Probing the $\Lambda_{b}\to \Lambda_{c}^{*}\tau \bar{\nu}_{\tau}$ decays with leptoquarks

The extension of the standard model to include a single scalar or vector leptoquark has been shown to account for the observed deviations in the lepton flavor universality ratios in the $b \to c \ell \nu_{\ell}$ and $b \to s \ell \ell$ transitions. Exploring new physics in the $b \to c \tau \nu_{\tau}$ decays, in this work we analyze the baryonic decay channels $\Lambda_b \to \Lambda_{c}^{*}(2595,2625) \tau^- \bar{\nu}_\tau$ beyond the standard model. Specifically, we investigate the role of leptoquarks in these decays, focusing on the $U_1$ vector leptoquark and the $S_1$ scalar leptoquark. Employing recent lattice QCD results for the $\Lambda_b \to \Lambda_{c}^{*}$ form factors, the helicity amplitudes for all possible four-fermion interactions are worked out explicitly and presented here. Utilizing the current $b \to c \ell \nu_{\ell}$ experimental data, we impose constraints on the leptoquark couplings and test new physics sensitivity of various observables for the decay processes under consideration. Our analysis demonstrates the significance of testing the lepton flavor universality ratio $R_{\Lambda_{c}^{*}}$ as it is observed to be particularly sensitive to these leptoquarks.