Simultaneous explanation of R(D (∗)) and b→sμ + μ −: the last scalar leptoquarks standing

Abstract

Over the past years, experiments accumulated intriguing hints for new physics (NP) in flavor observables, namely in the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon (aμ), in R(D(∗)) = Br(B → D(∗)τ ν)/Br(B → D(∗)ℓν) and in b → sμ+μ− transitions, which are all at the 3 − 4 σ level. In this article we point out that one can explain the R(D(∗)) anomaly using two scalar leptoquarks (LQs) with the same mass and coupling to fermions related via a discrete symmetry: an SU(2)L singlet and an SU(2)L triplet, both with hypercharge Y = −2/3. In this way, potentially dangerous contributions to b → sνν are avoided and non-CKM suppressed effects in R(D(∗)) can be generated. This allows for smaller overall couplings to fermions weakening the direct LHC bounds. In our model, R(D(∗)) is directly correlated to b → sτ+τ− transitions where an enhancement by orders of magnitude compared to the standard model (SM) is predicted, such that these decay modes are in the reach of LHCb and BELLE II. Furthermore., one can also naturally explain the b → sμ+μ− anomalies (including R(K)) by a C9 = −C10 like contribution without spoiling μ − e universality in charged current decays. In this case sizable effects in b → sτ μ transitions are predicted which are again well within the experimental reach. One can even address the longstanding anomaly in aμ, generating a sizable decay rate for τ → μγ. However, we find that out of the three anomalies R(D(∗)), b → sμ+μ− and aμ only two (but any two) can be explained simultaneously. We point out that a very similar phenomenology can be achieved using a vector leptoquark SU(2)L singlet with hypercharge 2/3. In this case, no tuning between couplings is necessary, but the model is non-renormalizable.