Semileptonic decays of B (∗), D (∗) into νl and pseudoscalar or vector mesons

Abstract

We perform a study of the B(∗), D(∗) semileptonic decays, using a different method than in conventional approaches, where the matrix elements of the weak operators are evaluated and a detailed spin-angular momentum algebra is performed to obtain very simple expressions at the end for the different decay modes. Using only one experimental decay rate in the B or D sectors, the rates for the rest of decay modes are predicted and they are in good agreement with experiment. Some discrepancies are observed in the τ decay mode for which we find an explanation. We perform evaluations for B∗ and D∗ decay rates that can be used in future measurements, now possible in the LHCb Collaboration.