Testing Explanations of the $B\toϕK^*$ Polarization Puzzle

Abstract

$B\toϕK^*$ ($\btos$) is three separate decays, one for each polarization of the final-state vector mesons (one longitudinal, two transverse). It is observed that the fraction of transverse decays, $\fT$, and the fraction of longitudinal decays, $\fL$, are roughly equal: $\fTfL \simeq 1$, in opposition to the naive expectation that $\fT \ll \fL$. If one requires a single explanation of all polarization puzzles, two possibilities remain within the standard model: penguin annihilation and rescattering. In this paper we examine the predictions of these two explanations for $\fTfL$ in $\btod$ decays. In $B \to ρρ$ decays, only $\bd \to ρ^0ρ^0$ can possibly exhibit a large $\fTfL$. In B decays related by U-spin, we find two promising possibilities: (i) $B^+ \to K^{*0} ρ^+$ ($\btos$) and $B^+ \to \Kbar^{*0} K^{*+}$ ($\btod$) and (ii) $\bs \to K^{*0} \Kbar^{*0}$ ($\btos$) and $\bd \to \Kbar^{*0} K^{*0}$ ($\btod$). The measurement of $\fTfL$ in these pairs of decays will allow us to test penguin annihilation and rescattering. Finally, it is possible to distinguish penguin annihilation from rescattering by performing a time-dependent angular analysis of $\bd \to \Kbar^{*0} K^{*0}$.

15 pages, 2 figures. Added reference and PACS numbers. To appear in PRD