K\pi\pi) \gamma$, which is sensitive to physics beyond the standard model in $|\Delta c| =|\Delta u|=1$ transitions. The standard model predicts their photon polarizations to be equal up to U-spin breaking corrections, while new physics in the dipole operators can split them apart at order one level. We estimate the proportionality factor in the asymmetry multiplying the polarization parameter from axial vectors $K_1(1270)$ and $K_1(1400)$ to be sizable, up to the few ${\cal{O}}(10)\%$ range. The actual value of the hadronic factor matters for the experimental sensitivity, but is not needed as an input to perform the null test., Comment: 17 pages, 6 figures

We systematically analyze the full angular distribution in $D \to P_1 P_2 l^+ l^-$ decays, where $P_{1,2}=\pi,K$, $l=e,\mu$. We identify several null tests of the standard model (SM). Notably, the angular coefficients $I_{5,6,7}$, driven by the leptons' axial-vector coupling $C_{10}^{(\prime)}$, vanish by means of a superior GIM-cancellation and are protected by parity invariance below the weak scale. CP-odd observables related to the angular coefficients $I_{5,6,8,9}$ allow to measure CP-asymmetries without $D$-tagging. The corresponding observables $A_{5,6,8,9}$ constitute null tests of the SM. Lepton universality in $|\Delta c| =|\Delta u|=1$ transitions can be tested by comparing $D \to P_1 P_2 \mu^+ \mu^-$ to $D \to P_1 P_2 e^+ e^-$ decays. Data for $P_1 P_2=\pi^+ \pi^-$ and $K^+ K^-$ on muon modes are available from LHCb and on electron modes from BESIII. Corresponding ratios of dimuon to dielectron branching fractions are at least about an order of magnitude away from probing the SM. In the future electron and muon measurements should be made available for the same cuts as corresponding ratios $R_{P_1 P_2}^D$ provide null tests of $e$-$\mu$-universality. We work out beyond-SM signals model-independently and in SM extensions with leptoquarks., Comment: 18 pages plus references and appendix, 7 figures

We discuss avenues for diagnosing new physics hinted from lepton nonuniversality in rare $b$-decays, and physics implications., Comment: 6 pages, 3 plots; Moriond QCD 2018 proceedings; v2: references and funding info added

We work out the phenomenology of untagged time-dependent analysis with radiative $D^0$-decays into CP eigenstates, which allows to probe the photon polarization by means of the charm mesons' finite width difference. We show that $D^0 \to \phi \gamma$ or $D^0 \to \bar K^{0 *} \gamma$ decays, which are SM-dominated, or SM-like, respectively, together with U-spin allow to obtain chirality-predictions for radiative decay amplitudes. The order of magnitude of wrong-chirality contributions in the SM can be cross-checked with an up-down asymmetry in $D^0 \to \bar K_1^0 (\to \bar K \pi \pi) \gamma$. We explore the sensitivity to new physics in $|\Delta c|=|\Delta u|=1$ dipole couplings in the decays $D^0 \to \rho^0 \gamma$. We point out the possibility to test the SM with $D_s \to K_1^+( \to K \pi \pi) \gamma$ decays., Comment: 15 pages plus references and appendices, 7 figures

$B$-physics data and flavor symmetries suggest that leptoquarks can have masses as low as few ${\cal{O}}(\mbox{TeV})$, predominantly decay to third generation quarks, and highlight $pp \to b \mu \mu$ signatures from single production and $pp \to b b \mu \mu$ from pair production. Abandoning flavor symmetries could allow for inverted quark hierarchies, and cause sizable $pp \to j \mu \mu$ and $jj \mu \mu $ cross sections, induced by second generation couplings. Final states with leptons other than muons including lepton flavor violation (LFV) ones can also arise. The corresponding couplings can also be probed by precision studies of the $B \to (X_s, K^*,\phi) ee $ distribution and LFV searches in $B$-decays. We demonstrate sensitivity in single leptoquark production for the LHC and extrapolate to the high luminosity HL-LHC. Exploration of the bulk of the phase space requires a hadron collider beyond the reach of the LHC, with $b$-identification capabilities., Comment: 17 pages

Measurements of the ratio of $B \to K^* \mu \mu $ to $B \to K^* e e $ branching fractions, $R_{K^*}$, by the LHCb collaboration strengthen the hints from previous studies with pseudoscalar kaons, $R_K$, for the breakdown of lepton universality, and therefore the Standard Model (SM), to $\sim 3.5 \sigma$. Complementarity between $R_K$ and $R_{K^*}$ allows to pin down the Dirac structure of the new contributions to be predominantly SM-like chiral, with possible admixture of chirality-flipped contributions of up to ${\cal{O}}( \mbox{few} 10 \%)$. Scalar and vector leptoquark representations $(S_3,V_1,V_3)$ plus possible ($\tilde S_2,V_2$) admixture can explain $R_{K,K^*}$ via tree level exchange. Flavor models naturally predict leptoquark masses not exceeding a few TeV, with couplings to third generation quarks at $O(0.1)$, implying that this scenario can be directly tested at the LHC., Comment: v1: 8 pages, v2: references added, typos corrected, matches published version

The rare decay $B\to K^\ast( \to K\pi) \nu\bar{\nu}$ is expected to play an important role in searches for physics beyond the Standard Model at the near future $B$-physics experiments. We investigate resonant and non-resonant backgrounds that arise beyond the narrow-width approximation for the $K^\ast$. Non-resonant $B\to K\pi \nu\bar{\nu}$ decays are analyzed in the region of low hadronic recoil, where $B \to K \pi$ form factors from Heavy-Hadron-Chiral-Perturbation Theory are available. In a Breit-Wigner-type model interference-induced effects in the $K^*$ signal region are found to be sizable, as large as $20\%$ in the branching ratio. Corresponding effects in the longitudinal polarization fraction $F_L$ are smaller, at most around few \%. Effects of the broad scalar states $K_0^\ast$ and $\kappa$ are at the level of percent in the branching fraction in the $K^\ast$ signal region and negligible in $F_L$. Since the backgrounds to $F_L$ are small this observable constitutes a useful probe of form factors calculations, or alternatively, of right-handed currents in the entire $q^2$-region. The forward-backward asymmetry in the $K \pi$-system, $A_{\rm FB \, L}^K$, with normalization to the longitudinal decay rate probes predominantly S,P-wave interference free of short-distance coefficients and can therefore be used to control the resonant and non-resonant backgrounds., Comment: 14 pages

Building on recent advances in the understanding of gauge-Yukawa theories we explore possibilities to UV-complete the Standard Model in an asymptotically safe manner. Minimal extensions are based on a large flavor sector of additional fermions coupled to a scalar singlet matrix field. We find that asymptotic safety requires fermions in higher representations of $SU(3)_C\times SU(2)_L$. Possible signatures at colliders are worked out and include $R$-hadron searches, diboson signatures and the evolution of the strong and weak coupling constants., Comment: 52 pages, 23 figures, 7 tables, published version. v2: clarifications and results (weak sector, Fig 18) added, some plots updated post-Moriond 2017, typos removed

We present standard model (SM) estimates for exclusive $c \to u \gamma$ processes in heavy quark and hybrid frameworks. Measured branching ratios ${\cal{B}}(D^0 \to (\phi, \bar K^{*0}) \gamma)$ are at or somewhat exceeding the upper range of the SM and suggest slow convergence of the $1/m_D, \alpha_s$-expansion. Model-independent constraints on $|\Delta C|=|\Delta U|=1$ dipole operators from ${\cal{B}}(D^0 \to \rho^0 \gamma)$ data are obtained. Predictions and implications for leptoquark models are worked out. While branching ratios are SM-like CP asymmetries $\lesssim 10 \%$ can be induced. In SUSY deviations from the SM can be even larger with CP asymmetries of $O(0.1)$. If $\Lambda_c$-baryons are produced polarized, such as at the $Z$-pole, an angular asymmetry in $\Lambda_c \to p \gamma$ decays can be studied that is sensitive to chirality-flipped contributions., Comment: 23 pages plus references and appendices, 7 figures; v2: clarifications and references added, conclusions unchanged; v3: In section IV.B on leptoquark models matching corrected and subsequent text, tables and equations adapted. Phenomenological results and conclusions unchanged

Flavor symmetries that explain masses and mixings of the standard model fermions dictate flavor patterns for the couplings of scalar and vector leptoquarks to the standard model fermions. A generic feature is that couplings to $SU(2)$-doublet leptons are suppressed at least by one spurion of the discrete non-abelian symmetry breaking, responsible for neutrino mixing, while couplings to charged lepton singlets can be order one. We obtain testable patterns including those that predominantly couple to a single lepton flavor, or two, or in a skewed way. They induce lepton non-universality, which we contrast to current anomalies in $B$-decays. We find maximal effects in $R_{D}$ and $R_{D^*}$ at the level of $\sim$10 percent and few percent, respectively, while leptoquark effects in $R_{K^{(*)}}$ can reach order few$\times 10$ percent. Predictions for charm and kaon decays and $\mu-e$ conversion are worked out., Comment: 23 pages plus references and appendices, 2 figures, v2: typos fixed, clarifications and references added; conclusions unchanged

To further precision studies with $B \to K^{(*)} \ell \ell$ decays in the high-$q^2$ window uncertainties related to the operator product expansion (OPE) need to be scrutinized. How well can the OPE describe $B \to K^* (\to K \pi) \ell \ell$ angular distributions for a given binning in view of the local charm resonance structure? We present a data-driven method to access this quantitatively. Our analysis suggests that the bins which are near the kinematic endpoint are best described by the OPE and should be pursued for precision studies. At the same time measurements with finer binning help controlling the uncertainties., Comment: Prepared for the Moriond EWK 2016 proceedings

We analyse $B\to K^\ast \ell\ell$ decays in the region of low hadronic recoil, where an operator product expansion (OPE) in $1/m_b$ applies. Using a local model for charm contributions based on $e^+ e^- \to hadrons$ against the OPE provides a data-driven method to access the limitations to the OPE's accuracy related to binnings in the dilepton mass. Model-independent fits to $B\to K^\ast \mu \mu $ low recoil angular observables exhibit presently only small sensitivity to different charm models. They give similar results as the fits based on the OPE, and are in agreement with the standard model, but leave also room for new physics. Measurements with resolution small enough to probe charm resonances would be desirable., Comment: 18 pages, v2: references and clarifications added, conclusions unchanged, matches published version

Updated standard model predictions for $D_{(s)} \to P l^+ l^-$, $l=e,\mu$, $P=\pi,K$ and inclusive decays are presented. Model-independent constraints on $|\Delta C|=|\Delta U|=1$ Wilson coefficients are worked out. New physics (NP) opportunities arise in semileptonic branching ratios for very large couplings only, however, are not excluded outside the resonance regions yet. The NP potential of resonance-assisted CP asymmetries and angular observables is worked out. Predictions are given for leptoquark models, and include lepton flavor violating and dineutrino decays. Whether NP can be seen depends on flavor patterns, and vice versa., Comment: 19 pages plus references and appendices, 5 figures; v2: $\eta^{(\prime)}$ contribution fixed, references added, conclusion unchanged; v3: typos corrected and clarifications and references added, conclusions unchanged