Related papers: Developments in the evaluation of m_c dependent ma…
We review and update the branching ratios for the $B \to (\rho,\omega) \gamma$ decays, calculated in the QCD factorization approach in the next-to-leading order (NLO) in the strong coupling $\alpha_s$ and to leading power in $\Lambda_{\rm…
We address the non-perturbative calculation of the decay rate of inclusive semi-leptonic $B_{(s)}$ mesons decays from lattice QCD. Precise theoretical Standard Model predictions are key ingredients in searches for new physics. This type of…
Weak radiative decay B -> X_s gamma is known to be a loop-generated process. However, it does receive tree-level contributions from CKM-suppressed b -> u ubar s gamma transitions. In the present paper, we evaluate such contributions…
We report on the inclusive branching fractions of $B^-$ and of ${\bar B}^0$ mesons decaying to ${D^0 X}$, ${{\bar D}^0 X}$, ${D^+ X}$, ${D^- X}$, ${D_s^+ X}$, ${D_s^- X}$, ${\Lambda_c^+ X}$, ${{\bar \Lambda}_c^- X}$, based on a sample of…
In this article, we review the theory and the experimental status of inclusive semileptonic B meson decays B -> Xc l nu. Based on these inputs, we present the latest determination of the magnitude of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix…
We report on a study of inclusive $B^-$ and $\bar{B}^0$ meson decays to ${D^0 X}$, ${\bar{D}^0 X}$, ${D^+ X}$, ${D^- X}$, ${D_s^+ X}$, ${D_s^- X}$, ${\Lambda_c^+ X}$, ${\bar{\Lambda}_c^- X}$, based on a sample of 231 million $B\bar{B}$…
Combining our results for various O(alpha_s^2) corrections to the weak radiative B-meson decay, we are able to present the first estimate of the branching ratio at the next-to-next-to-leading order in QCD. We find BR(B -> X_s gamma) = (3.15…
We update the standard model predictions for the branching ratios of the decays B -> (K,K*,Xs) l^+ l^-, with l=e,mu. Using the measurements of BR(B -> Xs gamma) and BR(B -> K l^+ l^-) as well as the upper limits on BR(B -> (K*,Xs) l^+…
We briefly discuss the status of the NNLL QCD calculations in the inclusive rare B decay $B \to X_s \ell^+ \ell^-$. Two important ingredients, the two-loop matrix elements of the four quark operator ${\cal O}_2$ and the bremsstrahlung…
We calculate the radiative corrections to the nonleptonic inclusive B decay mode $b\to c ud$ taking into account the charm quark mass. The corrections increase the decay rate by (4--8)\%, depending on the renormalization point. Using these…
One of the most important O($\alpha_s^2$) corrections to the $B \to X_s \gamma$ branching ratio originates from interference of contributions from the current-current and photonic dipole operators. Its value has been estimated using an…
In recent studies of inclusive $B$ decays, it has been suggested that either $B$ mesons decay much more copiously to final states with no open charm than currently assumed, or $B(D^0 \to K^-\pi^+)$ has to be reduced significantly. This note…
This paper reviews semileptonic decays of $B$-mesons to states containing charm mesons, i.e., D, D*, D** and possible non-resonant D^{(*)}npi states as well. The paper covers measurement of branching fractions, form-factors and, most…
In the framework of general two-Higgs-doublet models, we calculate the branching ratios of various inclusive charmless b decays by using the low energy effective Hamiltonian including next-to-leading order QCD corrections, and examine the…
Exclusive weak radiative B meson decays are studied using the covariant oscillator quark model. The branching ratios for the processes B0 to K*0 gamma and B to K* gamma have been estimated. These are in reasonable agreement with the…
The contribution of the fourth generation quarks to the rare (B_s -> l^+ l^-) and (B_s -> l^+ l^- gamma) decays are studied. Constraints on the extended Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix elements |V_{tb} V_{ts}*| and |V_{t'b} V_{t's}*| are…
The photon energy spectrum in inclusive weak radiative B -> X_s gamma decay is computed to order alpha_s^2 beta_0. This result is used to extract a value for the HQET parameter $\bar\Lambda$ from the average <1-2E_\gamma/m_B>, and a value…
Ongoing efforts to reduce the perturbative uncertainty in the B -> Xs gamma decay rate have resulted in a theory estimate to NNLO in QCD. However, a few contributions from multi-parton final states which are formally NLO are still unknown.…
We analyze uncertainties in the theoretical prediction for the inclusive branching ratio $BR[B \rightarrow X_s \gamma]$. We find that the dominant uncertainty in the leading order expression comes from its $\mu$-dependence. We discuss a…
These lectures review some of the progress made in the quantitative understanding of B decays. The emphasis here is on applications of QCD using perturbative and non-perturbative techniques. In some cases, however, phenomenological models…