$B_s to K ell u$ form factors from lattice QCD

We report the first lattice QCD calculation of the form factors for the standard model tree-level decay $B_sto K ell u$. In combination with future measurement, this calculation will provide an alternative exclusive semileptonic determination of $|V_{ub}|$. We compare our results with previous model calculations, make predictions for differential decay rates and branching fractions, and predict the ratio of differential branching fractions between $B_sto Ktau u$ and $B_sto Kmu u$. We also present standard model predictions for differential decay rate forward-backward asymmetries, polarization fractions, and calculate potentially useful ratios of $B_sto K$ form factors with those of the fictitious $B_stoeta_s$ decay. Our lattice simulations utilize NRQCD $b$ and HISQ light quarks on a subset of the MILC Collaborations $2+1$ asqtad gauge configurations, including two lattice spacings and a range of light quark masses.

Rare decay B -> K ll form factors from lattice QCD

We calculate, for the first time using unquenched lattice QCD, form factors for the rare decay B -> Kll in and beyond the Standard Model. Our lattice QCD calculation utilizes a nonrelativistic QCD formulation for the b valence quarks, the highly improved staggered quark formulation for the light valence quarks, and employs the MILC 2+1 asqtad ensembles. The form factor results, based on the z expansion, are valid over the full kinematic range of q^2. We construct the ratios f0/f+ and fT/f+, which are useful in constraining new physics and verifying effective theory form factor symmetry relations. We also discuss the calculation of Standard Model observables.

Standard Model predictions for B -> Kll with form factors from lattice QCD

We calculate, for the first time using unquenched lattice QCD form factors, the Standard Model differential branching fractions $dB/dq^2(B to Kll)$ for $l=e, mu, tau$ and compare with experimental measurements by Belle, BABAR, CDF, and LHCb. We report on $mathcal{B}(B to Kll)$ in $q^2$ bins used by experiment and predict $mathcal{B}(B to K tau tau) = (1.44 pm 0.15) 10^{-7}$. We also calculate the ratio of branching fractions $R^mu_e = 1.00023(63)$ and predict $R^tau_l = 1.159(40)$, for $l=e, mu$. Finally, we calculate the flat term in the angular distribution of the differential decay rate $F_H^{e, mu, tau}$ in experimentally motivated $q^2$ bins.

Matching heavy-light currents with NRQCD and HISQ quarks

We calculate the one loop renormalisation parameters for the heavy-light axial-vector and vector currents using lattice perturbation theory. We use NonRelativistic QCD (NRQCD) heavy quarks and the Highly Improved Staggered Quark (HISQ) action for the light quarks. We present results for heavy-light currents with massless HISQ quarks and briefly discuss the extension to heavy-heavy currents with massive HISQ quarks.