Precision measurement of the Lambda_b baryon lifetime

Abstract

The ratio of the Λb baryon lifetime to that of the B0 meson is measured using 1.0/fb of integrated luminosity in 7 TeV center-of-mass energy pp collisions at the LHC. The Λb baryon is observed for the first time in the decay mode Λb -> J/ψpK-, while the B0 meson decay used is the well known B0 -> J/ψpi+K- mode, where the pi+ K- mass is consistent with that of the K*0(892) meson. The ratio of lifetimes is measured to be 0.976 +/- 0.012 +/- 0.006, in agreement with theoretical expectations based on the heavy quark expansion. Using previous determinations of the B0 meson lifetime, the Λb lifetime is found to be 1.482 +/- 0.018 +/- 0.012 ps. In both cases the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic.

11 pages 6 figures, v2 minor corrections