Showing papers by "Timothy Evans published in 2020"

GW190425: Observation of a Compact Binary Coalescence with Total Mass ∼ 3.4 M O

Abstract: On 2019 April 25, the LIGO Livingston detector observed a compact binary coalescence with signal-to-noise ratio 12.9. The Virgo detector was also taking data that did not contribute to detection due to a low signal-to-noise ratio, but were used for subsequent parameter estimation. The 90% credible intervals for the component masses range from to if we restrict the dimensionless component spin magnitudes to be smaller than 0.05). These mass parameters are consistent with the individual binary components being neutron stars. However, both the source-frame chirp mass and the total mass of this system are significantly larger than those of any other known binary neutron star (BNS) system. The possibility that one or both binary components of the system are black holes cannot be ruled out from gravitational-wave data. We discuss possible origins of the system based on its inconsistency with the known Galactic BNS population. Under the assumption that the signal was produced by a BNS coalescence, the local rate of neutron star mergers is updated to 250-2810.

Observation of structure in the J/ψ-pair mass spectrum

Abstract: Using proton-proton collision data at centre-of-mass energies of $\sqrt{s} = 7$, $8$ and $13\mathrm{\,TeV}$ recorded by the LHCb experiment at the Large Hadron Collider, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $9\mathrm{\,fb}^{-1}$, the invariant mass spectrum of $J/\psi$ pairs is studied. A narrow structure around $6.9\mathrm{\,GeV/}c^2$ matching the lineshape of a resonance and a broad structure just above twice the $J/\psi$ mass are observed. The deviation of the data from nonresonant $J/\psi$-pair production is above five standard deviations in the mass region between $6.2$ and $7.4\mathrm{\,GeV/}c^2$, covering predicted masses of states composed of four charm quarks. The mass and natural width of the narrow $X(6900)$ structure are measured assuming a Breit--Wigner lineshape.

A guide to LIGO–Virgo detector noise and extraction of transient gravitational-wave signals

Abstract: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration and the Virgo Collaboration have cataloged eleven confidently detected gravitational-wave events during the first two observing runs of the advanced detector era. All eleven events were consistent with being from well-modeled mergers between compact stellar-mass objects: black holes or neutron stars. The data around the time of each of these events have been made publicly available through the gravitational-wave open science center. The entirety of the gravitational-wave strain data from the first and second observing runs have also now been made publicly available. There is considerable interest among the broad scientific community in understanding the data and methods used in the analyses. In this paper, we provide an overview of the detector noise properties and the data analysis techniques used to detect gravitational-wave signals and infer the source properties. We describe some of the checks that are performed to validate the analyses and results from the observations of gravitational-wave events. We also address concerns that have been raised about various properties of LIGO–Virgo detector noise and the correctness of our analyses as applied to the resulting data.

Search for A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} Decays.

Abstract: Searches are performed for both promptlike and long-lived dark photons, A^{'}, produced in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. These searches look for A^{'}→μ^{+}μ^{-} decays using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.5 fb^{-1} collected with the LHCb detector. Neither search finds evidence for a signal, and 90% confidence-level exclusion limits are placed on the γ-A^{'} kinetic mixing strength. The promptlike A^{'} search explores the mass region from near the dimuon threshold up to 70 GeV and places the most stringent constraints to date on dark photons with 214

Measurement of CP -Averaged Observables in the B0 →k∗0μ+μ- Decay

Abstract: An angular analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}(→K^{+}π^{-})μ^{+}μ^{-} decay is presented using a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.7 fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected with the LHCb experiment. The full set of CP-averaged observables are determined in bins of the invariant mass squared of the dimuon system. Contamination from decays with the K^{+}π^{-} system in an S-wave configuration is taken into account. The tension seen between the previous LHCb results and the standard model predictions persists with the new data. The precise value of the significance of this tension depends on the choice of theory nuisance parameters.

Model Comparison from LIGO-Virgo Data on GW170817's Binary Components and Consequences for the Merger Remnant

Abstract: GW170817 is the very first observation of gravitational waves originating from the coalescence of two compact objects in the mass range of neutron stars, accompanied by electromagnetic counterparts, and offers an opportunity to directly probe the internal structure of neutron stars. We perform Bayesian model selection on a wide range of theoretical predictions for the neutron star equation of state. For the binary neutron star hypothesis, we find that we cannot rule out the majority of theoretical models considered. In addition, the gravitational-wave data alone does not rule out the possibility that one or both objects were low-mass black holes. We discuss the possible outcomes in the case of a binary neutron star merger, finding that all scenarios from prompt collapse to long-lived or even stable remnants are possible. For long-lived remnants, we place an upper limit of 1.9 kHz on the rotation rate. If a black hole was formed any time after merger and the coalescing stars were slowly rotating, then the maximum baryonic mass of non-rotating neutron stars is at most 3.05M⊙, and three equations of state considered here can be ruled out. We obtain a tighter limit of 2.67M⊙ for the case that the merger results in a hypermassive neutron star.

Model-Independent Study of Structure in B+ →d+D-K+ Decays

Abstract: The only anticipated resonant contributions to $B^+\to D^+D^-K^+$ decays are charmonium states in the $D^+D^-$ channel. A model-independent analysis, using LHCb proton-proton collision data taken at centre-of-mass energies of $\sqrt{s}=7,8,$ and $13$ TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9 fb$^{-1}$, is carried out to test this hypothesis. The description of the data assuming that resonances only manifest in decays to the $D^+D^-$ pair is shown to be incomplete. This constitutes evidence for a new contribution to the decay, potentially one or more new charm-strange resonances in the $D^-K^+$ channel with masses around 2.9 GeV$/c^2$.

Study of the lineshape of the χc1 (3872) state

Abstract: A study of the lineshape of the χc1(3872) state is made using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb-1 collected in pp collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV with the LHCb detector. Candidate χc1(3872) and ψ(2S) mesons from b-hadron decays are selected in the J/ψπ+π- decay mode. Describing the lineshape with a Breit-Wigner function, the mass splitting between the χc1(3872) and ψ(2S) states, Δm, and the width of the χc1(3872) state, ΓBW, are determined to be Δm=185.598±0.067±0.068 MeV,ΓBW=1.39±0.24±0.10 MeV, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. Using a Flatte-inspired model, the mode and full width at half maximum of the lineshape are determined to be mode=3871.69-0.04-0.13+0.00+0.05 MeV,FWHM=0.22-0.06-0.13+0.07+0.11 MeV. An investigation of the analytic structure of the Flatte amplitude reveals a pole structure, which is compatible with a quasibound D0D¯*0 state but a quasivirtual state is still allowed at the level of 2 standard deviations.

Gravitational-wave Constraints on the Equatorial Ellipticity of Millisecond Pulsars

Abstract: We present a search for continuous gravitational waves from five radio pulsars, comprising three recycled pulsars (PSR J0437-4715, PSR J0711-6830, and PSR J0737-3039A) and two young pulsars: the Crab pulsar (J0534+2200) and the Vela pulsar (J0835-4510). We use data from the third observing run of Advanced LIGO and Virgo combined with data from their first and second observing runs. For the first time, we are able to match (for PSR J0437-4715) or surpass (for PSR J0711-6830) the indirect limits on gravitational-wave emission from recycled pulsars inferred from their observed spin-downs, and constrain their equatorial ellipticities to be less than 10-8. For each of the five pulsars, we perform targeted searches that assume a tight coupling between the gravitational-wave and electromagnetic signal phase evolution. We also present constraints on PSR J0711-6830, the Crab pulsar, and the Vela pulsar from a search that relaxes this assumption, allowing the gravitational-wave signal to vary from the electromagnetic expectation within a narrow band of frequencies and frequency derivatives.

Evidence of a $J/\psi \varLambda$ structure and observation of excited $\varXi^-$ states in the $\varXi_b^-\to J/\psi \varLambda K^-$ decay

Abstract: First evidence of a structure in the $J/\psi \varLambda$ invariant mass distribution is obtained from an amplitude analysis of $\varXi_b^- \to J/\psi \varLambda K^-$ decays. The observed structure is consistent with being due to a charmonium pentaquark with strangeness. Its mass and width are determined to be $4458.8\pm2.9\,^{+4.7}_{-1.1}$MeV and $17.3\pm6.5\,^{+8.0}_{-5.7}$MeV, where the quoted uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The structure is also consistent with being due to two resonances. In addition, the narrow excited $\varXi^-$ states, $\varXi(1690)^-$ and $\varXi(1820)^-$, are seen for the first time in a $\varXi_b^-$ decay, and their masses and widths are measured with improved precision. The analysis is performed using $pp$ collision data corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9fb$^{-1}$, collected with the LHCb experiment at centre-of-mass energies of $7$, $8$ and $13$TeV.

Observation of Several Sources of CP Violation in B^{+}→π^{+}π^{+}π^{-} Decays.

Abstract: Observations are reported of different sources of CP violation from an amplitude analysis of B^{+}→π^{+}π^{+}π^{-} decays, based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb^{-1} of pp collisions recorded with the LHCb detector. A large CP asymmetry is observed in the decay amplitude involving the tensor f_{2}(1270) resonance, and in addition significant CP violation is found in the π^{+}π^{-}S wave at low invariant mass. The presence of CP violation related to interference between the π^{+}π^{-}S wave and the P wave B^{+}→ρ(770)^{0}π^{+} amplitude is also established; this causes large local asymmetries but cancels when integrated over the phase space of the decay. The results provide both qualitative and quantitative new insights into CP -violation effects in hadronic B decays.

Amplitude analysis of the B + → π + π + π − decay

Abstract: The results of an amplitude analysis of the charmless three-body decay B+→π+π+π-, in which CP-violation effects are taken into account, are reported. The analysis is based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb-1 of pp collisions recorded with the LHCb detector. The most challenging aspect of the analysis is the description of the behavior of the π+π- S-wave contribution, which is achieved by using three complementary approaches based on the isobar model, the K-matrix formalism, and a quasi-model-independent procedure. Additional resonant contributions for all three methods are described using a common isobar model, and include the ρ(770)0, ω(782) and ρ(1450)0 resonances in the π+π- P-wave, the f2(1270) resonance in the π+π- D-wave, and the ρ3(1690)0 resonance in the π+π- F-wave. Significant CP-violation effects are observed in both S- and D-waves, as well as in the interference between the S- and P-waves. The results from all three approaches agree and provide new insight into the dynamics and the origin of CP-violation effects in B+→π+π+π- decays.

Measurement of $CP$ violation in $B^0\to D^{*\pm} D^{\mp}$ decays

Abstract: The decay-time-dependent CP asymmetry in B$^{0}$→ D$^{∗±}$D$^{∓}$ decays is mea- sured using a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb$^{−1}$ recorded by the LHCb detector in proton-proton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 7, 8 and 13 TeV. The CP parameters are measured as$ {\displaystyle \begin{array}{c}{S}_{D\ast D}=-0.861\pm 0.077\left(\mathrm{stat}\right)\pm 0.019\left(\mathrm{syst}\right),\\ {}\varDelta {S}_{D\ast D}=0.019\pm 0.075\left(\mathrm{stat}\right)\pm 0.012\left(\mathrm{syst}\right),\\ {}{C}_{D\ast D}=-0.059\pm 0.092\left(\mathrm{stat}\right)\pm 0.020\left(\mathrm{syst}\right),\\ {}{\varDelta C}_{D\ast D}=-0.031\pm 0.092\left(\mathrm{stat}\right)\pm 0.016\left(\mathrm{syst}\right),\\ {}{\mathcal{A}}_{D\ast D}=\kern0.75em 0.008\pm 0.014\left(\mathrm{stat}\right)\pm 0.006\left(\mathrm{syst}\right).\end{array}} $The analysis provides the most precise single measurement of CP violation in this decay channel to date. All parameters are consistent with their current world average values.[graphic not available: see fulltext]

Angular Analysis of the $B^{+}\rightarrow K^{\ast+}\mu^{+}\mu^{-}$ Decay

Abstract: We present an angular analysis of the $B^{+}\rightarrow K^{\ast+}(\rightarrow K_{S}^{0}\pi^{+})\mu^{+}\mu^{-}$ decay using 9$\,\mbox{fb}^{-1}$ of $pp$ collision data collected with the LHCb experiment. For the first time, the full set of CP-averaged angular observables is measured in intervals of the dimuon invariant mass squared. Local deviations from Standard Model predictions are observed, similar to those in previous LHCb analyses of the isospin-partner $B^{0}\rightarrow K^{\ast0}\mu^{+}\mu^{-}$ decay. The global tension is dependent on which effective couplings are considered and on the choice of theory nuisance parameters.

Study of the ψ 2(3823) and χ c1(3872) states in B+ → (J/ψπ + π −)K+ decays

Abstract: The decays B$^{+}$→ J/ψπ$^{+}$π$^{−}$K$^{+}$ are studied using a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb$^{−1}$ collected with the LHCb detector in proton-proton collisions between 2011 and 2018. Precise measurements of the ratios of branching fractions with the intermediate ψ$_{2}$(3823), χ$_{c1}$(3872) and ψ(2S) states are reported. The values are$ {\displaystyle \begin{array}{c}\frac{{\mathcal{B}}_{{\mathrm{B}}^{+}\to {\uppsi}_2(3823){\mathrm{K}}^{+}}\times {\mathcal{B}}_{\uppsi_2(3823)\to \mathrm{J}/{\uppsi \uppi}^{+}{\uppi}^{-}}}{{\mathcal{B}}_{{\mathrm{B}}^{+}\to {\upchi}_{\mathrm{c}1}(3872){\mathrm{K}}^{+}}\times {\mathcal{B}}_{\upchi_{\mathrm{c}1}(3872)\to \mathrm{J}/{\uppsi \uppi}^{+}{\uppi}^{-}}}=\left(3.56\pm 0.67\pm 0.11\right)\times {10}^{-2},\\ {}\frac{{\mathcal{B}}_{{\mathrm{B}}^{+}\to {\uppsi}_2(3823){\mathrm{K}}^{+}}\times {\mathcal{B}}_{\uppsi_2(3823)\to \mathrm{J}/{\uppsi \uppi}^{+}{\uppi}^{-}}}{{\mathcal{B}}_{{\mathrm{B}}^{+}\to \uppsi \left(2\mathrm{S}\right){\mathrm{K}}^{+}}\times {\mathcal{B}}_{\uppsi \left(2\mathrm{S}\right)\to \mathrm{J}/{\uppsi \uppi}^{+}{\uppi}^{-}}}=\left(1.31\pm 0.25\pm 0.04\right)\times {10}^{-3},\\ {}\frac{{\mathcal{B}}_{\mathrm{B}+\to {\upchi}_{\mathrm{c}1}(3872){\mathrm{K}}^{+}}\times {\mathcal{B}}_{\upchi_{\mathrm{c}1}(3872)\to \mathrm{J}/{\uppsi \uppi}^{+}{\uppi}^{-}}}{{\mathcal{B}}_{{\mathrm{B}}^{+}\to \uppsi \left(2\mathrm{S}\right){\mathrm{K}}^{+}}\times {\mathcal{B}}_{\uppsi \left(2\mathrm{S}\right)\to \mathrm{J}/{\uppsi \uppi}^{+}{\uppi}^{-}}}=\left(3.69\pm 0.07\pm 0.06\right)\times {10}^{-2},\end{array}} $where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The decay of B$^{+}$→ ψ$_{2}$(3823)K$^{+}$ with ψ$_{2}$(3823) → J/ψπ$^{+}$π$^{−}$ is observed for the first time with a significance of 5.1 standard deviations. The mass differences between the ψ$_{2}$(3823), χ$_{c1}$(3872) and ψ(2S) states are measured to be$ {\displaystyle \begin{array}{c}{m}_{\upchi_{\mathrm{c}1}(3872)}-{m}_{\uppsi_2(3823)}=47.50\pm 0.53\pm 0.13\;\mathrm{MeV}/{c}^2,\\ {}{m}_{\uppsi_2(3823)}-{m}_{\uppsi_2\left(2\mathrm{S}\right)}=137.98\pm 0.53\pm 0.14\;\mathrm{MeV}/{c}^2,\\ {}{m}_{\upchi_{\mathrm{c}1}(3872)}-{m}_{\uppsi_2\left(2\mathrm{S}\right)}=185.49\pm 0.06\pm 0.03\;\mathrm{MeV}/{c}^2,\end{array}} $resulting in the most precise determination of the χ$_{c1}$(3872) mass. The width of the ψ$_{2}$(3823) state is found to be below 5.2 MeV at 90% confidence level. The Breit-Wigner width of the χ$_{c1}$(3872) state is measured to be$ {\Gamma}_{\upchi_{\mathrm{c}1}(3872)}^{\mathrm{BW}}={0.96}_{-0.18}^{+0.19}\pm 0.21\;\mathrm{MeV} $which is inconsistent with zero by 5.5 standard deviations.[graphic not available: see fulltext]

Test of lepton universality with Λb0→pK− ℓ+ ℓ− decays

Abstract: The ratio of branching fractions of the decays $$ {\Lambda}_b^0 $$ → pK−e+e− and $$ {\Lambda}_b^0 $$ → pK−μ+μ−, $$ {R}_{pK}^{-1} $$ , is measured for the first time using proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.7 fb−1 recorded with the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8 and 13 TeV. In the dilepton mass-squared range 0.1 < q2 < 6.0 GeV2/c4 and the pK− mass range m(pK−) < 2600 MeV/c2, the ratio of branching fractions is measured to be $$ {R}_{pK}^{-1}={1.17}_{-0.16}^{+0.18}\pm 0.07 $$ , where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. This is the first test of lepton universality with b baryons and the first observation of the decay $$ {\Lambda}_b^0 $$ → pK−e+e−.

First Observation of Excited ωb- States

Abstract: We report four narrow peaks in the Ξ_{b}^{0}K^{-} mass spectrum obtained using pp collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9 fb^{-1} recorded by the LHCb experiment. Referring to these states by their mass, the mass values are m[Ω_{b}(6316)^{-}]=6315.64±0.31±0.07±0.50 MeV, m[Ω_{b}(6330)^{-}]=6330.30±0.28±0.07±0.50 MeV, m[Ω_{b}(6340)^{-}]=6339.71±0.26±0.05±0.50 MeV, m[Ω_{b}(6350)^{-}]=6349.88±0.35±0.05±0.50 MeV, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and the last is due to the knowledge of the Ξ_{b}^{0} mass. The natural widths of the three lower mass states are consistent with zero, and the 90% confidence-level upper limits are determined to be Γ[Ω_{b}(6316)^{-}]<2.8 MeV, Γ[Ω_{b}(6330)^{-}]<3.1 MeV and Γ[Ω_{b}(6340)^{-}]<1.5 MeV. The natural width of the Ω_{b}(6350)^{-} peak is 1.4_{-0.8}^{+1.0}±0.1 MeV, which is 2.5σ from zero and corresponds to an upper limit of 2.8 MeV. The peaks have local significances ranging from 3.6σ to 7.2σ. After accounting for the look-elsewhere effect, the significances of the Ω_{b}(6316)^{-} and Ω_{b}(6330)^{-} peaks are reduced to 2.1σ and 2.6σ, respectively, while the two higher mass peaks exceed 5σ. The observed peaks are consistent with expectations for excited Ω_{b}^{-} resonances.

Precision measurement of the Ξcc++ mass

Abstract: A measurement of the Ξcc++ mass is performed using data collected by the LHCb experiment between 2016 and 2018 in pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6 fb−1. The Ξcc++ candidates are reconstructed via the decay modes Ξcc++→Λc+K−π+π+ and Ξcc++→Ξc+π+. The result, 3621.55 ± 0.23 (stat) ± 0.30 (syst) MeV/c2, is the most precise measurement of the Ξcc++ mass to date. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].

Strong constraints on the b → sγ photon polarisation from B 0 → K *0 e + e − decays

Abstract: An angular analysis of the B$^{0}$ → K*$^{0}$e$^{+}$e$^{−}$ decay is performed using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb$^{−1}$ of pp collisions collected with the LHCb experiment. The analysis is conducted in the very low dielectron mass squared (q$^{2}$) interval between 0.0008 and 0.257 GeV$^{2}$, where the rate is dominated by the B$^{0}$ → K$^{*0}$γ transition with a virtual photon. The fraction of longitudinal polarisation of the K$^{*0}$ meson, F$_{L}$, is measured to be F$_{L}$ = (4.4 ± 2.6 ± 1.4)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The $ {A}_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Re}} $ observable, which is related to the lepton forward-backward asymmetry, is measured to be $ {A}_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Re}} $ = −0.06 ± 0.08 ± 0.02. The $ {A}_{\mathrm{T}}^{(2)} $ and $ {A}_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Im}} $ transverse asymmetries, which are sensitive to the virtual photon polarisation, are found to be $ {A}_{\mathrm{T}}^{(2)} $ = 0.11 ± 0.10 ± 0.02 and $ {A}_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Im}} $ = 0.02 ± 0.10 ± 0.01. The results are consistent with Standard Model predictions and provide the world’s best constraint on the b → sγ photon polarisation.[graphic not available: see fulltext]

Search for the doubly charmed baryon $\Xi_{cc}^{+}$

Abstract: A search for the doubly charmed baryon Ξcc+ is performed through its decay to the Λc+K−π+ final state, using proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies of 7, 8 and 13 TeV. The data correspond to a total integrated luminosity of 9 fb−1. No significant signal is observed in the mass range from 3.4 to 3.8 GeV/c2. Upper limits are set at 95% credibility level on the ratio of the Ξcc+ production cross-section times the branching fraction to that of Λc+ and Ξcc++ baryons. The limits are determined as functions of the Ξcc+ mass for different lifetime hypotheses, in the rapidity range from 2.0 to 4.5 and the transverse momentum range from 4 to 15 GeV/c.

Searches for low-mass dimuon resonances

Abstract: Searches are performed for a low-mass dimuon resonance, $X$, produced in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.1 fb$^{-1}$ and collected with the LHCb detector. The $X$ bosons can either decay promptly or displaced from the proton-proton collision, where in both cases the requirements placed on the event and the assumptions made about the production mechanisms are kept as minimal as possible. The searches for promptly decaying $X$ bosons explore the mass range from near the dimuon threshold up to 60 GeV, with nonnegligible $X$ widths considered above 20 GeV. The searches for displaced $X \to \mu^+\mu^-$ decays consider masses up to 3 GeV. None of the searches finds evidence for a signal and 90% confidence-level exclusion limits are placed on the $X \to \mu^+\mu^-$ cross sections, each with minimal model dependence. In addition, these results are used to place world-leading constraints on GeV-scale bosons in the two-Higgs-doublet and hidden-valley scenarios.

Determination of quantum numbers for several excited charmed mesons observed in $B^- \to D^{*+} \pi^- \pi^-$ decays

Abstract: A four-body amplitude analysis of the B − → D * + π − π − decay is performed, where fractions and relative phases of the various resonances contributing to the decay are measured. Several quasi-model-independent analyses are performed aimed at searching for the presence of new states and establishing the quantum numbers of previously observed charmed meson resonances. In particular the resonance parameters and quantum numbers are determined for the D 1 ( 2420 ) , D 1 ( 2430 ) , D 0 ( 2550 ) , D ∗ 1 ( 2600 ) , D 2 ( 2740 ) and D ∗ 3 ( 2750 ) states. The mixing between the D 1 ( 2420 ) and D 1 ( 2430 ) resonances is studied and the mixing parameters are measured. The dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 4.7 fb − 1 , collected in proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8 and 13 TeV with the LHCb detector.

Observation of new $\Xi_c^0$ baryons decaying to $\Lambda_c^+K^-$

Abstract: The Λ_{c}^{+}K^{-} mass spectrum is studied with a data sample of pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6 fb^{-1} collected by the LHCb experiment. Three Ξ_{c}^{0} states are observed with a large significance and their masses and natural widths are measured to be m[Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0}]=2923.04±0.25±0.20±0.14 MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0}]=7.1±0.8±1.8 MeV, m[Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0}]=2938.55±0.21±0.17±0.14 MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0}]=10.2±0.8±1.1 MeV, m[Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0}]=2964.88±0.26±0.14±0.14 MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0}]=14.1±0.9±1.3 MeV, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to the limited knowledge of the Λ_{c}^{+} mass. The Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0} and Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0} baryons are new states. The Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0} state is in the vicinity of the known Ξ_{c}(2970)^{0} baryon; however, their masses and natural widths differ significantly.

Search for the Rare Decays $B^0_s \to e^+e^-$ and $B^0 \to e^+e^-$

Abstract: A search for the decays B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} and B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} is performed using data collected with the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to integrated luminosities of 1, 2, and 2 fb^{-1}, respectively. No signal is observed. Assuming no contribution from B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} decays, an upper limit on the branching fraction B(B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-})<9.4(11.2)×10^{-9} is obtained at 90(95)% confidence level. If no B_{s}^{0}→e^{+}e^{-} contribution is assumed, a limit of B(B^{0}→e^{+}e^{-})<2.5(3.0)×10^{-9} is determined at 90(95)% confidence level. These upper limits are more than one order of magnitude lower than the previous values.

Measurement of fs /fu Variation with Proton-Proton Collision Energy and B -Meson Kinematics

Abstract: The ratio of the Bs0 and B+ fragmentation fractions fs and fu is studied with Bs0→J/ψφ and B+→J/ψK+ decays using data collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at 7, 8, and 13 TeV center-of-mass energies. The analysis is performed in bins of B-meson momentum, longitudinal momentum, transverse momentum, pseudorapidity, and rapidity. The fragmentation-fraction ratio fs/fu is observed to depend on the B-meson transverse momentum with a significance of 6.0σ. This dependency is driven by the 13 TeV sample (8.7σ), while the results for the other collision energies are not significant when considered separately. Furthermore, the results show a 4.8σ evidence for an increase of fs/fu as a function of collision energy.

First observation of the decay $B_s^0 \to K^-\mu^+\nu_\mu$ and Measurement of $|V_{ub}|/|V_{cb}|$

Abstract: The first observation of the suppressed semileptonic $B_s^0 \to K^-\mu^+ u_\mu$ decay is reported. Using a data sample recorded in {\it pp} collisions in 2012 with the LHCb detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2 $\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$, the branching fraction \mbox{$\mathcal{B}(B_s^0 \to K^-\mu^+ u_\mu)$} is measured to be $(1.06\pm0.05~(\mathrm{stat})\pm0.08~(\mathrm{syst}))\times 10^{-4}$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second one represents the combined systematic uncertainties. The decay $B_s^0 \to D_s^-\mu^+ u_\mu$, where $D_s^-$ is reconstructed in the final state $K^+K^-\pi^-$, is used as a normalization channel to minimize the experimental systematic uncertainty. Theoretical calculations on the form factors of the $B_s^0 \to K^-$ and $B_s^0 \to D_s^-$ transitions are employed to determine the ratio of the CKM matrix elements ${|V_{ub}|}/{|V_{cb}|}$ at low and high $B_s^0 \to K^-$ momentum transfer.

Observation of a new baryon state in the Λb0π+π− mass spectrum

Abstract: A new baryon state is observed in the Λb0π+π− mass spectrum with high significance using a data sample of pp collisions, collected with the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies s = 7, 8 and 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb−1. The mass and natural width of the new state are measured to be m=6072.3±2.9±0.6±0.2MeV,Γ=72±11±2MeV, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The third uncertainty for the mass is due to imprecise knowledge of the Λb0 baryon mass. The new state is consistent with the first radial excitation of the Λb0 baryon, the Λb(2S)0 resonance. Updated measurements of the masses and the upper limits on the natural widths of the previously observed Λb(5912)0 and Λb(5920)0 states are also reported. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Reducing scattered light in LIGO's third observing run

Abstract: Noise due to scattered light has been a frequent disturbance in the Advanced LIGO gravitational wave detectors, hindering the detection of gravitational waves. The non stationary scatter noise caused by low frequency motion can be recognized as arches in the time-frequency plane of the gravitational wave channel. In this paper, we characterize the scattering noise for LIGO's third observing run O3 from April, 2019 to March, 2020. We find at least two different populations of scattering noise and we investigate the multiple origins of one of them as well as its mitigation. We find that relative motion between two specific surfaces is strongly correlated with the presence of scattered light and we implement a technique to reduce this motion. We also present an algorithm using a witness channel to identify the times this noise can be present in the detector.

Improving the robustness of the advanced LIGO detectors to earthquakes

Abstract: Teleseismic, or distant, earthquakes regularly disrupt the operation of ground–based gravitational wave detectors such as Advanced LIGO. Here, we present EQ mode, a new global control scheme, consisting of an automated sequence of optimized control filters that reduces and coordinates the motion of the seismic isolation platforms during earthquakes. This, in turn, suppresses the differential motion of the interferometer arms with respect to one another, resulting in a reduction of DARM signal at frequencies below 100 mHz. Our method greatly improved the interferometers' capability to remain operational during earthquakes, with ground velocities up to 3.9 μm s⁻¹ rms in the beam direction, setting a new record for both detectors. This sets a milestone in seismic controls of the Advanced LIGO detectors' ability to manage high ground motion induced by earthquakes, opening a path for further robust operation in other extreme environmental conditions.

Search for CP violation in Ξ+c→pK−π+ decays using model-independent techniques

Abstract: A first search for $$CP$$ violation in the Cabibbo-suppressed $${{{\varXi }} ^+_{c}} \rightarrow {p} {{K} ^-} {{\pi } ^+} $$ decay is performed using both a binned and an unbinned model-independent technique in the Dalitz plot. The studies are based on a sample of proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $$3.0\,\text {fb} ^{-1} $$ , and collected by the LHCb experiment at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and $$8\,\text {TeV} $$ . The data are consistent with the hypothesis of no $$CP$$ violation.