Recent advancements in particle physics have brought to light a fascinating exploration of the Bs to mu mu gamma decay process. This intricate phenomenon offers a unique opportunity to delve into a broader spectrum of effective operators compared to its non-radiative counterpart, Bs to mu mu. The research conducted by Francesco Dettori, Diego Guadagnoli, and Meril Reboud sheds light on the significance of this decay in the context of present-day discrepancies in flavour data.

What is the Bs to mu mu gamma decay?

The Bs to mu mu gamma decay is a rare process in which a bottom strange (Bs) meson transforms into a muon pair (mu mu) along with the emission of a photon (gamma). This decay not only provides insights into the fundamental particles and their interactions but also offers a window into the world of effective operators governing these decays.

In simple terms, this decay involves the Bs meson, which comprises a bottom quark and a strange antiquark, transitioning into two muons and a photon. Understanding this decay process is crucial for expanding our understanding of the underlying physics principles at play within the realm of particle interactions.

Why is this decay interesting in the context of flavour data discrepancies?

The Bs to mu mu gamma decay holds particular significance due to its sensitivity to a diverse set of effective operators compared to the non-radiative Bs to mu mu decay. This expanded sensitivity becomes pivotal when examining the discrepancies present in flavour data, hinting at potential new physics beyond the current Standard Model.

In recent years, anomalies and deviations from theoretical predictions have emerged in flavour physics, sparking curiosity among researchers and theorists. The Bs to mu mu gamma decay serves as a valuable tool for exploring these discrepancies and investigating potential explanations at the subatomic level.

How does the proposed method for search work?

The research introduces a novel strategy for detecting Bs to mu mu gamma decays within the event sample initially selected for Bs to mu mu searches. This method involves isolating the Bs to mu mu gamma spectrum as a contamination within the Bs to mu mu signal window, extending downwards from the peak region.

By leveraging this innovative approach, the researchers aim to extract the elusive Bs to mu mu gamma decays from the existing data obtained during Run-2 of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This approach not only presents a practical methodology for studying this decay process but also opens up new avenues for exploring the intricate world of particle physics.

The proposed method offers a promising way to uncover Bs to mu mu gamma decays within the constraints of existing data, paving the way for further investigations into the realm of flavour physics and effective operators in Bs decays.

Through their groundbreaking research, Dettori, Guadagnoli, and Reboud have propelled the scientific community towards a deeper understanding of particle interactions and the potential implications for fundamental physics.