Bs → Dsℓν form factors for the full q2 range from lattice QCD with nonperturbatively normalized currents

• Published in: Physical review. D 2020-04, Vol.101 (7), p.1
• Main Authors: McLean, E, Davies, C TH, Koponen, J, Lytle, A T
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Form factors; Formalism; Gluons; Leptons; Mathematical analysis; Momentum transfer; Quantum chromodynamics; Quarks; Standard model (particle physics)
• ISSN: 2470-0010; 2470-0029
• DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevD.101.074513

We present a lattice QCD determination of the Bs → Dsℓν scalar and vector form factors over the full physical range of momentum transfer. The result is derived from correlation functions computed using the highly improved staggered quark (HISQ) formalism, on the second generation MILC gluon ensembles accounting for up, down, strange and charm contributions from the sea. We calculate correlation functions for three lattice spacing values and an array of unphysically light b -quark masses, and extrapolate to the physical value. Using the HISQ formalism for all quarks means that the lattice current coupling to the W can be renormalized nonperturbatively, giving a result free from perturbative matching errors for the first time. Our results are in agreement with, and more accurate than, previous determinations of these form factors. From the form factors we also determine the ratio of branching fractions that is sensitive to violation of lepton universality: R (Ds) = B (Bs → Dsτντ) /B (Bs → Dsℓνl), where ℓ is an electron or a muon. We find R (Ds) = 0.2993 (46) , which is also more accurate than previous lattice QCD results. Combined with a future measurement of R (Ds), this could supply a new test of the Standard Model. We also compare the dependence on heavy quark mass of our form factors to expectations from heavy quark effective theory.