Lattice calculation of $B\to D^{(*)}\ell\barν$ decay form factors is now available from multiple lattice collaborations for both zero-recoil limit and non-zero recoil kinematics. Yet, there are a number of challenges we face to better control the systematic errors and to extend the application of lattice calculations to related quantities. The subjects are chosen from my own perspective and not meant to be conprehensive.
In this paper, we review recent calculations of the CKM matrix elements $|V_{cd}|$ and $|V_{cs}|$ from semileptonic and leptonic decays of $D$ and $D_s$ mesons using lattice QCD methods.
Form factors relevant for semi-leptonic $B\to D,\ D^*$ decays are obtained in quenched lattice QCD. Tests of heavy-quark symmetry as well as determinations of the Isgur-Wise function and $|V_{cb}|$ are presented.
Utilizing the approach recently proposed for the inclusive semi-leptonic decay rate on the lattice, we compute the differential decay rate of a $B_s$ meson for various kinematical channels. The results are compared with the contributions from the ground states (D and D^*) as well as from the orbitally excited states (D^**'s). The computation so far is carried out with an unphysically light bottom quark and strange spectator quark.
We present results of a lattice computation of the matrix elements of the vector and axial-vector currents which are relevant for the semi-leptonic decays $D \rightarrow K$ and $D \rightarrow K^*$. The computations are performed in the quenched approximation to lattice QCD on a $24^3 \times 48$ lattice at $β=6.2$ using an $O(a)$-improved fermionic action.
We review a lattice strategy how to non-perturbatively determine the coefficients in the HQET expansion of all components of the heavy-light axial and vector currents, including 1/m_h-corrections. We also discuss recent preliminary results on the form factors parameterizing semi-leptonic B-decays at the leading order in 1/m_h.
We present a program to study D semi-leptonic decay form factors with HISQ charm and light quarks. In this exploratory work, we study $D_s$ to $η_s$, $lν_l$ semi-leptonic decay on MILC coarse ($20^3\times64$) gauge configurations with 2+1 dynamical flavors. We develop a new method to calculate $f_+(0)$ and $f_0(q^2)$ from scalar current matrix elements, $<π|\bar{s}c|D>$, which does not require any operator renormalization. We also determine $f_+(q^2)$ and $f_0(q^2)$ from vector currents with a fully non-perturbative renormalization method.
A recently proposed approach to compute the inclusive semi-leptonic decay rate on the lattice allows for the calculation of various quantities (differential distributions and moments) in different subchannels. We systematically compare the lattice QCD results for an unphysically light bottom quark with OPE-based predictions, including leading order perturbative and $\mathcal{O}\left(1/m^3 \right)$ power corrections, and explore possible strategies to decrease the systematic uncertainty.
A summary of WG II of the CKM 2018 conference on semileptonic and leptonic $b$-hadron decays is presented. This includes discussions on the CKM matrix element magitudes $|V_{ub}|$ and $|V_{cb}|$, lepton universality tests such as $R(D^{*})$ and leptonic decays. As is usual for semileptonic and leptonic decays, much discussion is devoted towards the interplay between theoretical QCD calculations and the experimental measurements.
$B$-physics is one of the most promising windows to find new physics in the flavor sector. One key ingredient to these searches are precise theoretical predictions derived from the Standard Model. Focusing at the nonperturbative QCD contributions, we carry out lattice QCD simulations in order to calculate $B$-meson decay constants and semi-leptonic form factors. Combined with experimental measurements our results enable us to determine CKM matrix elements. Here we present $B$ and $B_s$ meson decay constants as well as semi-leptonic form factors including rare decays, CKM or GIM suppressed in t…
In lattice QCD, obtaining properties of heavy-light mesons has been easier said than done. Focusing on the $B$ meson's decay constant, it is argued that towards the end of 1997 the last obstacles were removed, at least in the quenched approximation. These developments, which resulted from a fuller understanding and implementation of ideas in effective field theory, bode well for current studies of neutral meson mixing and of semileptonic decays.
We develop a method to compute inclusive semi-leptonic decay rate of hadrons fully non-perturbatively using lattice QCD simulations. The sum over all possible final states is achieved by a calculation of the forward-scattering matrix elements on the lattice, and the phase-space integral is evaluated using their dependence on the time separation between two inserted currents. We perform a pilot lattice computation for the B_s -> X_c l nu decay with an unphysical bottom quark mass and compare the results with the corresponding OPE calculation. The method to treat the inclusive processes on the l…
We present results for the semi-leptonic and leptonic decays of B mesons. These non-perturbative matrix elements are important for constraining the CKM matrix. Results are presented for the pseudoscalar and vector decay constants, as well as flavour breaking ratios and heavy quark symmetry relations. We consider the chiral and momentum dependence of the semi-leptonic form factors of the decay B-> pi l nu and the soft pion relation (SPR) on the lattice. These calculations were performed in the quenched approximation at two values of the coupling with non-perturbatively order a improved action a…
We report lattice results of $D_s$ meson semi-leptonic decay form factors to $η$ and $η'$ mesons. This decay process contains disconnected fermion loops, which are challenging in lattice calculations. Our result shows that the disconnected loops give significant contributions to the form factors.
Using Chiral Perturbation Theory, we obtain the kaon semi-leptonic vector form factor in finite volume at a generic momentum transfer, $q^2$, up to one loop order. At first we confirm the lattice observation that the contribution of the heavy Pseudo-Goldstone boson in the finite volume corrections at zero momentum transfer is unimportant. We then evaluate the form factor at $q^2=0$ numerically and compare our results with the present lattice data. It turns out that our ChPT results are comparable with the lattice data to some extend. The formula for the finite volume corrections obtained for t…
Semi-leptonic $B_s \to K \ell ν$ and $B_s \to D_s \ell ν$ decays provide an alternative $b$-decay channel to determine the CKM matrix elements $|V_{ub}|$ and $|V_{cb}|$ or to obtain $R$-ratios to investigate lepton flavor universality violations. In addition, these decays may shed further light on the discrepancies seen in the analysis of inclusive vs. exclusive decays. Using the nonperturbative methods of lattice QCD, theoretical results are obtained with good precision and full control over systematic uncertainties. This talk will highlight ongoing efforts of the $B$-physics program by the R…
We study transition form factors for radiative and rare semi-leptonic B-meson decays into light pseudoscalar or vector mesons, combining theoretical constraints and phenomenological information from Lattice QCD, light-cone sum rules, and dispersive bounds. We pay particular attention to form factor parameterisations which are based on the so-called series expansion, and study the related systematic uncertainties on a quantitative level. In this context, we also provide the NLO corrections to the correlation function between two flavour-changing tensor currents, which enters the unitarity const…
I describe CLEO-c purely leptonic decay results leading to fD+=(222.6 +/- 16.7^{+2.8}_{-3.4}) MeV, fDs+=(280.1 +/- 11.6 +/- 6.0) MeV, and fDs+/fD+=1.26 +/- 0.11 +/-0.03. Form-factor measurements in Cabibbo favored and suppressed pseudoscalar decays are presented. Some comparisons are made with theoretical predictions.
Recent results for semi-leptonic decays of $D$ and $B$ mesons at $β=6.4$, using the Wilson action, and at $β=6.0$, using the Clover action, are reported.
We calculate the disconnected contribution to the form factor for the semileptonic decay of a D-meson into a final state, containing a flavor singlet eta meson. We use QCDSF n_f=2+1 configurations at the flavor symmetric point m_u=m_d=m_s and the partially quenched approximation for the relativistic charm quark. Several acceleration and noise reduction techniques for the stochastic estimation of the disconnected loop are tested.
We summarize the current status of the determination of the CKM matrix elements |V_ud| and |V_us|, which is at the precision frontier of CKM phenomenology. We also review recent progress on the study of charm (semi)leptonic decays, and the determination of |V_cd| and |V_cs|.
We study leptonic and semi-leptonic decays of D and B mesons. Use of the Hopping Parameter Expansion (HPE) for two-point functions allows us continuously to vary the pseudoscalar mass from below m_D up towards m_B. We compute the pseudoscalar decay constants f_D and f_B, and observe consistency with the value calculated in the static limit. {}From the measurement of three-point functions we compute the matrix element relevant to the decay \bar B -> D l \bar nu_l and extract the Isgur-Wise function xi(v.v'). The HPE enables us freely to vary the initial state pseudoscalar mass at constant v.v',…
Higher-order hadronic corrections to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon have been evaluated including next-to-next-to-leading-order insertions of hadronic vacuum polarization and next-to-leading-order corrections to hadronic light-by-light scattering. This leaves a set of mixed leptonic and hadronic corrections in the form of double-bubble topologies as the only remaining hadronic effect at ${\mathcal O}(α^4)$. Here, we estimate these contributions by analyzing the respective cuts of the diagrams, suggesting that the impact is limited to $\lesssim 1\times 10^{-11}$ and thus negligible a…
We report results (on an intermediate statistics sample) of a study of weak semi-leptonic formfactors of $B$ and $D$ decays, addressing the uncertainties from mass extrapolations to chiral and to heavy quarks. Moreover, we present a nonperturbative test to the LMK current renormalization scheme for vector current {\it transition} matrix elements and find remarkable agreement.
This paper is a review of recent lattice QCD results for $D$ and $D_s$ meson leptonic and semileptonic decays. The theory inputs needed for the determination of $V_{cd}$ and $V_{cs}$ from experimental results are the meson decay constants (leptonic decays) and the form factors (semileptonic decays). In addition one can compare the shape of the form factors from lattice QCD and experiment, and use the full experimental $q^2$ range (partial decay rates in $q^2$ bins) to determine the CKM matrix elements.
We present results of a lattice computation of the matrix elements of the vector and axial-vector currents which are relevant for the semi-leptonic decays $D \rightarrow K$ and $D \rightarrow K^*$. The computations are performed in the quenched approximation to lattice QCD on a $24^3 \times 48$ lattice at $β=6.2$, using an $O(a)$-improved fermionic action. In the limit of zero lepton masses the semi-leptonic decays $D \rightarrow K$ and $D \rightarrow K^*$ are described by four form factors: $f^{+}_K,V,A_1$ and $A_2$, which are functions of $q^2$, where $q^μ$ is the four-momentum transferred i…
We present the preliminary results of the first Lattice study of the baryonic Isgur and Wise function obtained from the matrix element of the weak current between $Λ$-baryon external states. Its dependence on the heavy and light quark masses is studied. Some result on the semi-leptonic decay $Λ_b\toΛ_c +lν$ are given.
Recent measurements of the branching fraction for D_s -> l nu disagree with the Standard Model expectation, which relies on calculations of $f_{D_s}$ from lattice QCD. This paper uses recent preliminary measurements from CLEO and a new preliminary lattice-QCD result from this conference to update the significance of the discrepancy. The "f_{D_s} puzzle" stands now at 3.5sigma, with sigma predominantly from the statistical uncertainty of the experiments. New physics scenarios that could solve the puzzle would also lead to non-Standard amplitudes mediating the semileptonic decays D -> K l nu. Th…
We present results for semi-leptonic form-factors obtained on a statistical sample of $66$ $32^3 \times 64$ lattices at $β= 6.0$ using quenched Wilson fermions. We find $f_+^{D \to K l ν}(q^2 = 0) = 0.73 \pm 0.06$, $A_2/A_1({D \to K^* l ν}) = 0.72 \pm 0.22$, $V/A_1({D_s \to ϕl ν}) = 1.91 \pm 0.04$, and $A_2/A_1({D_s \to ϕl ν}) = 0.68 \pm 0.09$, where the error estimate includes statistical errors and errors due to extrapolation to $q^2 =0$ and to physical values of $(m_u + m_d)/2$ and $m_s$. The remaining sources of systematic errors are those due to $O(a)$ discretization errors and those due …
We review measurements of semileptonic and leptonic charm meson decays performed by the Belle experiment, and we use these results to estimate the sensitivity of the follow-on Belle II experiment to these decays.
We present results of a lattice computation of the matrix elements of the vector currents which are relevant for the semileptonic decays of D to K, D to pi and B to pi. The computations are performed in the quenched approximation on a 24^3x48 lattice at beta=6.2, using an O(a) non-perturbatively improved fermionic action.
We present results for the QCD matrix elements involved in semi-leptonic decays of B-mesons into pseudo scalar heavy light states. The application of NRQCD heavy quarks allows for quark masses around the physical b-quark. We investigate the dependence of the form factors on the external momenta and looked at the mass dependence at zero recoil. For the first time, results for radially excited decay products are presented.
We present an extraction of Vcb from a lattice calculation of the B->D* decay matrix elements. We obtain |Vcb| \sqrt{ \frac{ \tauB }{ 1.49 ps } } = 0.037^{+3 \ +5}_{-3 \ -5} from a single parameter fit to the new CLEO data. Email nmh@uk.ac.ed.ph.th
The form factors for the semi-leptonic B->D and B->D* decays are evaluated in quenched lattice QCD at two different values of the coupling, beta=6.0 and 6.2. The action and the operators are fully O(a) non-perturbatively improved. The slope of the Isgur-Wise function is evaluated, and found to be rho^2=0.83^{+15+24}_{-11-1} (quoted errors are statistical and systematic respectively). Ratios of form factors are evaluated and compared to experimental determinations.
We propose a method to non-perturbatively calculate the forward-scattering matrix elements relevant to inclusive semi-leptonic B meson decays. Corresponding hadronic structure functions at unphysical kinematics are accessible through lattice QCD calculation of four-point correlation functions. The unphysical kinematical point may be reached by analytic continuation from the physical differential decay rate. A numerical test is performed for the B_s -> X_c l nu mode in the zero-recoil limit. We use lattice ensembles generated with 2+1 dynamical quark flavors. The valence charm quark mass is tun…
We present a calculation of the renormalisation constants for the temporal vector current, $Z_{V_0}$ and spatial axial current, $Z_{A_k}$, to $O(α_s/M)$ for $B\to D$ transitions using the $O(1/M)$ NRQCD action for both $b$ and $c$ quarks evaluated for a large range of mass parameters. Considerations for the renormalisation of the spatial vector current and the temporal axial current are discussed and initial results for a mixed lattice current are presented for the spatial vector current.
Lattice calculations of the form factors for $\bar{B}\to D^{(*)}\ell\barν$ decays can be used to extract the CKM matrix element $|V_{cb}|$. The Oktay-Kronfeld action is a highly improved version of the Fermilab action, which systematically reduces heavy quark discretization effects through $\mathcal{O}(λ^3)$ in HQET power counting, for heavy-light meson quantities. To calculate $\bar{B}\rightarrow D^{(*)}\ell \barν$ semi-leptonic form factors using Oktay-Kronfeld heavy quarks, we need to improve the heavy quark currents to the same level. We report our progress in calculating the improvement c…
Semi-leptonic $B$ decays provide promising channels to test the Standard Model, search for signs of new physics, or determine fundamental parameters like CKM matrix elements. We present an update on our calculation of short distance contributions to GIM suppressed rare $B$ decays focusing in particular on $B_s\to ϕ\ell^+ \ell^-$ decays. Furthermore we show first results for our calculation of $B_{(s)}\to D_{(s)}^{(*)}\ellν$ semi-leptonic decays involving $b\to c$ transitions. Our calculations are based on RBC-UKQCD's 2+1 flavor domain-wall fermion and Iwasaki gauge field configurations featuri…
We present preliminary results from simulations done on 170 $32^3 \times 64$ lattices at $β= 6.0$ using quenched Wilson fermions. This talk focuses on the $Q^2$ behavior of the form-factors, extrapolation in quark masses, dependence on renormalization scheme, and comparison with heavy-quark effective theory (HQET). Even though we cannot estimate errors due to quenching and discretization, our results are consistent with experimental results for $D$ decays. We present results for the Isgur-Wise function and estimate $ξ'(w=1) = 0.97(6)$.
We address the non-perturbative calculation of the decay rate of inclusive semi-leptonic $B_{(s)}$ mesons decays from lattice QCD. Precise theoretical Standard Model predictions are key ingredients in searches for new physics. This type of computation may eventually provide new insight into the long-standing tension between the inclusive and exclusive determinations of the CKM matrix elements $|V_{cb}|$ and $|V_{ub}|$. We perform a pilot lattice computation for $B_s \rightarrow X_c \, l ν_l$ and improve on existing techniques. The valence-quark masses in our simulations are approximately physi…
We report on form factors for the B->K l^+ l^- semi-leptonic decay process. We use several lattice spacings from a=0.12 fm down to 0.06 fm and a variety of dynamical quark masses with 2+1 flavors of asqtad quarks provided by the MILC Collaboration. These ensembles allow good control of the chiral and continuum extrapolations. The b-quark is treated as a clover quark with the Fermilab interpretation. We update our results for f_\parallel and f_\perp, or, equivalently, f_+ and f_0. In addition, we present new results for the tensor form factor f_T. Model independent results are obtained based up…
The computation of the form factors for the $B_s \to K \ell ν$ decay is presented. The b quark is treated by means of Heavy Quark Effective Theory, currently in the static approximation. In these proceedings we discuss the extraction of the bare matrix elements from lattice data through a combined fit to two- and three-point correlation functions, as well as by considering suitable ratios. The different methods agree concerning the extracted form factors and approximately 2% accuracy is reached. The non-perturbative renormalization and matching to QCD is described in accompanying proceedings P…
This review article summarizes recent lattice QCD results for $D$ and $D_s$ meson leptonic and semileptonic decays. Knowing the meson decay constants and semileptonic form factors from theory, one can extract CKM elements $V_{cd}$ and $V_{cs}$ from experimental results. At present, the most accurate results for decay constants are from the Fermilab Lattice and MILC Collaborations: $f_D = 212.5 \pm 0.5_{\mathrm{stat}} {}^{+0.6}_{-1.5} |_{\mathrm{syst}}$ MeV and $f_{D_s} = 248.9 \pm 0.2_{\mathrm{stat}} {}^{+0.5}_{-1.6}|_{\mathrm{syst}}$ MeV, giving $V_{cd} = 0.2184 \pm 0.009_{\mathrm{expt}} {}^{…
