Showing 1–50 of 128 results for author: Amos, K

Search for the $\boldsymbol{B^0 \to K^0_{\rm S} τ^+ τ^-}$ decay

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, A. Aggarwal, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, M. Akdag, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, V. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae , et al. (410 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the first search for $B^0 \to K^0_{\rm S} τ^+τ^-$ decays. We look for signal decays in $B^0\bar B^0$ events produced in asymmetric-energy electron-positron collisions. This work uses samples from the Belle and Belle~II detectors, comprising 1.16 billion $Υ(4S)$ events. In $Υ(4S)\to B^0\bar{B}^0$ decays, the non-signal $\bar{B}^0$ meson is fully reconstructed in a hadronic channel. For t… ▽ More We present the first search for $B^0 \to K^0_{\rm S} τ^+τ^-$ decays. We look for signal decays in $B^0\bar B^0$ events produced in asymmetric-energy electron-positron collisions. This work uses samples from the Belle and Belle~II detectors, comprising 1.16 billion $Υ(4S)$ events. In $Υ(4S)\to B^0\bar{B}^0$ decays, the non-signal $\bar{B}^0$ meson is fully reconstructed in a hadronic channel. For the signal $B^0$ meson, $τ$-lepton decays into final states with a single charged particle are selected. A multivariate classifier is used to combine several discriminating inputs into a single fit observable. We observe no evidence for the signal and set an upper limit on the branching fraction $\mathcal{B}(B^0\to K^0_{\rm S} τ^+τ^-) < 8.3 \times 10^{-4}$ at the 90\% confidence level. Combining this with the recent measurement of the isospin-partner decay $B^+\to K^+τ^+τ^-$, we determine an upper limit $\mathcal{B}(B\to Kτ^+τ^-) < 5.4\times10^{-4}$ at the 90\% confidence level. △ Less

Submitted 28 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Report number: Belle II preprint 2026-008, KEK preprint 2026-4

Search for axion-like particles decaying to two photons at Belle II

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, A. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, M. Akdag, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, K. Arai, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, V. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae , et al. (428 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Axion-like particles (ALPs) are predicted in many extensions of the Standard Model and provide a well-motivated portal between visible and hidden sectors through their coupling to photons. We search for ALPs produced in the process $e^{+}e^{-}\toγa$, $a\toγγ$, using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $408~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ recorded by the Belle~II detector at the SuperKEKB… ▽ More Axion-like particles (ALPs) are predicted in many extensions of the Standard Model and provide a well-motivated portal between visible and hidden sectors through their coupling to photons. We search for ALPs produced in the process $e^{+}e^{-}\toγa$, $a\toγγ$, using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $408~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ recorded by the Belle~II detector at the SuperKEKB $e^{+}e^{-}$ collider. Events containing three photons are used to reconstruct the ALP as a narrow peak in the di-photon invariant mass spectrum over the range $0.17 < m_{a} < 9.80~\mathrm{GeV}/c^{2}$. No significant excess above background is observed. We set 95\% confidence level upper limits on the production cross section and on the ALP-photon coupling $g_{aγγ}$, reaching sensitivities at the level of $10^{-4}~\mathrm{GeV}^{-1}$. The limits are the most restrictive to date over nearly the entire mass range $0.17 < m_{a} < 5.00~\mathrm{GeV}/c^{2}$, and improve upon previous results by up to a factor 9. △ Less

Submitted 8 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Comments: 9 pages, 4 figures, Submitted for publication to Physical Review Letters

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2026-015, KEK Preprint 2026-11

First measurement of the masses of the $Υ_1(1D)$ and $Υ_3(1D)$ states and the energy dependence of the cross sections for $e^+e^-\toΥ_J(1D)η$ and $e^+e^-\toΥ_J(1D)π^+π^-$

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, K. Adamczyk, A. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, M. Akdag, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, K. Arai, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, V. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae , et al. (376 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We study the processes $e^+e^-\toΥ_J(1D)η$ and $e^+e^-\toΥ_J(1D)π^+π^-$ at center-of-mass energies $\sqrt{s}$=(10.73 -- 11.02) GeV using a $142.5\,\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ data sample, including 122~fb$^{-1}$ near the $Υ$(10860) peak ($\sqrt{s}$ = 10.866 GeV), collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy $e^+e^-$ collider. From the peak sample, the products of Born cross section times… ▽ More We study the processes $e^+e^-\toΥ_J(1D)η$ and $e^+e^-\toΥ_J(1D)π^+π^-$ at center-of-mass energies $\sqrt{s}$=(10.73 -- 11.02) GeV using a $142.5\,\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ data sample, including 122~fb$^{-1}$ near the $Υ$(10860) peak ($\sqrt{s}$ = 10.866 GeV), collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy $e^+e^-$ collider. From the peak sample, the products of Born cross section times branching fraction are obtained for $σ_{\rm Born}(e^+e^-\toΥ_J(1D)η)$ or $σ_{\rm Born}(e^+e^-\toΥ_J(1D)π^+π^-)$ and ${\cal B}(Υ_J(1D)\toχ_{b1}γ)$ or ${\cal B}(Υ_J(1D)\toχ_{b2}γ)$ for each $Υ_J(1D)$ state. The corresponding branching fractions for $Υ(10860)$ decays are also obtained. The significances of the $Υ_1(1D)$, $Υ_2(1D)$, and $Υ_3(1D)$ signals are 4.8$σ$, ${>}10σ$, and 3.0$σ$, respectively, including systematic uncertainties. The mass for $Υ_2(1D)$ is measured to be $(10167.0\pm 1.0\pm 0.2)$ MeV/$c^2$, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic. The mass splittings $Δm_{12}=m(Υ_2(1D))-m(Υ_1(1D))$ and $Δm_{23}=m(Υ_3(1D))-m(Υ_2(1D))$ are $(11.8\pm1.5\pm0.4)$ MeV/$c^2$ and $(7.6\pm2.4\pm0.6)$ MeV/$c^2$, respectively.~We determine the energy dependence of the cross sections for $e^+e^-\toΥ_J(1D)η$ and $e^+e^-\toΥ_J(1D)π^+π^-$ for the $Υ_1(1D)$, $Υ_2(1D)$, and $Υ_3(1D)$ states, combined. △ Less

Submitted 5 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Comments: 12 pages, 7 figures

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2026-014; KEK Preprint 2026-10

Charged-lepton identification at Belle~II

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, A. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, M. Akdag, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, K. Arai, H. Atmacan, V. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee , et al. (387 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Effective particle identification capabilities are a strategic priority for the physics program of the Belle~II experiment. We describe the algorithms used at Belle~II for identifying electrons and muons and separating them from charged hadrons. We present the performance obtained by the experiment during Run 1, which consists of 428 fb$^{-1}$ of data collected at the energy-asymmetric $e^+e^-$ co… ▽ More Effective particle identification capabilities are a strategic priority for the physics program of the Belle~II experiment. We describe the algorithms used at Belle~II for identifying electrons and muons and separating them from charged hadrons. We present the performance obtained by the experiment during Run 1, which consists of 428 fb$^{-1}$ of data collected at the energy-asymmetric $e^+e^-$ collider SuperKEKB between 2019 and 2022 at center-of-mass energies near the mass of the $Υ(4S)$. △ Less

Submitted 24 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2026-009, KEK Preprint 2026-5

First evidence of $X(3872)\toπ^0χ_{c0}(1P)$ and search for $X(3915)\toπ^0χ_{c1}(1P)$

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, A. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, M. Akdag, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, K. Arai, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, V. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae , et al. (390 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We search for the pionic transitions $X(3872)\toπ^0χ_{cJ}(1P)$ $(J = 0,~1,~2)$ and $X(3915)\toπ^0χ_{c1}$ in $B^+\to π^0χ_{cJ}K^+$ decays using the Belle and Belle~II data samples collected at the $Υ(4S)$ resonance, corresponding to integrated luminosities of $711~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ and $492~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$, respectively. We report the first evidence for the decay $X(3872)\toπ^0χ_{c0}$ with a sign… ▽ More We search for the pionic transitions $X(3872)\toπ^0χ_{cJ}(1P)$ $(J = 0,~1,~2)$ and $X(3915)\toπ^0χ_{c1}$ in $B^+\to π^0χ_{cJ}K^+$ decays using the Belle and Belle~II data samples collected at the $Υ(4S)$ resonance, corresponding to integrated luminosities of $711~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ and $492~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$, respectively. We report the first evidence for the decay $X(3872)\toπ^0χ_{c0}$ with a significance of $3.4σ$, including systematic uncertainties. We measure the product of branching fractions ${\cal B}(B^+\to X(3872)K^+)\times{\cal B}(X(3872)\toπ^0χ_{c0})=(20.0\pm6.8\pm2.3)\times10^{-6}$ and the branching fraction ratio ${\cal B}(X(3872)\toπ^0χ_{c0})/{\cal B}(X(3872)\toπ^+π^-J/ψ)=2.3\pm0.8\pm0.4$, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The upper limits at 90\% credibility on the products of branching fractions for the $π^0χ_{c1}$ and $π^0χ_{c2}$ modes are $7.5\times10^{-6}$ and $15.3\times10^{-6}$, respectively. The corresponding upper limits on the branching fraction ratios relative to the $π^+π^-J/ψ$ decay are $0.9$ and $1.8$. The measured branching fractions for $X(3872)\toπ^0χ_{cJ}$ are consistent with several theoretical predictions based on the hadronic molecular interpretation of the $X(3872)$. No significant signal is seen for the $X(3915)\toπ^0χ_{c1}$ decay, and we set the 90\% credibility upper limit of ${\cal B}(B^+\to X(3915)K^+)\times{\cal B}(X(3915)\toπ^0χ_{c1})<6.6\times10^{-6}$, while the decays for $J=0$ and 2 are forbidden by parity conservation. △ Less

Submitted 23 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 9 pages, 2 figures

Report number: Belle Preprint:2026-6, KEK Preprint: 2026-2

Measurement of mixing-induced CP violation in the decay $B^0 \to π^0 π^0$

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, K. Adamczyk, A. Aggarwal, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, M. Akdag, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, K. Arai, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, V. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati , et al. (415 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Measurements of charge-parity (CP) violation in quark transitions provide stringent tests of the current theory and sensitive probes of particles or interactions beyond it. We report the first measurement of mixing-induced CP violation in $B^0\toπ^0π^0$ decays. The measurement uses 190 million $Υ(4S)\to B^{0}\overline{B}{}^0$ events collected with the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetri… ▽ More Measurements of charge-parity (CP) violation in quark transitions provide stringent tests of the current theory and sensitive probes of particles or interactions beyond it. We report the first measurement of mixing-induced CP violation in $B^0\toπ^0π^0$ decays. The measurement uses 190 million $Υ(4S)\to B^{0}\overline{B}{}^0$ events collected with the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy electron-positron collider. A new approach that exploits the quantum entanglement of the $B^{0}\overline{B}{}^0$ pair enables a decay-time-dependent analysis without reconstructing the $B^0 \to π^0π^0$ decay position. We measure the mixing-induced CP-violating coefficient to be $S_{π^{0}π^{0}} = 0.61^{+0.75}_{-0.79}\,(\mathrm{stat}) \pm 0.11\,(\mathrm{syst})$, attaining a precision that would require a data set twenty times as large with a conventional analysis. We also measure the direct CP-violating coefficient to be $C_{π^{0}π^{0}} = 0.05 \pm 0.28\,(\mathrm{stat}) \pm 0.07\,(\mathrm{syst})$. These results substantially improve the constraints from $B \to ππ$ decays on the CP-violating phase $φ_2$ of the quark-mixing matrix using far less data than had previously been assumed necessary. △ Less

Submitted 18 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 20 pages, 11 figues, 2 tables

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2026-013, KEK Preprint 2026-9

Observation of the decays $B^{+} \to Σ_{c}(2455)^{++} \barΞ_{c}^{\prime-}$ and $B^{0} \to Σ_{c}(2455)^{0} \barΞ_{c}^{\prime0}$

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, M. Abumusabh, A. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, J. K. Ahn, Y. Ahn, M. Akdag, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, K. Arai, H. Atmacan, V. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati , et al. (381 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the first observation of the decays $B^{+} \to Σ_{c}(2455)^{++} \barΞ_{c}^{\prime-}$ and $B^{0} \to Σ_{c}(2455)^{0} \barΞ_{c}^{\prime0}$, with significances of $6.4\,σ$ and $5.3\, σ$, respectively, including systematic uncertainties. This analysis is based on data samples containing $771.6 \times 10^{6}$ $Υ(4S)$ decays collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB collider and… ▽ More We report the first observation of the decays $B^{+} \to Σ_{c}(2455)^{++} \barΞ_{c}^{\prime-}$ and $B^{0} \to Σ_{c}(2455)^{0} \barΞ_{c}^{\prime0}$, with significances of $6.4\,σ$ and $5.3\, σ$, respectively, including systematic uncertainties. This analysis is based on data samples containing $771.6 \times 10^{6}$ $Υ(4S)$ decays collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB collider and $520.6 \times 10^{6}$ $Υ(4S)$ decays collected with the Belle~II detector at the SuperKEKB collider. The branching fractions are measured to be $\mathcal{B}(B^+ \to Σ_c(2455)^{++} \barΞ_c^{\prime -}) = (1.68 \pm 0.31 \pm 0.12^{+1.49}_{-0.54}) \times 10^{-3}$ and $\mathcal{B}(B^0 \to Σ_c(2455)^{0} \barΞ_c^{\prime 0}) = (1.28 \pm 0.32 \pm 0.10^{+0.30}_{-0.21}) \times 10^{-3}$, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively, and the third arises from the uncertainties in the absolute branching fractions of $\barΞ_{c}^{-}$ and $\barΞ_{c}^{0}$ decays. This result represents the first observation of $B$-meson decays into a pair of charmed baryon-antibaryon states belonging to the same $SU(3)$ flavor sextet. △ Less

Submitted 11 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2026-011; KEK Preprint 2026-7

Measurement of time-dependent $CP$ violation parameters in $B^{0} \to K_{S}^{0} π^{0} γ$ decays at Belle and Belle II

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, A. Aggarwal, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, M. Akdag, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, K. Arai, H. Atmacan, V. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati , et al. (394 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We perform a measurement of time-dependent $CP$ violation parameters in $B^{0} \to K_{S}^{0} π^{0} γ$ decays using a dataset of approximately $772 \times 10^6$ and $521 \times 10^6$ $Υ(4S)$ decays collected by the Belle and Belle II experiments, respectively. The measured parameters for the combined dataset in the $K^{*0}(892)$ dominated region (… ▽ More We perform a measurement of time-dependent $CP$ violation parameters in $B^{0} \to K_{S}^{0} π^{0} γ$ decays using a dataset of approximately $772 \times 10^6$ and $521 \times 10^6$ $Υ(4S)$ decays collected by the Belle and Belle II experiments, respectively. The measured parameters for the combined dataset in the $K^{*0}(892)$ dominated region ($M_{K_{S}^{0} π^{0}} \in [0.8,1.0] \mathrm{GeV}/c^2$) are $S = 0.09 \pm 0.16 \pm 0.02$ and $C = -0.09 \pm 0.08 \pm 0.04$. For the non-$K^{*0}(892)$ region ($M_{K_{S}^{0} π^{0}} \in [1.0,1.8] \mathrm{GeV}/c^2$), the corresponding values are $S = -0.32 \pm 0.33 \pm 0.09$ and $C = -0.07 \pm 0.17 \pm 0.08$. The first quoted uncertainties are statistical, while the second ones are systematic. These results are consistent with Standard Model predictions and more precise than previous measurements. △ Less

Submitted 3 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Report number: Belle II preprint: 2026-010, KEK preprint: 2026-06

Search for $Ξ^0p$, $Ω^- p$, and $Ω^- n$ dibaryons in $Υ(1S)$ and $Υ(2S)$ decays at Belle

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, A. Aggarwal, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, H. Atmacan, V. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee, M. Bartl, J. Baudot, A. Beaubien , et al. (345 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We search for $Ξ^0p$, $Ω^-p$, and $Ω^-n$ dibaryon states in $Υ(1S)$ and $Υ(2S)$ decays, probing mass regions near the corresponding baryon-pair thresholds. Multistrange baryon-baryon interactions are relevant to neutron-star matter but remain largely unconstrained. Experimental and theoretical studies supporting attractive $ΞN$ and $ΩN$ interactions, where $N$ denotes a nucleon, motivate searches… ▽ More We search for $Ξ^0p$, $Ω^-p$, and $Ω^-n$ dibaryon states in $Υ(1S)$ and $Υ(2S)$ decays, probing mass regions near the corresponding baryon-pair thresholds. Multistrange baryon-baryon interactions are relevant to neutron-star matter but remain largely unconstrained. Experimental and theoretical studies supporting attractive $ΞN$ and $ΩN$ interactions, where $N$ denotes a nucleon, motivate searches for weakly bound states. We use samples of $102$ million $Υ(1S)$ and $158$ million $Υ(2S)$ decays collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy $e^+e^-$ collider. No significant signals are observed, and the first $90$% confidence-level upper limits are set on the branching fractions of $Υ(1S)$ and $Υ(2S)$ decays to $Ξ^0p$, $Ω^-p$, and $Ω^-n$ dibaryon states, at the level of $O(10^{-7})$-$O(10^{-6})$, depending on the channel and the assumed mass difference from the corresponding baryon-pair threshold. △ Less

Submitted 17 July, 2026; v1 submitted 28 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Comments: Revised author list according to the Belle II author-list policy, including ORCID IDs and without listing institutions; no changes to the scientific content

Search for the decay $B^+ \rightarrow K^+τ^+τ^-$ using data from the Belle and Belle II experiments

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, K. Adamczyk, A. Aggarwal, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu , et al. (414 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report a search for the rare decay $B^{+} \rightarrow K^{+} τ^{+} τ^{-}$ using $1.2 \times 10^9$ $Υ(4S)$ mesons produced near threshold in electron-positron collisions and collected by the Belle and Belle~II experiments. We fully reconstruct the hadronic decay of one $B$ meson produced in the $Υ(4S)\rightarrow B^{+} B^{-}$ decay, and search for $B^{\pm}\rightarrow K^{\pm} τ^{+}τ^{-}$ candidates… ▽ More We report a search for the rare decay $B^{+} \rightarrow K^{+} τ^{+} τ^{-}$ using $1.2 \times 10^9$ $Υ(4S)$ mesons produced near threshold in electron-positron collisions and collected by the Belle and Belle~II experiments. We fully reconstruct the hadronic decay of one $B$ meson produced in the $Υ(4S)\rightarrow B^{+} B^{-}$ decay, and search for $B^{\pm}\rightarrow K^{\pm} τ^{+}τ^{-}$ candidates among the remaining collision products, reconstructing a charged kaon and leptonic decays of the $τ$ leptons. We optimize the selection for best sensitivity and look for an excess over background at low values of the residual energy detected in the calorimeter after full event reconstruction. We observe no significant excess and set the limit $\mathcal{B}(B^{+}\rightarrow K^{+}τ^{+}τ^{-})< 0.56\times 10^{-3}$ at the 90% confidence level, improving on the only previous result by a factor of four. △ Less

Submitted 25 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Report number: Belle II preprint 2026-003, KEK preprint 2025-43

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 051805 (2026)

Lightweight phase-field surrogate for modelling ductile-to-brittle transition through phenomenological elastoplastic coupling

Authors: P G Kubendran Amos

Abstract: The ductile-to-brittle transition (DBT) in body-centred cubic systems is a central design constraint for cryogenic structures. Performing parametric studies to enhance the understanding on DBT using fully coupled thermomechanical continuum DBT models is computationally expensive. Therefore, in this work, a lightweight phase-field surrogate is proposed. This surrogate approach captures key \emph{DB… ▽ More The ductile-to-brittle transition (DBT) in body-centred cubic systems is a central design constraint for cryogenic structures. Performing parametric studies to enhance the understanding on DBT using fully coupled thermomechanical continuum DBT models is computationally expensive. Therefore, in this work, a lightweight phase-field surrogate is proposed. This surrogate approach captures key \emph{DBT-like} trends within a standard isothermal two-field (displacement--damage) setting by prescribing temperature dependence through three phenomenological mechanisms: (i) a temperature-dependent degradation exponent $n(T)$ that sharpens stiffness loss from gradual (ductile-like, $n=2.0$ at 293\,K) to abrupt (brittle-like, $n=3.5$ at 77\,K), (ii) temperature-dependent yield stress and elastic modulus to modulate the balance between plastic dissipation and elastic energy storage, and (iii) an effective fracture toughness and driving-force scaling to represent reduced crack-tip shielding at cryogenic temperatures. The model is implemented in FEniCSx using small-strain $J_2$ return mapping and a staggered solution scheme. Simulations of a single-edge-notched specimen over 77--293\,K demonstrate a systematic progression from brittle-like to ductile-like response, characterised by reduced displacement to unstable fracture, a transition from abrupt post-peak load drop to extended softening, and a shift from narrow, localised damage bands with confined plasticity to broader process zones. A sensitivity study comparing four interpolation schemes (linear, smoothstep, exponential, hybrid) shows that the qualitative transition trends are robust, with interpolation primarily affecting intermediate-temperature responses while endpoint behaviours remain unchanged. △ Less

Submitted 14 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Searches for charged-lepton-flavor violation in $χ_{bJ}(1P)$ decays

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, A. Aggarwal, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae , et al. (394 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the first searches for charged-lepton-flavor violation in decays of $χ_{bJ}(1P)$ ($J=0, 1,$ and $2$) to a pair of charged leptons using 158 million $Υ(2S)$ decays collected with the Belle detector in $e^+e^-$ collisions at the KEKB collider. No significant signal is observed, and we set upper limits on the branching fractions for $χ_{bJ}(1P)$ decays to $e^\pmμ^\mp$ at the level of… ▽ More We report the first searches for charged-lepton-flavor violation in decays of $χ_{bJ}(1P)$ ($J=0, 1,$ and $2$) to a pair of charged leptons using 158 million $Υ(2S)$ decays collected with the Belle detector in $e^+e^-$ collisions at the KEKB collider. No significant signal is observed, and we set upper limits on the branching fractions for $χ_{bJ}(1P)$ decays to $e^\pmμ^\mp$ at the level of $10^{-6}$ and to $e^\pmτ^\mp$ or $μ^\pmτ^\mp$ at the level of $10^{-5}$. Limits on $χ_{b0}(1P)$ decays are translated into bounds on the corresponding Wilson coefficients of scalar operators that mediate charged-lepton-flavor violation. △ Less

Submitted 7 July, 2026; v1 submitted 11 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Comments: 5 pages, 4 figures, HQL 2025, QWG 2025

Report number: Belle~II Preprint 2026-005, KEK Preprint 2026-1

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 071803 (2026)

Study of $e^+e^- \to π^+π^-Υ(1D)$ at Belle II

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, A. Aggarwal, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade , et al. (383 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The bottomonium spectrum, consisting of bound states of a $b$ quark and an anti-$b$ quark, provides an excellent laboratory for probing quantum chromodynamics in the non-perturbative regime. While $S$ and $P$-wave bottomonium states are well studied experimentally, information on $D$-wave states remains scarce. We search for $D$-wave bottomonium state via the decay of a vector bottomonium-like sta… ▽ More The bottomonium spectrum, consisting of bound states of a $b$ quark and an anti-$b$ quark, provides an excellent laboratory for probing quantum chromodynamics in the non-perturbative regime. While $S$ and $P$-wave bottomonium states are well studied experimentally, information on $D$-wave states remains scarce. We search for $D$-wave bottomonium state via the decay of a vector bottomonium-like state $Υ(10753)$ in the reaction $e^+e^- \to π^+π^- Υ(1D)$, using $19.6~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ of data collected with the Belle II detector at center-of-mass energies $\sqrt{s} = 10.653, 10.701, 10.745$, and $10.805$~GeV, in the vicinity of the $Υ(10753)$ resonance. No significant signals are observed. Upper limits at the 90% credibility level are set on the products of the cross sections and branching fractions, $σ[e^+e^- \to π^+π^- Υ_2(1D)] \times \mathcal{B}[Υ_2(1D) \to γχ_{b1}]$ and $σ[e^+e^- \to π^+π^- Υ_3(1D)] \times \mathcal{B}[Υ_3(1D) \to γχ_{b2}]$, at each center-of-mass energy. △ Less

Submitted 23 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: 22 pages, 4 figures

Report number: Belle II Preprint: 2026-004 KEK Preprint: 2025-44

Study of $e^{+}e^{-}\to h^{+}h^{-}J/ψ~(h=π,~K,~p)$ via initial-state radiation at Belle~II

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, A. Aggarwal, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade , et al. (396 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Using a data sample of 427.9 fb$^{-1}$ collected by the Belle~II detector at or near the $Υ(4S)$ and $Υ(10753)$ resonances, the cross sections for $e^+e^-\to h^+h^-J/ψ$ $(h=π/K/p)$ at center-of-mass energies ranging from 3.8 GeV or the production threshold to 5.5/6.0/7.0 GeV have been measured via initial-state radiation. The cross sections for the processes $e^+e^-\to π^+π^-J/ψ$ and… ▽ More Using a data sample of 427.9 fb$^{-1}$ collected by the Belle~II detector at or near the $Υ(4S)$ and $Υ(10753)$ resonances, the cross sections for $e^+e^-\to h^+h^-J/ψ$ $(h=π/K/p)$ at center-of-mass energies ranging from 3.8 GeV or the production threshold to 5.5/6.0/7.0 GeV have been measured via initial-state radiation. The cross sections for the processes $e^+e^-\to π^+π^-J/ψ$ and $e^+e^-\to K^+K^-J/ψ$ are consistent with previously published results. The cross sections for these channels obtained by combining with previous Belle results are also given. The process $e^+e^-\to p\bar p J/ψ$ is investigated for the first time. The yields are small and no significant structure is observed in the cross section versus energy. Searches for vector charmonium-like states in the $h^+h^-J/ψ$ systems, and for associated intermediate states in the $h^{\pm} J/ψ$ systems, are also presented. △ Less

Submitted 23 June, 2026; v1 submitted 13 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: Belle II Preprint: 2026-002 KEK Preprint: 2025-42

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 113, 112010 (2026)

Study of $B^+ \to μ^+ ν_μ$ decays at Belle and Belle II

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, K. Adamczyk, A. Aggarwal, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae , et al. (391 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report a measurement of the branching fraction for the leptonic decay $B^+\toμ^+ν_μ$. This work presents the first $B^+\toμ^+ν_μ$ result using Belle~II data, an updated Belle measurement that supersedes the previous result, and their combination, which yields the most precise search to date. The analysis is based on $1076\,\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ of $e^+e^-$ collision data collected at a center-of-ma… ▽ More We report a measurement of the branching fraction for the leptonic decay $B^+\toμ^+ν_μ$. This work presents the first $B^+\toμ^+ν_μ$ result using Belle~II data, an updated Belle measurement that supersedes the previous result, and their combination, which yields the most precise search to date. The analysis is based on $1076\,\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ of $e^+e^-$ collision data collected at a center-of-mass energy of $10.58\,\mathrm{GeV}$ with the Belle and Belle~II detectors at the KEKB and SuperKEKB colliders, respectively. We measure $\mathcal{B}(B^+\toμ^+ν_μ)=(4.4\pm1.9\pm 1.0)\times10^{-7}$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The observed significance relative to the background-only hypothesis is 2.4 standard deviations. We set a 90\% confidence level upper limit of $\mathcal{B}(B^+\toμ^+ν_μ)<6.7\times10^{-7}$ using a frequentist approach and a 90\% credibility level upper limit of $\mathcal{B}(B^+\toμ^+ν_μ)<7.2\times 10^{-7}$ using a Bayesian approach. These are the most stringent limits to date. The result is interpreted as an exclusion region in the parameter space of type~II and type~III two-Higgs-doublet models. We search for stable sterile neutrinos with masses $m_N\in[0,1.5]\,\mathrm{GeV}$. No signal is observed, and the resulting exclusion on the squared mixing parameter $|U_{μN}|^2$ provides improvement over previous limits. We report a measurement of the partial branching fraction of semileptonic $B\to X_u\ellν_\ell$ decays with $p_μ^B>2.2\,\mathrm{GeV}$, obtaining $Δ\mathcal{B}(B\to X_u\ellν_\ell)=(2.72\pm0.05\pm0.29)\times10^{-4}$. We present a model-dependent study of weak annihilation decays using the muon momentum spectrum. We observe a signal of 2.4 standard deviations above the background-only hypothesis in regions where the distribution resembles that of $B\to X_u\ellν_\ell$ decays. △ Less

Submitted 26 June, 2026; v1 submitted 10 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Report number: Belle II Preprint: 2026-001 KEK Preprint: 2025-38

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 113, 112012 (2026)

A search for feebly-interacting particles in $B$ decays with missing energy at Belle

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati , et al. (385 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present a search for an invisible hidden-sector particle $ X_{\rm{inv}}$, produced in $B^0 \to \bar{D}^0 X_{\rm{inv}}$ and $B^\pm\to h X_{\rm{inv}}$ decays, where $h = π^\pm$, $K^\pm$, $D_{s}^\pm$, $p^\pm$. The search is performed using $e^+ e^-$ collision data recorded with the Belle detector, corresponding to 711~fb$^{-1}$. No significant signal is observed. We set 90\% confidence level upper… ▽ More We present a search for an invisible hidden-sector particle $ X_{\rm{inv}}$, produced in $B^0 \to \bar{D}^0 X_{\rm{inv}}$ and $B^\pm\to h X_{\rm{inv}}$ decays, where $h = π^\pm$, $K^\pm$, $D_{s}^\pm$, $p^\pm$. The search is performed using $e^+ e^-$ collision data recorded with the Belle detector, corresponding to 711~fb$^{-1}$. No significant signal is observed. We set 90\% confidence level upper limits ranging between $10^{-4}$ and $10^{-6}$ on the branching fraction $\mathcal{B}(B \to h X_{\rm{inv}})$ as a function of $m_{ X_{\rm{inv}}}$. Corresponding limits are set on $\mathcal{B}(B \to hX)\times\mathcal{B}(X\toγγ)$ for lifetimes $cτ_X$ between $10~μ$m and 10 m. Many of these limits are the first direct constraints on their respective decays. Our results provide the most stringent exclusion limits to date on the branching fractions for all search channels, and exclude previously unexplored regions of parameter space relevant to several new physics models. △ Less

Submitted 11 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Comments: 11 pages, 6 figures. Supplemental material included

Report number: Belle II Preprint: 2025-029 KEK Preprint: 2025-36

Measurement of inclusive $B \to X_u \ell ν$ partial branching fractions and $|V_{ub}|$ at Belle II

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, K. Adamczyk, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade , et al. (398 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A sample of 365 fb$^{-1}$ of $e^+e^- \to Υ(4S) \to B\bar{B}$ data collected by the Belle II experiment is used to measure the partial branching fractions of charmless semileptonic $B$ meson decays and determine the magnitude of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element $V_{ub}$. Events containing a signal electron or muon $\ell$ and a fully reconstructed hadronic $B$ decay that constrains the s… ▽ More A sample of 365 fb$^{-1}$ of $e^+e^- \to Υ(4S) \to B\bar{B}$ data collected by the Belle II experiment is used to measure the partial branching fractions of charmless semileptonic $B$ meson decays and determine the magnitude of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element $V_{ub}$. Events containing a signal electron or muon $\ell$ and a fully reconstructed hadronic $B$ decay that constrains the signal kinematics are selected, while the rest of the event defines the hadronic system $X_u$ associated with the signal. To discriminate the signal from the 50-times larger background originating from CKM-favored semileptonic $B$ decays, a template fit is performed in both signal and control regions after applying an optimized selection. The partial branching fraction measured for lepton energies greater than 1 GeV in the signal $B$ meson rest frame is $Δ\mathcal{B}(B \to X_u \ell ν) = (1.54 \pm 0.08 \, {\rm (stat.)} \pm 0.12 \, {\rm (syst.)}) \times 10^{-3}$. From this measurement, using the Gambino, Giordano, Ossola, Uraltsev theoretical framework, $|V_{ub}| = (4.01 \pm 0.19 ^{+0.07} _{-0.08}) \times 10^{-3}$ is determined, where the uncertainties are experimental and theoretical, respectively. This value is consistent with the world average obtained from previous inclusive measurements. Different theoretical predictions and partial branching fractions measured in other phase-space regions, defined by additional selections on the $X_u$ and leptonic system masses, are also used to determine $|V_{ub}|$. △ Less

Submitted 28 March, 2026; v1 submitted 8 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Measurements of the mass difference $m(B^0)-m(B^+)$ and the energy dependence of the cross-section ratio $σ(e^+e^-\to B^0\bar{B}^0) / σ(e^+e^-\to B^+B^-)$ at Belle and Belle II

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade , et al. (375 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Using data samples collected by the Belle and Belle II experiments at the $Υ(4S)$ resonance with integrated luminosities of 571 fb$^{-1}$ and 365 fb$^{-1}$, respectively, we measure the pseudoscalar $B$-meson mass difference to be $m(B^0)-m(B^+) = (0.495\pm0.024\pm0.005)$ MeV/c$^2$. The results are based on a simultaneous fit to the variable $\tilde{M}_{bc}$, which is related to the $B$ momentum,… ▽ More Using data samples collected by the Belle and Belle II experiments at the $Υ(4S)$ resonance with integrated luminosities of 571 fb$^{-1}$ and 365 fb$^{-1}$, respectively, we measure the pseudoscalar $B$-meson mass difference to be $m(B^0)-m(B^+) = (0.495\pm0.024\pm0.005)$ MeV/c$^2$. The results are based on a simultaneous fit to the variable $\tilde{M}_{bc}$, which is related to the $B$ momentum, for $B^0$ and $B^+$ candidates; and to the energy dependence of ${\cal R}=σ(e^+e^-\to B^0\bar{B}^0) / σ(e^+e^-\to B^+B^-)$, which is measured using changes in the average center-of-mass energy over the data taking periods. The phase-space hypothesis ${\cal R}=(p_{B^0}/p_{B^+})^3$, upon which previous measurements rely, is strongly disfavored by our fit; the measured mass-difference value for the phase-space hypothesis also differs significantly from our measurement. We constrain ${\cal R}$ in a broader energy range than covered by the direct measurement and extract the energy dependence of ${\cal R}$ in the range from the $B\bar{B}$ threshold up to 10.59 GeV. We interpret the results using a phenomenological model and constrain the parameters of the $B\bar{B}$ potential in the isovector channel. △ Less

Submitted 19 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 29 pages, 13 figures, to be submitted to JHEP

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-028, KEK Preprint 2025-35

First search for $B \rightarrow X_{s} ν\barν$ decays

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, K. Adamczyk, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati , et al. (418 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the first search for the flavor-changing neutral-current decays $B \rightarrow X_{s} ν\barν$, where $X_{s}$ is a hadronic system with strangeness equal to 1, in data collected with the Belle~II detector at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy $e^+e^-$ collider. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of $365~\textrm{fb}^{-1}$ collected at the $Υ(4S)$ resonance and… ▽ More We report the first search for the flavor-changing neutral-current decays $B \rightarrow X_{s} ν\barν$, where $X_{s}$ is a hadronic system with strangeness equal to 1, in data collected with the Belle~II detector at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy $e^+e^-$ collider. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of $365~\textrm{fb}^{-1}$ collected at the $Υ(4S)$ resonance and $43~\textrm{fb}^{-1}$ collected at a center-of-mass energy $60~\textrm{MeV}$ below resonance for estimation of $e^+e^-\to q\bar{q}$ continuum background. One of the $B$ mesons from the $Υ(4S) \to B\bar{B}$ decay is fully reconstructed in a hadronic decay mode. The $B \to X_s ν\barν$ decay is reconstructed with a sum-of-exclusives approach that uses 30 $X_s$ decay modes. This approach provides high sensitivity to the inclusive decay, despite the presence of two undetected neutrinos. The search is performed in three regions of the $X_{s}$ mass, chosen to separate contributions from prominent resonances. We do not observe a significant signal and set upper limits at 90\% confidence level on the partial branching fractions for the regions $0.0 < M_{X_{s}} < 0.6~\textrm{GeV}/c^{2}$, $0.6 < M_{X_{s}} < 1.0~\textrm{GeV}/c^{2}$, and $1.0~\textrm{GeV}/c^{2} < M_{X_{s}}$ of $2.2 \times 10^{-5}$, $9.3 \times 10^{-5}$, and $30.9 \times 10^{-5}$, respectively. Combining the three mass regions, we obtain the upper limit on the branching fraction, $B(B \to X_s ν\barν) < 3.3 \times 10^{-4}$. △ Less

Submitted 11 June, 2026; v1 submitted 14 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 8 pages, 2 figures + supplemental material

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-025, KEK Preprint 2025-27

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 231801 (2026)

Observation of the radiative decay $D_s (2317)^+ \to D_s^* γ$

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee, M. Barrett , et al. (345 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We observe the radiative decay $D^{*}_{s0}(2317)^{+} \to D_{s}^{*+} γ$ for the first time, with a significance exceeding $10$ standard deviations. The signal is found in the continuum $e^+ e^- \to c\bar{c}$ process with the combined data samples of 980.4~$\rm fb^{-1}$ and 427.9~$\rm fb^{-1}$ collected by the Belle and Belle~II detectors operating at the KEKB and SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy… ▽ More We observe the radiative decay $D^{*}_{s0}(2317)^{+} \to D_{s}^{*+} γ$ for the first time, with a significance exceeding $10$ standard deviations. The signal is found in the continuum $e^+ e^- \to c\bar{c}$ process with the combined data samples of 980.4~$\rm fb^{-1}$ and 427.9~$\rm fb^{-1}$ collected by the Belle and Belle~II detectors operating at the KEKB and SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy $e^+e^-$ colliders, respectively. The branching fraction ratio ${\cal B}(D^{*}_{s0}(2317)^{+} \to D_{s}^{*+} γ)/{\cal B}(D^{*}_{s0}(2317)^{+} \to D_{s}^{+} π^{0})$ is measured to be $[7.13 \pm 0.70({\rm stat.}) \pm 0.23({\rm syst.})]\%$. This result provides significant new experimental input for the determination of the quark structure of the $D^{*}_{s0}(2317)^{+}$, which remains unknown. △ Less

Submitted 16 June, 2026; v1 submitted 31 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 8 pages, 3 figures

Report number: Belle II Preprint #2025-026? KEK Preprint #2025-28

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 136,(2026) 241901

Measurement of the $CP$ asymmetry in $D^0\toπ^+π^-π^0$ decays at Belle II

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee, M. Barrett , et al. (378 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We measure the time- and phase-space-integrated $CP$ asymmetry $A_{CP}$ in $D^0\toπ^+π^-π^0$ decays reconstructed in $e^+e^-\to c\bar c$ events collected by the Belle II experiment from 2019 to 2022. This sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 428 fb$^{-1}$. We require $D^0$ mesons to be produced in $D^{*+}\to D^0π^+$ decays to determine their flavor at production. Control samples of… ▽ More We measure the time- and phase-space-integrated $CP$ asymmetry $A_{CP}$ in $D^0\toπ^+π^-π^0$ decays reconstructed in $e^+e^-\to c\bar c$ events collected by the Belle II experiment from 2019 to 2022. This sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 428 fb$^{-1}$. We require $D^0$ mesons to be produced in $D^{*+}\to D^0π^+$ decays to determine their flavor at production. Control samples of $D^0\to K^-π^+$ decays are used to correct for reconstruction-induced asymmetries. The result, $A_{CP}(D^0\toπ^+π^-π^0)=(0.29\pm0.27\pm0.13)\%$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic, is the most precise result to date and is consistent with $CP$ conservation. △ Less

Submitted 17 March, 2026; v1 submitted 24 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 13 pages, 7 figures. Published on Physical Review D

Report number: Belle II preprint 2025-018, KEK preprint 2025-17

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 113 (2026) 052006

First measurements of the branching fractions for the decay modes $Ξ_c^{0} \to Λη$ and $Ξ_c^0 \to Λη'$ and search for the decay $Ξ_c^{0} \to Λπ^0$ using Belle and Belle II data

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee , et al. (299 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Using data samples of 988.4 fb$^{-1}$ and 427.9 fb$^{-1}$ collected with the Belle and Belle II detectors, we present a study of the singly Cabibbo-suppressed decays $Ξ_c^{0} \to Λη$, $Λη'$, and $Λπ^0$. We observe the decay $Ξ_c^0 \to Λη$ and find evidence for the decay $Ξ_c^0 \to Λη'$, with corresponding branching ratios determined to be… ▽ More Using data samples of 988.4 fb$^{-1}$ and 427.9 fb$^{-1}$ collected with the Belle and Belle II detectors, we present a study of the singly Cabibbo-suppressed decays $Ξ_c^{0} \to Λη$, $Λη'$, and $Λπ^0$. We observe the decay $Ξ_c^0 \to Λη$ and find evidence for the decay $Ξ_c^0 \to Λη'$, with corresponding branching ratios determined to be ${\mathcal{B}(Ξ_c^0 \to Λη)}/{\mathcal{B}(Ξ_c^0 \to Ξ^- π^+)}= (4.16 \pm 0.91 \pm {0.23})\%$ and ${\mathcal{B}(Ξ_c^0 \to Λη')}/{\mathcal{B}(Ξ_c^0 \to Ξ^- π^+)}= (2.48 \pm 0.82 \pm {0.12})\%$, respectively. We find no significant signal in the $Ξ_c^0 \to Λπ^0$ decay mode and set an upper limit at the 90% credibility level of ${\mathcal{B}(Ξ_c^0 \to Λπ^0)}/{\mathcal{B}(Ξ_c^0 \to Ξ^- π^+)}< {3.5\%}$. Multiplying these ratios by the world-average branching fraction of the normalization channel, $\mathcal{B}(Ξ_c^0 \to Ξ^- π^+)=(1.43 \pm 0.27)\%$, we obtain the absolute branching fractions of $\mathcal{B}(Ξ_c^0 \to Λη)= (5.95 \pm 1.30 \pm {0.32} \pm 1.13) \times 10^{-4}$, $\mathcal{B}(Ξ_c^0 \to Λη')= (3.55 \pm 1.17 \pm {0.17} \pm 0.68) \times 10^{-4}$, and an upper limit at the 90% credibility level on the absolute branching fraction of $\mathcal{B}(Ξ_c^0 \to Λπ^0)< {5.2} \times 10^{-4}$. The quoted first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively, while the third uncertainties arise from the branching fraction of the normalization mode. These results are consistent with most theoretical predictions and further the understanding of the underlying decay mechanisms. △ Less

Submitted 24 February, 2026; v1 submitted 23 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 11 pages, 4 figures

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-027, KEK Preprint 2025-34

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 113, 032015 (2026)

Measurement of time-dependent $CP$ asymmetries in $B^0 \to K_{\rm S}^0 \: π^{+} π^{-} γ$ decays at Belle and Belle II

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee, M. Barrett, M. Bartl, J. Baudot , et al. (328 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present a measurement of the time-dependent $CP$ asymmetry in $B^0 \to K_{\rm S}^0 \: π^{+} π^{-} γ$ decays using a data set of 365 fb$^{-1}$ recorded by the Belle II experiment and the final data set of 711 fb$^{-1}$ recorded by the Belle experiment at the ${\rm Υ(4S)}$ resonance. The direct and mixing-induced time-dependent $CP$ violation parameters $C$ and $S$ are determined along with two a… ▽ More We present a measurement of the time-dependent $CP$ asymmetry in $B^0 \to K_{\rm S}^0 \: π^{+} π^{-} γ$ decays using a data set of 365 fb$^{-1}$ recorded by the Belle II experiment and the final data set of 711 fb$^{-1}$ recorded by the Belle experiment at the ${\rm Υ(4S)}$ resonance. The direct and mixing-induced time-dependent $CP$ violation parameters $C$ and $S$ are determined along with two additional quantities, $S^{+}$ and $S^{-}$, defined in the two halves of the $m^2(K_{\rm S}^0 π^{+})-m^2(K_{\rm S}^0 π^{-})$ plane. The measured values are $C = -0.17 \pm 0.09 \pm 0.04$, $S = -0.29 \pm 0.11 \pm 0.05$, $S^{+} = -0.57 \pm 0.23 \pm 0.10$ and $S^{-} = 0.31 \pm 0.24 \pm 0.05$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. △ Less

Submitted 30 January, 2026; v1 submitted 1 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 20 pages, 2 figures Version accepted for publication in JHEP

Report number: Belle II preprint: 2025-001, KEK preprint: 2024-49

Journal ref: Volume 01, year 2026, article 134

Search for $CP$ violation in $Ξ_c^+\toΣ^+h^+h^-$ and $Λ_c^+\to ph^+h^-$ at Belle II

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, R. Ayad, V. Babu, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee, M. Bartl, J. Baudot, A. Beaubien, J. Becker, J. V. Bennett , et al. (322 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report decay-rate $CP$ asymmetries of the singly-Cabibbo-suppressed decays $Ξ_c^+\toΣ^+h^+h^-$ and $Λ_c^+\to ph^+h^-$, with $h=K,π$, measured using 428 fb$^{-1}$ of $e^+e^-$ collisions collected by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider. The results, \begin{equation} A_{CP}(Ξ_c^+\toΣ^+K^+K^-) = (3.7\pm6.6\pm0.6)\%, \end{equation} \begin{equation} A_{CP}(Ξ_c^+\toΣ^+π^+π^-) = (9.5\… ▽ More We report decay-rate $CP$ asymmetries of the singly-Cabibbo-suppressed decays $Ξ_c^+\toΣ^+h^+h^-$ and $Λ_c^+\to ph^+h^-$, with $h=K,π$, measured using 428 fb$^{-1}$ of $e^+e^-$ collisions collected by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider. The results, \begin{equation} A_{CP}(Ξ_c^+\toΣ^+K^+K^-) = (3.7\pm6.6\pm0.6)\%, \end{equation} \begin{equation} A_{CP}(Ξ_c^+\toΣ^+π^+π^-) = (9.5\pm6.8\pm0.5)\%, \end{equation} \begin{equation} A_{CP}(Λ_c^+\to pK^+K^-) = (3.9\pm1.7\pm0.7)\%, \end{equation} \begin{equation} A_{CP}(Λ_c^+\to pπ^+π^-) = (0.3\pm1.0\pm0.2)\%, \end{equation} where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic, agree with $CP$ symmetry. From these results we derive the sums \begin{equation} A_{CP}(Ξ_c^+\toΣ^+π^+π^-) \, + \, A_{CP}(Λ_c^+\to pK^+K^-) = (13.4 \pm 7.0\pm 0.9)\%, \end{equation} \begin{equation} A_{CP}(Ξ_c^+\toΣ^+K^+K^-) \, + \, A_{CP}(Λ_c^+\to pπ^+π^-) = (\phantom{0}4.0 \pm 6.6\pm 0.7)\%, \end{equation} which are consistent with the $U$-spin symmetry prediction of zero. These are the first measurements of $CP$ asymmetries for individual hadronic three-body charmed-baryon decays. △ Less

Submitted 30 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-024, KEK Preprint 2025-26

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 113, 032017 (2026)

Radiation damage study of Belle II silicon strip sensors with 90 MeV electron irradiation

Authors: K. Adamczyk, H. Aihara, K. Amos, S. Bacher, S. Bahinipati, J. Baudot, P. K. Behera, S. Bettarini, L. Bosisio, A. Bozek, F. Buchsteiner, G. Casarosa, C. Cheshta, L. Corona, S. B. Das, G. Dujany, C. Finck, F. Forti, M. Friedl, A. Gabrielli, V. Gautam, B. Gobbo, K. Hara, T. Higuchi, C. Irmler , et al. (36 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The silicon strip sensors of the Belle II silicon vertex detector were irradiated with 90 MeV electron beams up to an equivalent 1-MeV-neutron fluence of $3.0\times 10^{13}~{\rm n}_{\rm eq}/{\rm cm^2}$. We measure changes in sensor properties induced by radiation damage in the semiconductor bulk. Electrons around this energy are a major source of beam-induced background during Belle II operation.… ▽ More The silicon strip sensors of the Belle II silicon vertex detector were irradiated with 90 MeV electron beams up to an equivalent 1-MeV-neutron fluence of $3.0\times 10^{13}~{\rm n}_{\rm eq}/{\rm cm^2}$. We measure changes in sensor properties induced by radiation damage in the semiconductor bulk. Electrons around this energy are a major source of beam-induced background during Belle II operation. We discuss observed changes in full depletion voltage, sensor leakage current, noise, and charge collection. The sensor bulk type inverts at an equivalent 1-MeV-neutron fluence of $6.0\times 10^{12}~{\rm n}_{\rm eq}/{\rm cm^2}$. The leakage current increases proportionally to the radiation dose. We determine a damage constant of $3.9 \times 10^{-17}$ A/cm at 17 C$^\circ$ immediately after irradiation, which drops significantly to approximately 40% of the initial value in 200 hours, then stabilizes to approximately 30% of the initial value in 1000 hours. We measure sensor noise and signal charge for a sensor irradiated with the equivalent 1-MeV-neutron fluence of $3.0\times 10^{13}~{\rm n}_{\rm eq}/{\rm cm^2}$. Noise increases by approximately 44% after irradiation, while signal charge does not change significantly when a sufficiently high bias voltage is applied. △ Less

Submitted 22 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 23 pages, 15 figures

Observation of $e^+e^-\toηΥ(2S)$ and search for $e^+e^-\toηΥ(1S),~γX_b$ at $\sqrt{s}$ near 10.75 GeV

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, V. Aushev, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati , et al. (413 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present an analysis of the processes $e^{+}e^{-}\toηΥ(1S)$, $ηΥ(2S)$, and $γX_b$ with $X_b\toπ^+π^-χ_{bJ},~χ_{bJ}\toγΥ(1S)$ $(J=1,~2)$ reconstructed from $γγπ^+π^-\ell^+\ell^-~(\ell=e,~μ)$ final states in $19.6\rm~\rm fb^{-1}$ of Belle II data collected at four energy points near the peak of the $Υ(10753)$ resonance. Here, $X_b$ is a hypothetical bottomonium-sector partner of the $X(3872)$. In… ▽ More We present an analysis of the processes $e^{+}e^{-}\toηΥ(1S)$, $ηΥ(2S)$, and $γX_b$ with $X_b\toπ^+π^-χ_{bJ},~χ_{bJ}\toγΥ(1S)$ $(J=1,~2)$ reconstructed from $γγπ^+π^-\ell^+\ell^-~(\ell=e,~μ)$ final states in $19.6\rm~\rm fb^{-1}$ of Belle II data collected at four energy points near the peak of the $Υ(10753)$ resonance. Here, $X_b$ is a hypothetical bottomonium-sector partner of the $X(3872)$. In the process $e^{+}e^{-} \to ηΥ(2S)$, we observe a signal with a significance that exceeds $6.0σ$. Based on an analysis of the Born cross-section, the hypothesis that these events are associated solely with the production of the $Υ(5S)$ or $Υ(10753)$ resonances is rejected at the level of 3.6$σ$. This suggests that the observed events are more likely to arise from a new state near the $B^{*}\bar{B}^{*}$ threshold or from a substantial continuum production. No significant signal is observed for $e^{+}e^{-}\toηΥ(1S)$ or $γX_b$. Upper limits on the Born cross sections for the processes $e^{+}e^{-}\toηΥ(1S)$ and $e^{+}e^{-}\toγX_b$ with $X_b\toπ^+π^-χ_{bJ}$ are determined. △ Less

Submitted 8 December, 2025; v1 submitted 1 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-023, KEK Preprint 2025-24

Search for $e^+ e^- \to γχ_{bJ}$ ($J$ = 0, 1, 2) near $\sqrt{s} = 10.746$ GeV at Belle II

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, V. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee , et al. (377 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We search for the $e^+ e^- \to γχ_{bJ}$ ($J$ = 0, 1, 2) processes at center-of-mass energies $\sqrt{s}$ = 10.653, 10.701, 10.746, and 10.804 GeV. These data were collected with the Belle II detector at the SuperKEKB collider and correspond to 3.5, 1.6, 9.8, and 4.7 fb$^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity, respectively. We set upper limits at the 90\% confidence level on the Born cross sections for… ▽ More We search for the $e^+ e^- \to γχ_{bJ}$ ($J$ = 0, 1, 2) processes at center-of-mass energies $\sqrt{s}$ = 10.653, 10.701, 10.746, and 10.804 GeV. These data were collected with the Belle II detector at the SuperKEKB collider and correspond to 3.5, 1.6, 9.8, and 4.7 fb$^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity, respectively. We set upper limits at the 90\% confidence level on the Born cross sections for $e^+ e^- \to γχ_{bJ}$ at each center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s}$ near 10.746 GeV. The upper limits at 90\% confidence level on the Born cross sections for $e^+ e^- \to γχ_{b1}$ are significantly smaller than the corresponding measured values for $e^+e^-\toωχ_{b1}$ and $e^+e^-\toπ^+π^-Υ(2S)$ at $\sqrt{s}$ = 10.746 GeV. △ Less

Submitted 5 April, 2026; v1 submitted 21 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: Belle II Preprint 2025-022, KEK Preprint 2025-21

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 113, 052009 (2026)

Search for the lepton-flavor-violating $τ^{-} \rightarrow e^{\mp} \ell^{\pm} \ell^{\mp}$ decays at Belle II

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, V. Aushev, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade , et al. (425 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the result of a search for the charged-lepton-flavor violating decays $τ^- \rightarrow e^\mp \ell^\pm \ell^-$, where $\ell$ is a muon or an electron, using a data sample with an integrated luminosity of 428 fb$^{-1}$ recorded by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB $e^+e^-$ collider. The selection of $e^+e^- \toτ^+τ^-$ events containing a signal candidate is based on an inclusive-ta… ▽ More We present the result of a search for the charged-lepton-flavor violating decays $τ^- \rightarrow e^\mp \ell^\pm \ell^-$, where $\ell$ is a muon or an electron, using a data sample with an integrated luminosity of 428 fb$^{-1}$ recorded by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB $e^+e^-$ collider. The selection of $e^+e^- \toτ^+τ^-$ events containing a signal candidate is based on an inclusive-tagging reconstruction and on a boosted decision tree to suppress background. Upper limits on the branching fractions between 1.3 and 2.5 $\times 10^{-8}$ are set at the 90% confidence level. These results are the most stringent bounds to date for four of the modes. △ Less

Submitted 5 May, 2026; v1 submitted 24 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 22 pages, 9 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2405.07386

Model-agnostic likelihood for the reinterpretation of the $B^+\to K^+ν\barν$ measurement at Belle II

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee, M. Barrett, M. Bartl, J. Baudot, A. Baur , et al. (352 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We recently measured the branching fraction of the $B^{+}\rightarrow K^{+}ν\barν$ decay using 362fb$^{-1}$ of on-resonance $e^+e^-$ collision data under the assumption of Standard Model kinematics, providing the first evidence for this decay. To facilitate future reinterpretations and maximize the scientific impact of this measurement, we publicly release the full analysis likelihood along with al… ▽ More We recently measured the branching fraction of the $B^{+}\rightarrow K^{+}ν\barν$ decay using 362fb$^{-1}$ of on-resonance $e^+e^-$ collision data under the assumption of Standard Model kinematics, providing the first evidence for this decay. To facilitate future reinterpretations and maximize the scientific impact of this measurement, we publicly release the full analysis likelihood along with all necessary material required for reinterpretation under arbitrary theoretical models sensitive to this measurement. In this work, we demonstrate how the measurement can be reinterpreted within the framework of the Weak Effective Theory. Using a kinematic reweighting technique in combination with the published likelihood, we derive marginal posterior distributions for the Wilson coefficients, construct credible intervals, and assess the goodness of fit to the Belle II data. For the Weak Effective Theory Wilson coefficients, the posterior mode of the magnitudes $|C_\mathrm{VL}+C_\mathrm{VR}|$, $|C_\mathrm{SL}+C_\mathrm{SR}|$, and $|C_\mathrm{TL}|$ corresponds to the point ${(11.3, 0.0, 8.2)}$. The respective 95\% credible intervals are $[1.9, 16.2]$, $[0.0, 15.4]$, and $[0.0, 11.2]$. △ Less

Submitted 25 November, 2025; v1 submitted 16 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-021 KEK Preprint 2025-20

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 112, 092016, 2025

Observation of the decays $B^{+} \to Σ_{c}(2455)^{++} \overlineΞ_{c}^{-}$ and $B^{0} \to Σ_{c}(2455)^{0} \overlineΞ_{c}^{0}$

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, M. Abumusabh, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, V. Aushev, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati , et al. (364 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the first observation of the two-body baryonic decays $B^{+} \to Σ_{c}(2455)^{++} \overlineΞ_{c}^{-}$ and $B^{0} \to Σ_{c}(2455)^{0} \overlineΞ_{c}^{0}$ with significances of $7.3\,σ$ and $6.2\,σ$, respectively, including statistical and systematic uncertainties. The branching fractions are measured to be… ▽ More We report the first observation of the two-body baryonic decays $B^{+} \to Σ_{c}(2455)^{++} \overlineΞ_{c}^{-}$ and $B^{0} \to Σ_{c}(2455)^{0} \overlineΞ_{c}^{0}$ with significances of $7.3\,σ$ and $6.2\,σ$, respectively, including statistical and systematic uncertainties. The branching fractions are measured to be $\mathcal{B}(B^{+} \to Σ_{c}(2455)^{++} \overlineΞ_{c}^{-}) = (5.74 \pm 1.11 \pm 0.42_{-1.53}^{+2.47}) \times 10^{-4}$ and $\mathcal{B}(B^{0} \to Σ_{c}(2455)^{0} \overlineΞ_{c}^{0}) = (4.83 \pm 1.12 \pm 0.37_{-0.60}^{+0.72}) \times 10^{-4}$. The first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively, while the third ones arise from the absolute branching fractions of $\overlineΞ_{c}^{-}$ or $\overlineΞ_{c}^{0}$ decays. The data samples used for this analysis have integrated luminosities of 711~$\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ and 365~$\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$, and were collected at the $Υ(4S)$ resonance by the Belle and Belle~II detectors operating at the KEKB and SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy $e^{+}e^{-}$ colliders, respectively. △ Less

Submitted 18 September, 2025; v1 submitted 7 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-019, KEK Preprint 2025-18

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 112, L051101 (2025)

Measurement of the $ D^{0}\rightarrow K^{-}π^{+}e^{+}e^{-} $ branching fraction and search for $ D^{0}\rightarrow π^{+}π^{-}e^{+}e^{-} $ and $D^{0}\rightarrow K^{+}K^{-}e^{+}e^{-} $ decays at Belle

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, V. Aushev, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae , et al. (459 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present a study of the rare charm meson decays $ D^{0}\rightarrow K^{+}K^{-}e^{+}e^{-} $, $ π^{+}π^{-}e^{+}e^{-} $, and $ K^{-}π^{+}e^{+}e^{-} $ using a 942 fb$^{-1}$ data set collected by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy $ e^{+}e^{-} $ collider. We use $ D^{0} $ candidates identified by the charge of the pion in $ D^{*} \rightarrow D^{0} π$ decays and normalize the branching fr… ▽ More We present a study of the rare charm meson decays $ D^{0}\rightarrow K^{+}K^{-}e^{+}e^{-} $, $ π^{+}π^{-}e^{+}e^{-} $, and $ K^{-}π^{+}e^{+}e^{-} $ using a 942 fb$^{-1}$ data set collected by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy $ e^{+}e^{-} $ collider. We use $ D^{0} $ candidates identified by the charge of the pion in $ D^{*} \rightarrow D^{0} π$ decays and normalize the branching fractions to $ D^{0} \rightarrow K^{-}π^{+}π^{-}π^{+} $ decays. The branching fraction for decay $ D^{0} \rightarrow K^{-}π^{+}e^{+}e^{-} $ is measured to be (39.6 $\pm$ 4.5 (stat) $\pm$ 2.9 (syst)) $\times$ $10^{-7}$, with the dielectron mass in the $ ρ/ω$ mass region $ 675 < m_{ee} < 875 $ MeV$/c^{2}$. We also search for $ D^{0}\rightarrow h^{-} h^{(\prime)+}e^{+}e^{-} $ ($ h^{(\prime)}=K,\,π$) decays with the dielectron mass near the $η$ and $φ$ resonances, and away from these resonances for the $ K^{+}K^{-}e^{+}e^{-} $ and $ π^{+}π^{-}e^{+}e^{-} $ modes. For these modes, we find no significant signals and set 90$\%$ confidence level upper limits on their branching fractions at the $\mathcal{O}$(10$^{-7}$) level. △ Less

Submitted 6 November, 2025; v1 submitted 7 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-020; KEK Preprint 2025-19

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 112, L071101 (2025)

Search for an Axion-Like Particle in $B\rightarrow K^{(*)} a (\rightarrowγγ)$ Decays at Belle

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, V. Aushev, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae , et al. (400 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report a search for an axion-like particle $a$ in $B\rightarrow K^{(*)} a (\rightarrowγγ)$ decays using data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy electron-positron collider. The search is based on a $711 \mathrm{fb^{-1}}$ data sample collected at the $Υ4S$ resonance energy, corresponding to a sample of $772\times10^6$ $Υ4S$ events. In this study, we search for the dec… ▽ More We report a search for an axion-like particle $a$ in $B\rightarrow K^{(*)} a (\rightarrowγγ)$ decays using data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy electron-positron collider. The search is based on a $711 \mathrm{fb^{-1}}$ data sample collected at the $Υ4S$ resonance energy, corresponding to a sample of $772\times10^6$ $Υ4S$ events. In this study, we search for the decay of the axion-like particle into a pair of photons, $a \rightarrow γγ$. We scan the two-photon invariant mass in the range $0.16\ \mathrm{GeV/}c^2-4.50\ \mathrm{GeV}/c^2$ for the $K$ modes and $0.16\ \mathrm{GeV/}c^2-4.20\ \mathrm{GeV}/c^2$ for the $K^{*}$ modes. No significant signal is observed in any of the modes, and 90\% confidence level upper limits are established on the coupling to the $W$ boson, $g_aW$, as a function of $a$ mass. The limits range from $3 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{GeV}^{-1}$ to $3 \times 10^{-5} \mathrm{GeV}^{-1}$, improving the current constraints on $g_aW$ by a factor of two over the most stringent previous experimental results. △ Less

Submitted 31 October, 2025; v1 submitted 1 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 26 pages, 15 Figures

Report number: Belle II Preprint: 2025-017 KEK Preprint: 2025-16

Journal ref: J. High Energ. Phys. 2025, 109 (2025)

Detecting secondary-phase in bainite microstructure through deep-learning based single-shot approach

Authors: Vinod Kumar, Sharukh Hussain, Vishwas Subramanian, P G Kubendran Amos

Abstract: Relating properties and processing conditions to multiphase microstructures begins with identifying the constituent phases. In bainite, distinguishing the secondary phases is an arduous task, owing to their intricate morphology. In this work, deep-learning techniques deployed as object-detection algorithms are extended to realise martensite-austenite (MA) islands in bainite microstructures, which… ▽ More Relating properties and processing conditions to multiphase microstructures begins with identifying the constituent phases. In bainite, distinguishing the secondary phases is an arduous task, owing to their intricate morphology. In this work, deep-learning techniques deployed as object-detection algorithms are extended to realise martensite-austenite (MA) islands in bainite microstructures, which noticeably affect their mechanical properties. Having explored different techniques, an extensively trained regression-based algorithm is developed to identify the MA islands. This approach effectively detects the secondary phases in a single-shot framework without altering the micrograph dimensions. The identified technique enables scalable, automated detection of secondary phase in bainitic steels. This extension of the detection algorithm is suitably prefaced by an analysis exposing the inadequacy of conventional classification approaches in relating the processing conditions and composition to the bainite microstructures with secondary phases. △ Less

Submitted 28 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Determination of $|V_{cb}|$ using $B\to D\ellν_\ell$ Decays at Belle II

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, I. Adachi, K. Adamczyk, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, V. Aushev, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati , et al. (385 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present a determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element $|V_{cb}|$ from the decay $B\to D\ellν_\ell$ using a $365~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ $e^+e^-\toΥ(4S)\to B\bar B$ data sample recorded by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider. The semileptonic decay of one $B$ meson is reconstructed in the modes $B^0\to D^-(\to K^+π^-π^-)\ell^+ν_\ell$ and… ▽ More We present a determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element $|V_{cb}|$ from the decay $B\to D\ellν_\ell$ using a $365~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ $e^+e^-\toΥ(4S)\to B\bar B$ data sample recorded by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider. The semileptonic decay of one $B$ meson is reconstructed in the modes $B^0\to D^-(\to K^+π^-π^-)\ell^+ν_\ell$ and $B^+\to \bar D^0(\to K^+π^-)\ell^+ν_\ell$, where $\ell$ denotes either an electron or a muon. Charge conjugation is implied. The second $B$ meson in the $Υ(4S)$ event is not reconstructed explicitly. Using an inclusive reconstruction of the unobserved neutrino momentum, we determine the recoil variable $w=v_B\cdot v_D$, where $v_B$ and $v_D$ are the 4-velocities of the $B$ and $D$ mesons. We measure the total decay branching fractions to be $\mathcal{B}(B^0\to D^-\ell^+ν_\ell)=(2.06 \pm 0.05\,(\mathrm{stat.}) \pm 0.10\,(\mathrm{sys.}))\%$ and $\mathcal{B}(B^+\to\bar D^0\ell^+ν_\ell)=(2.31 \pm 0.04\,(\mathrm{stat.}) \pm 0.09\,(\mathrm{sys.}))\%$. We probe lepton flavor universality by measuring $\mathcal{B}(B\to Deν_e)/\mathcal{B}(B\to Dμν_μ)=1.020 \pm 0.020\,(\mathrm{stat.})\pm 0.022\,(\mathrm{sys.})$. Fitting the partial decay branching fraction as a function of $w$ and using the average of lattice QCD calculations of the $B\to D$ form factor, we obtain $ |V_{cb}|=(39.2\pm 0.4\,(\mathrm{stat.}) \pm 0.6\,(\mathrm{sys.}) \pm 0.5\,(\mathrm{th.})) \times 10^{-3}$. △ Less

Submitted 16 December, 2025; v1 submitted 18 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-004, KEK Preprint 2025-1

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 112, 112009 (2025)

Measurement of the CP asymmetry in $D^+ \to π^+ π^0$ decays at Belle II

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, V. Aushev, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee, S. Bansal, M. Barrett , et al. (380 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We measure the CP asymmetry in $D^+ \to π^+ π^0$ decays reconstructed in $e^+ e^-$ collisions at the Belle II experiment using a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 428 fb$^{-1}$. A control sample of $D^+ \to π^+ K_{S}$ decays is used to correct for detection and production asymmetries. The result, $A_{CP}(D^+ \to π^+π^0) =(-1.8 \pm 0.9 \pm 0.1)\%$, where the first uncertainty is… ▽ More We measure the CP asymmetry in $D^+ \to π^+ π^0$ decays reconstructed in $e^+ e^-$ collisions at the Belle II experiment using a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 428 fb$^{-1}$. A control sample of $D^+ \to π^+ K_{S}$ decays is used to correct for detection and production asymmetries. The result, $A_{CP}(D^+ \to π^+π^0) =(-1.8 \pm 0.9 \pm 0.1)\%$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic, is the most precise determination to date. It agrees with the prediction of CP symmetry from the standard model, and with results of previous measurements. △ Less

Submitted 9 August, 2025; v1 submitted 9 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-012, KEK Preprint 2025-10

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 112, L031101 (2025)

Charged-hadron identification at Belle II

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, I. Adachi, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, A. Albert, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, V. Aushev, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati , et al. (386 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Belle II experiment's ability to identify particles critically affects the sensitivity of its measurements. We describe Belle II's algorithms for identifying charged particles and evaluate their performance in separating pions, kaons, and protons using 426 fb$^{-1}$ of data collected at the energy-asymmetric $e^+e^-$ collider SuperKEKB in 2019--2022 at center-of-mass energies at and near the m… ▽ More The Belle II experiment's ability to identify particles critically affects the sensitivity of its measurements. We describe Belle II's algorithms for identifying charged particles and evaluate their performance in separating pions, kaons, and protons using 426 fb$^{-1}$ of data collected at the energy-asymmetric $e^+e^-$ collider SuperKEKB in 2019--2022 at center-of-mass energies at and near the mass of the $Υ(4S)$. △ Less

Submitted 3 November, 2025; v1 submitted 4 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Comments: 29 pages, 14 figures

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-016, KEK Preprint 2025-15

Search for a Dark Higgs Boson Produced in Association with Inelastic Dark Matter at the Belle II Experiment

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, V. Aushev, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee, S. Bansal , et al. (415 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Inelastic dark matter models that have two dark matter particles and a massive dark photon can reproduce the observed relic dark matter density without violating cosmological limits. The mass splitting between the two dark matter particles $χ_{1}$ and $χ_{2}$, with $m(χ_{2}) > m(χ_{1})$, is induced by a dark Higgs field and a corresponding dark Higgs boson $h^{\prime}$. We present a search for dar… ▽ More Inelastic dark matter models that have two dark matter particles and a massive dark photon can reproduce the observed relic dark matter density without violating cosmological limits. The mass splitting between the two dark matter particles $χ_{1}$ and $χ_{2}$, with $m(χ_{2}) > m(χ_{1})$, is induced by a dark Higgs field and a corresponding dark Higgs boson $h^{\prime}$. We present a search for dark matter in events with two vertices, at least one of which must be displaced from the interaction region, and missing energy. Using a $365\,\mbox{fb}^{-1}$ data sample collected at Belle II, which operates at the SuperKEKB $e^+e^-$ collider, we observe no evidence for a signal. We set upper limits on the product of the production cross section $σ\left(e^+e^- \to h^\prime χ_1 χ_2\right)$, and the product of branching fractions $\mathcal{B}\left(χ_2\toχ_1 e^+ e^-\right)\times\mathcal{B}\left(h^\prime\to x^+x^-\right)$, where $x^+x^-$ indicates $μ^+μ^-, π^+π^-$, or $K^+K^-$, as functions of $h^{\prime}$ mass and lifetime at the level of $10^{-1}\,\mbox{fb}$. We set model-dependent upper limits on the dark Higgs mixing angle at the level of $10^{-5}$ and on the dark photon kinetic mixing parameter at the level of $10^{-3}$. This is the first search for dark Higgs bosons in association with inelastic dark matter. △ Less

Submitted 22 December, 2025; v1 submitted 14 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-015, KEK Preprint 2025-14

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 135 (2025), 131801

Search for lepton flavor-violating decay modes $B^0 \to K^{\ast 0}τ^\pm\ell^\mp$ ($\ell = e,μ$) with hadronic B-tagging at Belle and Belle II

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, I. Adachi, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, V. Aushev, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee , et al. (353 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the results of a search for the charged-lepton-flavor violating decays $B^0 \rightarrow K^{*0}τ^\pm \ell^{\mp}$, where $\ell^{\mp}$ is either an electron or a muon. The results are based on 365 fb$^{-1}$ and 711 fb$^{-1}$ datasets collected with the Belle II and Belle detectors, respectively. We use an exclusive hadronic $B$-tagging technique, and search for a signal decay in the system… ▽ More We present the results of a search for the charged-lepton-flavor violating decays $B^0 \rightarrow K^{*0}τ^\pm \ell^{\mp}$, where $\ell^{\mp}$ is either an electron or a muon. The results are based on 365 fb$^{-1}$ and 711 fb$^{-1}$ datasets collected with the Belle II and Belle detectors, respectively. We use an exclusive hadronic $B$-tagging technique, and search for a signal decay in the system recoiling against a fully reconstructed $B$ meson. We find no evidence for $B^0 \rightarrow K^{*0}τ^\pm \ell^{\mp}$ decays and set upper limits on the branching fractions in the range of $(2.9-6.4)\times10^{-5}$ at 90% confidence level. △ Less

Submitted 9 October, 2025; v1 submitted 13 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Comments: 19 pages, 4 figures

Report number: Belle II preprint: 2025-014, KEK preprint: 2025-13

Journal ref: JHEP08(2025)184

Measurement of the time-integrated $CP$ asymmetry in $D^0\toπ^0π^0$ decays at Belle II

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, I. Adachi, Y. Ahn, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee, M. Barrett, M. Bartl , et al. (350 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We measure the time-integrated $CP$ asymmetry, $A_{CP}$, in $D^0\toπ^0π^0$ decays reconstructed in $e^+e^-\to c\bar{c}$ events collected by Belle II during 2019--2022. The data corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 428$\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$. The $D^0$ decays are required to originate from the flavor-conserving $D^{*+} \to D^0 π^+$ decay to determine the charm flavor at production time. Control sa… ▽ More We measure the time-integrated $CP$ asymmetry, $A_{CP}$, in $D^0\toπ^0π^0$ decays reconstructed in $e^+e^-\to c\bar{c}$ events collected by Belle II during 2019--2022. The data corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 428$\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$. The $D^0$ decays are required to originate from the flavor-conserving $D^{*+} \to D^0 π^+$ decay to determine the charm flavor at production time. Control samples of $D^0\to K^- π^+$ decays, with or without an associated pion from a $D^{*+}$ decay, are used to correct for detection asymmetries. The result, $A_{CP}(D^0\toπ^0π^0) = (0.30\pm 0.72\pm 0.20)\%$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic, is consistent with $CP$ symmetry. △ Less

Submitted 8 September, 2025; v1 submitted 5 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-009, KEK Preprint 2025-7

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 112, 012006 (2025)

Measurement of the time-integrated $CP$ asymmetry in $D^0 \to K^0_{\rm S} K^0_{\rm S}$ decays using opposite-side flavor tagging at Belle and Belle II

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, I. Adachi, Y. Ahn, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee , et al. (356 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We measure the time-integrated $CP$ asymmetry in $D^0 \to K^0_{\rm S} K^0_{\rm S}$ decays reconstructed in $e^+e^-\to c{\overline c}$ events collected by the Belle and Belle II experiments. The corresponding data samples have integrated luminosities of 980 and 428 fb${}^{-1}$, respectively. To infer the flavor of the $D^0$ meson, we exploit the correlation between the flavor of the reconstructed d… ▽ More We measure the time-integrated $CP$ asymmetry in $D^0 \to K^0_{\rm S} K^0_{\rm S}$ decays reconstructed in $e^+e^-\to c{\overline c}$ events collected by the Belle and Belle II experiments. The corresponding data samples have integrated luminosities of 980 and 428 fb${}^{-1}$, respectively. To infer the flavor of the $D^0$ meson, we exploit the correlation between the flavor of the reconstructed decay and the electric charges of particles reconstructed in the rest of the $e^+e^-\to c{\overline c}$ event. This results in a sample which is independent from any other previously used at Belle or Belle II. The result, $A_{CP}(D^0 \to K^0_{\rm S} K^0_{\rm S}) = (1.3 \pm 2.0 \pm 0.2)\%$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic, is consistent with previous determinations and with $CP$ symmetry. △ Less

Submitted 13 October, 2025; v1 submitted 22 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-006, KEK Preprint 2025-4

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 112, 012017 (2025)

Search for lepton-flavor-violating $τ^- \to \ell^- K_s^0$ decays at Belle and Belle II

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, I. Adachi, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, Y. Ahn, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, V. Aushev, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati , et al. (397 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the results of a search for charged-lepton-flavor violating decays $τ^{-} \rightarrow \ell^{-}K_{S}^{0}$, where $\ell^{-}$ is either an electron or a muon. We combine $e^+e^-$ data samples recorded by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider (428 fb$^{-1}$) with samples recorded by the Belle experiment at the KEKB collider (980 fb$^{-1}$) to obtain a sample of 1.3 billion… ▽ More We present the results of a search for charged-lepton-flavor violating decays $τ^{-} \rightarrow \ell^{-}K_{S}^{0}$, where $\ell^{-}$ is either an electron or a muon. We combine $e^+e^-$ data samples recorded by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider (428 fb$^{-1}$) with samples recorded by the Belle experiment at the KEKB collider (980 fb$^{-1}$) to obtain a sample of 1.3 billion $e^+e^-\toτ^+τ^-$ events. We observe 0 and 1 events and set $90\%$ confidence level upper limits of $0.8 \times 10^{-8}$ and $1.2 \times 10^{-8}$ on the branching fractions of the decay modes $τ^{-} \rightarrow e^{-}K_{S}^{0}$ and $τ^{-} \rightarrow μ^{-}K_{S}^{0}$, respectively. These are the most stringent upper limits to date. △ Less

Submitted 22 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Journal ref: J. High Energ. Phys. 2025, 92 (2025)

Test of lepton flavor universality with measurements of $R(D^{+})$ and $R(D^{*+})$ using semileptonic $B$ tagging at the Belle II experiment

Authors: Belle II Collaboration, I. Adachi, K. Adamczyk, L. Aggarwal, H. Ahmed, H. Aihara, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, A. Aloisio, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, M. Angelsmark, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, H. Atmacan, T. Aushev, V. Aushev, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, H. Bae, N. K. Baghel, S. Bahinipati , et al. (428 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report measurements of the ratios of branching fractions ${\cal R}(D^{(*)+}) = \frac{{\cal B}(\overline{B}{}^0 \to D^{(*)+} \,τ^- \, \overlineν_τ)}{{\cal B}(\overline{B}{}^0 \to D^{(*)+} \, \ell^- \, \overlineν_\ell)}$, where $\ell$ denotes either an electron or a muon. These ratios test the universality of the charged-current weak interaction. The results are based on a… ▽ More We report measurements of the ratios of branching fractions ${\cal R}(D^{(*)+}) = \frac{{\cal B}(\overline{B}{}^0 \to D^{(*)+} \,τ^- \, \overlineν_τ)}{{\cal B}(\overline{B}{}^0 \to D^{(*)+} \, \ell^- \, \overlineν_\ell)}$, where $\ell$ denotes either an electron or a muon. These ratios test the universality of the charged-current weak interaction. The results are based on a $365\, \mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ data sample collected with the Belle II detector at the SuperKEKB $e^+e^-$ collider, which operates at a center-of-mass energy corresponding to the $Υ(4S)$ resonance, just above the threshold for $B\overline{B}{}$ production. Signal candidates are reconstructed by selecting events in which the companion $B$ meson from the $Υ(4S) \to B\overline{B}{}$ decay is identified in semileptonic modes. The $τ$ lepton is reconstructed via its leptonic decays. We obtain ${\cal R}(D^+) = 0.418 \pm 0.074 ~({\mathrm{stat}}) \pm 0.051 ~({\mathrm{syst}})$ and ${\cal R}(D^{*+}) = 0.306 \pm 0.034 ~({\mathrm{stat}}) \pm 0.018 ~({\mathrm{syst}})$, which are consistent with world average values. Accounting for the correlation between them, these values differ from the Standard Model expectation by a collective significance of $1.7$ standard deviations. △ Less

Submitted 19 March, 2026; v1 submitted 15 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-011, KEK Preprint 2025-9

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 112, 032010 (2025)

Single Shot AI-assisted quantification of KI-67 proliferation index in breast cancer

Authors: Deepti Madurai Muthu, Priyanka S, Lalitha Rani N, P. G. Kubendran Amos

Abstract: Reliable quantification of Ki-67, a key proliferation marker in breast cancer, is essential for molecular subtyping and informed treatment planning. Conventional approaches, including visual estimation and manual counting, suffer from interobserver variability and limited reproducibility. This study introduces an AI-assisted method using the YOLOv8 object detection framework for automated Ki-67 sc… ▽ More Reliable quantification of Ki-67, a key proliferation marker in breast cancer, is essential for molecular subtyping and informed treatment planning. Conventional approaches, including visual estimation and manual counting, suffer from interobserver variability and limited reproducibility. This study introduces an AI-assisted method using the YOLOv8 object detection framework for automated Ki-67 scoring. High-resolution digital images (40x magnification) of immunohistochemically stained tumor sections were captured from Ki-67 hotspot regions and manually annotated by a domain expert to distinguish Ki-67-positive and negative tumor cells. The dataset was augmented and divided into training (80%), validation (10%), and testing (10%) subsets. Among the YOLOv8 variants tested, the Medium model achieved the highest performance, with a mean Average Precision at 50% Intersection over Union (mAP50) exceeding 85% for Ki-67-positive cells. The proposed approach offers an efficient, scalable, and objective alternative to conventional scoring methods, supporting greater consistency in Ki-67 evaluation. Future directions include developing user-friendly clinical interfaces and expanding to multi-institutional datasets to enhance generalizability and facilitate broader adoption in diagnostic practice. △ Less

Submitted 25 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Measurements of the branching fractions of $Ξ_{c}^{+}\to Σ^{+}K_{S}^{0}$, $Ξ_{c}^{+}\to Ξ^{0}π^{+}$, and $Ξ_{c}^{+}\to Ξ^{0}K^{+}$ at Belle and Belle II

Authors: Belle, Belle II Collaborations, :, I. Adachi, J. K. Ahn, Y. Ahn, N. Akopov, S. Alghamdi, M. Alhakami, N. Althubiti, K. Amos, N. Anh Ky, C. Antonioli, D. M. Asner, M. Aversano, R. Ayad, V. Babu, N. K. Baghel, P. Bambade, Sw. Banerjee, M. Barrett, M. Bartl, J. Baudot, A. Beaubien, F. Becherer , et al. (335 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Using 983.0 $\rm{fb}^{-1}$ and 427.9 $\rm{fb}^{-1}$ data samples collected with the Belle and Belle II detectors at the KEKB and SuperKEKB asymmetric energy $e^+e^-$ colliders, respectively, we present studies of the Cabibbo-favored $Ξ_c^+$ decays ${Ξ_{c}^{+}\to Σ^{+}K_{S}^{0}}$ and $Ξ_{c}^{+}\to Ξ^{0}π^{+}$, and the singly Cabibbo-suppressed decay $Ξ_{c}^{+}\to Ξ^{0}K^{+}$. The ratios of branchin… ▽ More Using 983.0 $\rm{fb}^{-1}$ and 427.9 $\rm{fb}^{-1}$ data samples collected with the Belle and Belle II detectors at the KEKB and SuperKEKB asymmetric energy $e^+e^-$ colliders, respectively, we present studies of the Cabibbo-favored $Ξ_c^+$ decays ${Ξ_{c}^{+}\to Σ^{+}K_{S}^{0}}$ and $Ξ_{c}^{+}\to Ξ^{0}π^{+}$, and the singly Cabibbo-suppressed decay $Ξ_{c}^{+}\to Ξ^{0}K^{+}$. The ratios of branching fractions of ${Ξ_{c}^{+}\to Σ^{+}K_{S}^{0}}$ and $Ξ_{c}^{+}\to Ξ^{0}K^{+}$ relative to that of $Ξ_{c}^{+}\toΞ^{-}π^{+}π^{+}$ are measured for the first time, while the ratio ${\cal B}(Ξ_{c}^{+}\toΞ^{0}π^{+})/{\cal B}(Ξ_{c}^{+}\toΞ^{-}π^{+}π^{+}) $ is also determined and improved by an order of magnitude in precision. The measured branching fraction ratios are $\frac{\cal{B}(Ξ_{c}^{+} \to Σ^{+}K_{S}^{0})}{\cal{B}(Ξ_{c}^{+}\to Ξ^{-}π^{+}π^+)}= 0.067 \pm 0.007 \pm 0.003$, $\frac{\cal{B}(Ξ_c^{+} \to Ξ^{0}π^{+})}{\cal{B}(Ξ_{c}^{+}\to Ξ^{-}π^{+}π^+)} = 0.251 \pm 0.005 \pm 0.010$, $\frac{\cal{B}(Ξ_c^{+} \to Ξ^{0}K^{+})}{\cal{B}(Ξ_{c}^{+}\to Ξ^{-}π^{+}π^+)} = 0.017 \pm 0.003 \pm 0.001$. Additionally, the ratio ${\cal B}(Ξ_{c}^{+}\toΞ^{0}K^{+})/{\cal B}(Ξ_{c}^{+}\toΞ^{0}π^{+})$ is measured to be $ 0.068 \pm 0.010 \pm 0.004$. Here, the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. Multiplying the ratios by the branching fraction of the normalization mode, ${\mathcal B}(Ξ_{c}^{+}\toΞ^{-}π^{+}π^+)= (2.9\pm 1.3)\%$, we obtain the following absolute branching fractions ${\cal B}(Ξ_{c}^{+}\toΣ^{+}K^{0}_{S}) = (0.194 \pm 0.021 \pm 0.009 \pm 0.087 )%$, ${\cal B}(Ξ_{c}^{+}\toΞ^{0}π^{+}) = (0.728 \pm 0.014 \pm 0.027 \pm 0.326 )%$, ${\cal B}(Ξ_{c}^{+}\toΞ^{0}K^{+}) = (0.049 \pm 0.007 \pm 0.003 \pm 0.022 )%$. △ Less

Submitted 29 July, 2025; v1 submitted 22 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 20 pages, 4 figures, 3 Tables; accepted for publication in JHEP

Report number: Belle II Preprint 2025-005; KEK Preprint 2025-2

Journal ref: JHEP08(2025)195

Birds of a Feather Undermine Equity: A Strategy to Align Intent and Outcome in Team-Based Learning in Higher Education

Authors: P G Kubendran Amos

Abstract: Efforts to promote equity in higher education often rely on shared intent among instructors and students. Yet, as demonstrated in this study, when students form their own teams for Team-Based Learning (TBL) tasks, they unintentionally cluster with peers of similar socio-economic backgrounds, ultimately undermining equity. This study introduces a simple strategy to facilitate equitable team formati… ▽ More Efforts to promote equity in higher education often rely on shared intent among instructors and students. Yet, as demonstrated in this study, when students form their own teams for Team-Based Learning (TBL) tasks, they unintentionally cluster with peers of similar socio-economic backgrounds, ultimately undermining equity. This study introduces a simple strategy to facilitate equitable team formation through a quantitative reflection of students' socio-economic backgrounds and their self-perceived preparedness. When applied, the strategy yielded balanced teams and improved performance. In its absence, team compositions became skewed and class performance declined. These findings highlight a behavioural gap between intent and outcome and underscore the need for structural supports to translate equity goals into practice. △ Less

Submitted 21 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Interpretable MA-island clusters and fingerprints relating bainite microstructures to composition and processing temperature

Authors: Vinod Kumar, Sharukh Hussain, Priyanka S, P G Kubendran Amos

Abstract: Realising the affect of composition and processing condition on bainite microstructures is often challenging, owing to the intricate distribution of the constituent phases. In this work, scanning electron micrographs of non-isothermally transformed bainite, with martensite-austenite (MA) islands, are analysed to relate the microstructures to the composition and quench-stop temperature. The inadequ… ▽ More Realising the affect of composition and processing condition on bainite microstructures is often challenging, owing to the intricate distribution of the constituent phases. In this work, scanning electron micrographs of non-isothermally transformed bainite, with martensite-austenite (MA) islands, are analysed to relate the microstructures to the composition and quench-stop temperature. The inadequacy of the MA-islands' geometric features, namely aspect ratio, polygon area and compactness, in establishing this relation is made evident from Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence at the outset. Clustering the bainite microstructures, following a combination of feature extraction and dimensionality reduction, further fails to realise the affect of composition and processing temperature. Deep-learning analysis of the individual MA islands, in contrast to the bainite microstructures, yields interpretable clusters with characteristically distinct size and morphology. These five clusters, referred to as fine- and coarse-dendrite, fine- and coarse-polygon and elongated, are exceptionally discernible and can be adopted to describe any MA island. Characterising the bainite microstructures, based on the distribution of the interpretable MA-island clusters, generates \textit{fingerprints} that sufficiently relates the composition and processing conditions with the microstructures. △ Less

Submitted 13 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

The inadequacy of the geometric features of MA islands in relating bainite microstructures to composition and processing conditions

Authors: Vinod Kumar, Sharukh Hussain, Priyanka S, P G Kubendran Amos

Abstract: Achieving desired properties in bainite steels with MA islands demands understanding the affect of processing conditions and composition on their size and morphology. Generally, this understanding is gained by studying the change in the size and morphology of the MA islands with composition and the processing conditions. In the present work, around 8500 MA islands dispersed across of approximately… ▽ More Achieving desired properties in bainite steels with MA islands demands understanding the affect of processing conditions and composition on their size and morphology. Generally, this understanding is gained by studying the change in the size and morphology of the MA islands with composition and the processing conditions. In the present work, around 8500 MA islands dispersed across of approximately 1500 bainite microstructures are investigated to comprehend the influence of composition and heat treatment cycle on the geometric features. The geometric features considered in this study include polygon area metric, compactness and aspect ratio. A thorough statistical analysis of these features across bainite steels of different compositions and processing conditions unravel that, though there are minor changes, no characteristic variation is introduced in the size and morphology of the MA islands. In other words, the distribution of the various forms of MA islands are almost identical in bainite steels of different chemistry and heat treatment, thereby indicating the inadequacy of geometric features in explicating the affect of processing conditions on microstructure. △ Less

Submitted 13 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

An alternate approach for estimating grain-growth kinetics

Authors: Manoj Prabakar, P G Kubendran Amos

Abstract: Rate of grain growth, which aides in achieving desired properties in polycrystalline materials, is conventionally estimated by measuring the size of grains and tracking its change in micrographs reflecting the temporal evolution. Techniques adopting this conventional approach demand an absolute distinction between the grains and the interface separating them to yield an accurate result. Edge-detec… ▽ More Rate of grain growth, which aides in achieving desired properties in polycrystalline materials, is conventionally estimated by measuring the size of grains and tracking its change in micrographs reflecting the temporal evolution. Techniques adopting this conventional approach demand an absolute distinction between the grains and the interface separating them to yield an accurate result. Edge-detection, segmentation and other deep-learning algorithms are increasingly adopted to expose the network of boundaries and the associated grains precisely. An alternate approach for measuring grain-growth kinetics, that curtails the need for advanced image-processing treatment, is presented in this work. Grain-growth rate in the current technique is ascertained by \textit{counting} the number of triple-( and quadruple-) junctions, and monitoring its change during the microstructural evolution. The shifted focus of this junction-based treatment minimises the significance of a well-defined grain-boundary network, and consequently, the involvement of the sophisticated techniques that expose them. A regression-based object-detection algorithm is extended to realise, and count, the number of junctions in polycrystalline microstructures. By examining the change in the number of junctions with time, the growth rate is subsequently determined.Growth kinetics estimated by the present junction-based approach, across a wide-range of multiphase polycrystalline microstructures, agree convincingly with the outcomes of the conventional treatment.Besides offering a novel technique for grain-growth measurement, the analysis accompanying the current work unravels a trend, compatible with the topological events, in the progressive evolution of the triple-junctions count. The present approach, through its underlying algorithm, provides a promising option for monitoring grain-growth during in-situ investigations. △ Less

Submitted 13 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Befriending ChatGPT and other superchatbots: An AI-integrated take-home assessment preserving integrity

Authors: P G Kubendran Amos

Abstract: With the launch of ChatGPT, serious concerns have reasonably been raised of its ill-effect on the integrity of remote take-home exams. By way of mitigating the concern, in this study, a rather straightforward Artificial-Intelligence (AI)-integrated take-home assessment technique is proposed, and the outcome of its practice is discussed. Despite involving AI, in the form of ChatGPT, the assessment… ▽ More With the launch of ChatGPT, serious concerns have reasonably been raised of its ill-effect on the integrity of remote take-home exams. By way of mitigating the concern, in this study, a rather straightforward Artificial-Intelligence (AI)-integrated take-home assessment technique is proposed, and the outcome of its practice is discussed. Despite involving AI, in the form of ChatGPT, the assessment adheres to the convention of posing questions invoking critical thinking and problem solving skills. However, AI is characteristically integrated in this assessment by instructing the learners to employ ChatGPT as one of the primary sources. The learners are directed to report the use of ChatGPT by including both the prompts and its responses, before expressing their thoughts on AI-generated answers and their own concluding statement. These three characteristic components of the present techniques -- the handling of ChatGPT through the prompts, comments on the AI-responses and the concluding thoughts -- are evaluated to gauge the learning. The proposed assessment was assigned as a take-home group activity for a batch of seventy eight students, divided into thirteen groups. Despite addressing the same questions, there was no significant overlap in the answers. Moreover, a wide range of approaches were adopted by the groups in handling ChatGPT, which in-turn rendered different responses, ultimately drawing distinct answers. Besides preventing the undesired use of ChatGPT by explicitly integrating it, the proposed assessment seemingly helped the learners question the accuracy of its responses. This self-realised skepticism can be expected to curtail blatant malpractices involving ChatGPT in the long run. △ Less

Submitted 3 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Accessing topological feature of polycrystalline microstructure using object detection technique

Authors: Mridhula Venkatanarayanan, P G Kubendran Amos

Abstract: Faces-classes of grains, often referred to as topological features, largely dictate the evolution of polycrystalline microstructures during grain growth. Realising these topological features is generally an arduous task, often demanding sophisticated techniques. In the present work, a distinct machine-learning algorithm is extended for the first time to comprehend the topological distribution of t… ▽ More Faces-classes of grains, often referred to as topological features, largely dictate the evolution of polycrystalline microstructures during grain growth. Realising these topological features is generally an arduous task, often demanding sophisticated techniques. In the present work, a distinct machine-learning algorithm is extended for the first time to comprehend the topological distribution of the grains constituting a polycrystalline continuum. This regression-based object-detection approach, besides significantly reducing human-efforts and ensuring computational efficiency, predicts the face-class of the grains by introducing appropriate bounding boxes. After sufficient training and validation, over 500 epochs, the current model exhibits a remarkable overlap with the ground truth that encompasses manually realised topological features of the polycrystalline microstructures. Accuracy of this treatment is further substantiated by relevant statistical studies including precision-recall analysis. The model is exposed to unknown test dataset and its performance is assessed by comparing its predictions with the labelled microstructures. Reflecting the statistical accuracy, a strong agreement between the algorithm-predictions and the ground truth is noticeable in these comparative studies involving polycrystalline systems with varying number of grains. △ Less

Submitted 30 December, 2022; originally announced December 2022.