Objective The Standard Model (SM) of particle physics has been very successful in describing phenomena at the smallest scales, yet we know that it is incomplete.It does not, for example, explain the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe or provide a dark matter candidate.Attempts to solve these open questions do so by introducing as yet undiscovered particles.If these particles exist, they will appear as virtual particles in quantum loops, where they can affect the rate and angular distributions of particle decays.The main objective of this proposal is the study of rare flavour changing neutral current transitions in b-hadrons, where a b-quark decays to an s- or d-quark and a pair of muons.These processes are highly suppressed in the SM and the presence of new virtual particles can therefore have a comparably large effect.In particular the decay of a B-meson to a K* meson and a muon pair provides many observables that have excellent sensitivity to particles beyond the SM.I propose a direct fit of the generalised couplings in this decay using the full data sample recorded by the LHCb collaboration.To achieve optimal sensitivity to possible contributions beyond the SM the fit algorithm will use the full available information of the final state (decay angles, decay flavour and invariant mass of the dimuon system).A benefit of this approach is that the fit can help to constrain sources of theoretical uncertainty that can otherwise limit the sensitivity.In addition, I propose to perform a first three-dimensional angular fit of the decay of a Bs meson to a phi meson and a muon pair.This fit will determine several interesting CP-asymmetries with high sensitivity to contributions beyond the SM.To complete the picture of semileptonic B-decays, I will study b-quark to d-quark transitions.These decays are further suppressed in the SM and allow to test the flavour structure of nature. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsleptonsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyastrophysicsdark matter Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK Address Kirby corner road - university house CV4 8UW Coventry United Kingdom See on map Region West Midlands (England) West Midlands Coventry Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Peter Hedges (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution € 221 606,40
