Showing 1–50 of 519 results for author: Gras, S

Search for planetary-mass ultra-compact binaries using data from the first part of the LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA fourth observing run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1743 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present a search for gravitational waves from inspiraling, planetary-mass ultra-compact binaries using data from the first part of the fourth observing run of LIGO, Virgo and KAGRA. Finding no evidence of such systems, we determine the maximum distance reach for such objects and their merger rate densities, independently of how they could have formed. Then, we identify classes of primordial bla… ▽ More We present a search for gravitational waves from inspiraling, planetary-mass ultra-compact binaries using data from the first part of the fourth observing run of LIGO, Virgo and KAGRA. Finding no evidence of such systems, we determine the maximum distance reach for such objects and their merger rate densities, independently of how they could have formed. Then, we identify classes of primordial black-hole mass distributions for which these rate limits can be translated into relevant constraints on the mass distribution of primordial black holes, assuming that they compose all of dark matter, in the mass range $[10^{-6},10^{-3}]M_\odot$. Our constraints are consistent with existing microlensing results in the planetary-mass range, and provide a complementary probe to sub-solar mass objects. △ Less

Submitted 5 December, 2025; v1 submitted 24 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 6 pages (main) + 7 pages (appendix) + refs; 8 figures

Report number: P2500248

All-sky search for continuous gravitational-wave signals from unknown neutron stars in binary systems in the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1743 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the results of a blind all-sky search for continuous gravitational-wave signals from neutron stars in binary systems using data from the first part of the fourth observing run (O4a) using LIGO detectors data. Rapidly rotating, non-axisymmetric neutron stars are expected to emit continuous gravitational waves, whose detection would significantly improve our understanding of the galactic… ▽ More We present the results of a blind all-sky search for continuous gravitational-wave signals from neutron stars in binary systems using data from the first part of the fourth observing run (O4a) using LIGO detectors data. Rapidly rotating, non-axisymmetric neutron stars are expected to emit continuous gravitational waves, whose detection would significantly improve our understanding of the galactic neutron star population and matter under extreme conditions, while also providing valuable tests of general relativity. Neutron stars in binary systems likely constitute a substantial fraction of the unobserved galactic population and, due to potential mass accretion, may emit stronger gravitational-wave signals than their isolated counterparts. This search targets signals from neutron stars with frequencies in the 100-350 Hz range, with orbital periods between 7 and 15 days and projected semi-major axes between 5 and 15 light-seconds. The analysis employs the GPU-accelerated fasttracks pipeline. No credible astrophysical signals were identified, and, in the absence of a detection, we report search sensitivity estimates on the population of neutron stars in binary systems in the Milky Way. △ Less

Submitted 4 December, 2025; v1 submitted 20 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 24 pages, 18 figures, 6 tables

Report number: LIGO-P2500437

Direct multi-model dark-matter search with gravitational-wave interferometers using data from the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1745 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Gravitational-wave detectors can probe the existence of dark matter with exquisite sensitivity. Here, we perform a search for three kinds of dark matter -- dilatons (spin-0), dark photons (spin-1) and tensor bosons (spin-2) -- using three independent methods on the first part of the most recent data from the fourth observing run of LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA. Each form of dark matter could have interacted… ▽ More Gravitational-wave detectors can probe the existence of dark matter with exquisite sensitivity. Here, we perform a search for three kinds of dark matter -- dilatons (spin-0), dark photons (spin-1) and tensor bosons (spin-2) -- using three independent methods on the first part of the most recent data from the fourth observing run of LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA. Each form of dark matter could have interacted with different standard-model particles in the instruments, causing unique differential strains on the interferometers. While we do not find any evidence for a signal, we place the most stringent upper limits to-date on each of these models. For scalars with masses between $[4\times 10^{-14},1.5\times 10^{-13}]$ eV that couple to photons or electrons, our constraints improve upon those from the third observing run by one order of magnitude, with the tightest limit of $\sim 10^{-20}\,\text{GeV}^{-1}$ at a mass of $\sim2\times 10^{-13}\text{ eV}$. For vectors with masses between $[7\times 10^{-13},8.47\times 10^{-12}]$ eV that couple to baryons, our constraints supersede those from MICROSCOPE and Eöt-Wash by one to two orders of magnitude, reaching a minimum of $\sim 5\times 10^{-24}$ at a mass of $\sim 10^{-12}$ eV. For tensors with masses of $[4\times 10^{-14},8.47\times 10^{-12}]$ eV (the full mass range analyzed) that couple via a Yukawa interaction, our constraints surpass those from fifth-force experiments by four to five orders of magnitude, achieving a limit as low as $\sim 8\times 10^{-9}$ at $\sim2\times 10^{-13}$ eV. Our results show that gravitational-wave interferometers have become frontiers for new physics and laboratories for direct multi-model dark-matter detection. △ Less

Submitted 11 December, 2025; v1 submitted 30 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 9 pages, 1 figure (+1 figure in appendix)

Report number: P2500252

GW241011 and GW241110: Exploring Binary Formation and Fundamental Physics with Asymmetric, High-Spin Black Hole Coalescence

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1761 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the observation of gravitational waves from two binary black hole coalescences during the fourth observing run of the LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA detector network, GW241011 and GW241110. The sources of these two signals are characterized by rapid and precisely measured primary spins, non-negligible spin--orbit misalignment, and unequal mass ratios between their constituent black holes. These prop… ▽ More We report the observation of gravitational waves from two binary black hole coalescences during the fourth observing run of the LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA detector network, GW241011 and GW241110. The sources of these two signals are characterized by rapid and precisely measured primary spins, non-negligible spin--orbit misalignment, and unequal mass ratios between their constituent black holes. These properties are characteristic of binaries in which the more massive object was itself formed from a previous binary black hole merger, and suggest that the sources of GW241011 and GW241110 may have formed in dense stellar environments in which repeated mergers can take place. As the third loudest gravitational-wave event published to date, with a median network signal-to-noise ratio of $36.0$, GW241011 furthermore yields stringent constraints on the Kerr nature of black holes, the multipolar structure of gravitational-wave generation, and the existence of ultralight bosons within the mass range $10^{-13}$--$10^{-12}$ eV. △ Less

Submitted 30 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: Data available from Zenodo (https://zenodo.org/records/17343574) or the Gravitational-Wave Open Science Center (https://gwosc.org)

Report number: LIGO-P2500402

Journal ref: Astrophys. J. Letters, 993, L21 (2025)

Cosmological and High Energy Physics implications from gravitational-wave background searches in LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA's O1-O4a runs

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1747 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We search for gravitational-wave background signals produced by various early Universe processes in the Advanced LIGO O4a dataset, combined with the data from the earlier O1, O2, and O3 (LIGO-Virgo) runs. The absence of detectable signals enables powerful constraints on fundamental physics. We derive gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits from the O1-O4a data to constrain parame… ▽ More We search for gravitational-wave background signals produced by various early Universe processes in the Advanced LIGO O4a dataset, combined with the data from the earlier O1, O2, and O3 (LIGO-Virgo) runs. The absence of detectable signals enables powerful constraints on fundamental physics. We derive gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits from the O1-O4a data to constrain parameters associated with various possible processes in the early Universe: first-order phase transitions, cosmic strings, domain walls, stiff equation of state, axion inflation, second-order scalar perturbations, primordial black hole binaries, and parity violation. In our analyses, the presence of an astrophysical background produced by compact (black hole and neutron star) binary coalescences throughout the Universe is also considered. We address the implications for various cosmological and high energy physics models based on the obtained parameter constraints. We conclude that LIGO-Virgo data already yield significant constraints on numerous early Universe scenarios. △ Less

Submitted 7 November, 2025; v1 submitted 30 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: Main paper: 45 pages, 20 figures

Report number: LIGO-PP2500150

Directional Search for Persistent Gravitational Waves: Results from the First Part of LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA's Fourth Observing Run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1743 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The angular distribution of gravitational-wave power from persistent sources may exhibit anisotropies arising from the large-scale structure of the Universe. This motivates directional searches for astrophysical and cosmological gravitational-wave backgrounds, as well as continuous-wave emitters. We present results of such a search using data from the first observing run through the first portion… ▽ More The angular distribution of gravitational-wave power from persistent sources may exhibit anisotropies arising from the large-scale structure of the Universe. This motivates directional searches for astrophysical and cosmological gravitational-wave backgrounds, as well as continuous-wave emitters. We present results of such a search using data from the first observing run through the first portion of the fourth observing run of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaborations. We apply gravitational-wave radiometer techniques to generate skymaps and search for both narrowband and broadband persistent gravitational-wave sources. Additionally, we use spherical harmonic decomposition to probe spatially extended sources. No evidence of persistent gravitational-wave signals is found, and we set the most stringent constraints to date on such emissions. For narrowband point sources, our sensitivity estimate to effective strain amplitude lies in the range $(0.03 - 8.4) \times 10^{-24}$ across all sky and frequency range $(20 - 160)$ Hz. For targeted sources -- Scorpius X-1, SN 1987A, the Galactic Center, Terzan 5, and NGC 6397 -- we constrain the strain amplitude with best limits ranging from $\sim 1.1 \times 10^{-25}$ to $6.5 \times 10^{-24}$. For persistent broadband sources, we constrain the gravitational-wave flux $F_{α, \hat{n}}^{95\%, \mathrm{UL}}(25\, \mathrm{Hz}) < (0.008 - 5.5) \times 10^{-8}\, \mathrm{erg\, cm^{-2}\, s^{-1}\, Hz^{-1}}$, depending on the sky direction $\hat{n}$ and spectral index $α=0,\,2/3,\,3$. Finally, for extended sources, we place upper limits on the strain angular power spectrum $C_\ell^{1/2} < (0.63 - 17) \times 10^{-10} \,\mathrm{sr}^{-1}$. △ Less

Submitted 20 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: Main paper: 11 pages and 4 figures; Total with appendices: 39 pages and 12 figures

Report number: LIGO-P250038

GW250114: testing Hawking's area law and the Kerr nature of black holes

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1763 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The gravitational-wave signal GW250114 was observed by the two LIGO detectors with a network matched-filter signal-to-noise ratio of 80. The signal was emitted by the coalescence of two black holes with near-equal masses $m_1 = 33.6^{+1.2}_{-0.8}\,M_\odot$ and $m_2 = 32.2^{+0.8}_{-1.3}\,M_\odot$, and small spins $χ_{1,2} \leq 0.26$ (90% credibility) and negligible eccentricity $e \leq 0.03$. Post-… ▽ More The gravitational-wave signal GW250114 was observed by the two LIGO detectors with a network matched-filter signal-to-noise ratio of 80. The signal was emitted by the coalescence of two black holes with near-equal masses $m_1 = 33.6^{+1.2}_{-0.8}\,M_\odot$ and $m_2 = 32.2^{+0.8}_{-1.3}\,M_\odot$, and small spins $χ_{1,2} \leq 0.26$ (90% credibility) and negligible eccentricity $e \leq 0.03$. Post-merger data excluding the peak region are consistent with the dominant quadrupolar $(\ell = |m| = 2)$ mode of a Kerr black hole and its first overtone. We constrain the modes' frequencies to $\pm 30\%$ of the Kerr spectrum, providing a test of the remnant's Kerr nature. We also examine Hawking's area law, also known as the second law of black hole mechanics, which states that the total area of the black hole event horizons cannot decrease with time. A range of analyses that exclude up to 5 of the strongest merger cycles confirm that the remnant area is larger than the sum of the initial areas to high credibility. △ Less

Submitted 9 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 6 pages, 5 figures (plus supplement)

Report number: LIGO-P2500421

Directed searches for gravitational waves from ultralight vector boson clouds around merger remnant and galactic black holes during the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1747 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the first directed searches for long-transient and continuous gravitational waves from ultralight vector boson clouds around known black holes (BHs). We use LIGO data from the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run. The searches target two distinct types of BHs and use two new semicoherent methods: hidden Markov model (HMM) tracking for the remnant BHs of the mergers GW… ▽ More We present the first directed searches for long-transient and continuous gravitational waves from ultralight vector boson clouds around known black holes (BHs). We use LIGO data from the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run. The searches target two distinct types of BHs and use two new semicoherent methods: hidden Markov model (HMM) tracking for the remnant BHs of the mergers GW230814_230901 and GW231123_135430 (referred to as GW230814 and GW231123 in this study), and a dedicated method using the Band Sampled Data (BSD) framework for the galactic BH in the Cygnus X-1 binary system. Without finding evidence of a signal from vector bosons in the data, we estimate the mass range that can be constrained. For the HMM searches targeting the remnants from GW231123 and GW230814, we disfavor vector boson masses in the ranges $[0.94, 1.08]$ and $[2.75, 3.28] \times 10^{-13}$ eV, respectively, at 30% confidence, assuming a 1% false alarm probability. Although these searches are only marginally sensitive to signals from merger remnants at relatively large distances, future observations are expected to yield more stringent constraints with high confidence. For the BSD search targeting the BH in Cygnus X-1, we exclude vector boson masses in the range $[0.85, 1.59] \times 10^{-13}$ eV at 95% confidence, assuming an initial BH spin larger than 0.5. △ Less

Submitted 14 September, 2025; v1 submitted 8 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 33 pages, 4 figures

Report number: LIGO-P2500256

GWTC-4.0: Constraints on the Cosmic Expansion Rate and Modified Gravitational-wave Propagation

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1750 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We analyze data from 142 of the 218 gravitational-wave (GW) sources in the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration (LVK) Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC-4.0) to estimate the Hubble constant $H_0$ jointly with the population properties of merging compact binaries. We measure the luminosity distance and redshifted masses of GW sources directly; in contrast, we infer GW source redshifts stat… ▽ More We analyze data from 142 of the 218 gravitational-wave (GW) sources in the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration (LVK) Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC-4.0) to estimate the Hubble constant $H_0$ jointly with the population properties of merging compact binaries. We measure the luminosity distance and redshifted masses of GW sources directly; in contrast, we infer GW source redshifts statistically through i) location of features in the compact object mass spectrum and merger rate evolution, and ii) identifying potential host galaxies in the GW localization volume. Probing the relationship between source luminosity distances and redshifts obtained in this way yields constraints on cosmological parameters. We also constrain parameterized deviations from general relativity which affect GW propagation, specifically those modifying the dependence of a GW signal on the source luminosity distance. Assuming our fiducial model for the source-frame mass distribution and using GW candidates detected up to the end of the fourth observing run (O4a), together with the GLADE+ all-sky galaxy catalog, we estimate $H_0 = 76.6^{+13.0}_{-9.5} (76.6^{+25.2}_{-14.0})$ km s$^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-1}$. This value is reported as a median with 68.3% (90%) symmetric credible interval, and includes combination with the $H_0$ measurement from GW170817 and its electromagnetic counterpart. Using a parametrization of modified GW propagation in terms of the magnitude parameter $Ξ_0$, we estimate $Ξ_0 = 1.2^{+0.8}_{-0.4} (1.2^{+2.4}_{-0.5})$, where $Ξ_0 = 1$ recovers the behavior of general relativity. △ Less

Submitted 7 October, 2025; v1 submitted 4 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: As part of the Astrophysical Journal Letters Focus Issue on the Gravitational Wave Transient Catalog

Report number: LIGO-P2400152

Upper Limits on the Isotropic Gravitational-Wave Background from the first part of LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA's fourth Observing Run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1751 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present results from the search for an isotropic gravitational-wave background using Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo data from O1 through O4a, the first part of the fourth observing run. This background is the accumulated signal from unresolved sources throughout cosmic history and encodes information about the merger history of compact binaries throughout the Universe, as well as exotic physi… ▽ More We present results from the search for an isotropic gravitational-wave background using Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo data from O1 through O4a, the first part of the fourth observing run. This background is the accumulated signal from unresolved sources throughout cosmic history and encodes information about the merger history of compact binaries throughout the Universe, as well as exotic physics and potentially primordial processes from the early cosmos. Our cross-correlation analysis reveals no statistically significant background signal, enabling us to constrain several theoretical scenarios. For compact binary coalescences which approximately follow a 2/3 power-law spectrum, we constrain the fractional energy density to $Ω_{\rm GW}(25{\rm Hz})\leq 2.0\times 10^{-9}$ (95% cred.), a factor of 1.7 improvement over previous results. Scale-invariant backgrounds are constrained to $Ω_{\rm GW}(25{\rm Hz})\leq 2.8\times 10^{-9}$, representing a 2.1x sensitivity gain. We also place new limits on gravity theories predicting non-standard polarization modes and confirm that terrestrial magnetic noise sources remain below detection threshold. Combining these spectral limits with population models for GWTC-4, the latest gravitational-wave event catalog, we find our constraints remain above predicted merger backgrounds but are approaching detectability. The joint analysis combining the background limits shown here with the GWTC-4 catalog enables improved inference of the binary black hole merger rate evolution across cosmic time. Employing GWTC-4 inference results and standard modeling choices, we estimate that the total background arising from compact binary coalescences is $Ω_{\rm CBC}(25{\rm Hz})={0.9^{+1.1}_{-0.5}\times 10^{-9}}$ at 90% confidence, where the largest contribution is due to binary black holes only, $Ω_{\rm BBH}(25{\rm Hz})=0.8^{+1.1}_{-0.5}\times 10^{-9}$. △ Less

Submitted 28 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 31 pages, 7 figures

Report number: LIGO-P2500349

GWTC-4.0: Population Properties of Merging Compact Binaries

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, M. Aghaei Abchouyeh, O. D. Aguiar, S. Ahmadzadeh, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi , et al. (1783 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We detail the population properties of merging compact objects using 158 mergers from the cumulative Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog 4.0, which includes three types of binary mergers: binary neutron star, neutron star--black hole binary, and binary black hole mergers. We resolve multiple over- and under-densities in the black hole mass distribution: features persist at primary masses of… ▽ More We detail the population properties of merging compact objects using 158 mergers from the cumulative Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog 4.0, which includes three types of binary mergers: binary neutron star, neutron star--black hole binary, and binary black hole mergers. We resolve multiple over- and under-densities in the black hole mass distribution: features persist at primary masses of $10\,M_\odot$ and $35\,M_\odot$ with a possible third feature at $\sim 20\,M_\odot$. These are departures from an otherwise power-law-like continuum that steepens above $35\,M_\odot$. Binary black holes with primary masses near $10\,M_\odot$ are more likely to have less massive secondaries, with a mass ratio distribution peaking at $q = 0.74^{+0.13}_{-0.13}$, potentially a signature of stable mass transfer during binary evolution. Black hole spins are inferred to be non-extremal, with 90\% of black holes having $χ< 0.57$, and preferentially aligned with binary orbits, implying many merging binaries form in isolation. However, we find a significant fraction, 0.24-0.42, of binaries have negative effective inspiral spins, suggesting many could be formed dynamically in gas-free environments. We find evidence for correlation between effective inspiral spin and mass ratio, though it is unclear if this is driven by variation in the mode of the distribution or the width. (Abridged) △ Less

Submitted 17 September, 2025; v1 submitted 25 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: As part of the Astrophysical Journal Letters Focus Issue on the Gravitational Wave Transient Catalog

Report number: LIGO-P2400004

GWTC-4.0: Updating the Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog with Observations from the First Part of the Fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Observing Run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1748 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Version 4.0 of the Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC-4.0) adds new candidates detected by the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA observatories through the first part of the fourth observing run (O4a: 2023 May 24 15:00:00 to 2024 January 16 16:00:00 UTC) and a preceding engineering run. In this new data, we find 128 new compact binary coalescence candidates that are identified by at least one of our s… ▽ More Version 4.0 of the Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC-4.0) adds new candidates detected by the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA observatories through the first part of the fourth observing run (O4a: 2023 May 24 15:00:00 to 2024 January 16 16:00:00 UTC) and a preceding engineering run. In this new data, we find 128 new compact binary coalescence candidates that are identified by at least one of our search algorithms with a probability of astrophysical origin $p_{\rm astro} \geq 0.5$ and that are not vetoed during event validation. We also provide detailed source property measurements for 86 of these that have a false alarm rate $< 1 \rm{yr}^{-1}$. Based on the inferred component masses, these new candidates are consistent with signals from binary black holes and neutron star-black hole binaries (GW230518_125908 and GW230529_181500). Median inferred component masses of binary black holes in the catalog now range from $5.79\,M_\odot$ (GW230627_015337) to $137\,M_\odot$ (GW231123_135430), while GW231123_135430 was probably produced by the most massive binary observed in the catalog. For the first time we have discovered binary black hole signals with network signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 30, GW230814_230901 and GW231226_01520, enabling high-fidelity studies of the waveforms and astrophysical properties of these systems. Combined with the 90 candidates included in GWTC-3.0, the catalog now contains 218 candidates with $p_{\rm astro} \geq 0.5$ and not otherwise vetoed, doubling the size of the catalog and further opening our view of the gravitational-wave Universe. △ Less

Submitted 8 September, 2025; v1 submitted 25 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: As part of the Astrophysical Journal Letters Focus Issue on the Gravitational Wave Transient Catalog

Report number: LIGO-P2400386

GWTC-4.0: Methods for Identifying and Characterizing Gravitational-wave Transients

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, M. Aghaei Abchouyeh, O. D. Aguiar, S. Ahmadzadeh, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, S. Akcay, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi , et al. (1787 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC) is a collection of candidate gravitational-wave transient signals identified and characterized by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration. Producing the contents of the GWTC from detector data requires complex analysis methods. These comprise techniques to model the signal; identify the transients in the data; evaluate the quality of the data and mitigate… ▽ More The Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC) is a collection of candidate gravitational-wave transient signals identified and characterized by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration. Producing the contents of the GWTC from detector data requires complex analysis methods. These comprise techniques to model the signal; identify the transients in the data; evaluate the quality of the data and mitigate possible instrumental issues; infer the parameters of each transient; compare the data with the waveform models for compact binary coalescences; and handle the large amount of results associated with all these different analyses. In this paper, we describe the methods employed to produce the catalog's fourth release, GWTC-4.0, focusing on the analysis of the first part of the fourth observing run of Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA. △ Less

Submitted 25 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: As part of the Astrophysical Journal Letters Focus Issue on the Gravitational Wave Transient Catalog

Report number: LIGO-P2400300

GWTC-4.0: An Introduction to Version 4.0 of the Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, M. Aghaei Abchouyeh, O. D. Aguiar, S. Ahmadzadeh, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, S. Akcay, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi , et al. (1786 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC) is a collection of short-duration (transient) gravitational wave signals identified by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration in gravitational-wave data produced by the eponymous detectors. The catalog provides information about the identified candidates, such as the arrival time and amplitude of the signal and properties of the signal's source as inferr… ▽ More The Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC) is a collection of short-duration (transient) gravitational wave signals identified by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration in gravitational-wave data produced by the eponymous detectors. The catalog provides information about the identified candidates, such as the arrival time and amplitude of the signal and properties of the signal's source as inferred from the observational data. GWTC is the data release of this dataset and version 4.0 extends the catalog to include observations made during the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run up until 2024 January 31. This paper marks an introduction to a collection of articles related to this version of the catalog, GWTC-4.0. The collection of articles accompanying the catalog provides documentation of the methods used to analyze the data, summaries of the catalog of events, observational measurements drawn from the population, and detailed discussions of selected candidates △ Less

Submitted 23 September, 2025; v1 submitted 25 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: As part of the Astrophysical Journal Letters Focus Issue on the Gravitational Wave Transient Catalog. Update following peer review

Report number: LIGO-P2400293

Open Data from LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA through the First Part of the Fourth Observing Run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1746 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA form a network of gravitational-wave observatories. Data and analysis results from this network are made publicly available through the Gravitational Wave Open Science Center. This paper describes open data from this network, including the addition of data from the first part of the fourth observing run (O4a) and selected periods from the preceding engineering run, collected… ▽ More LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA form a network of gravitational-wave observatories. Data and analysis results from this network are made publicly available through the Gravitational Wave Open Science Center. This paper describes open data from this network, including the addition of data from the first part of the fourth observing run (O4a) and selected periods from the preceding engineering run, collected from May 2023 to January 2024. The public data set includes calibrated strain time series for each instrument, data from additional channels used for noise subtraction and detector characterization, and analysis data products from version 4.0 of the Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog. △ Less

Submitted 4 November, 2025; v1 submitted 25 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 26 pages. The version updates Table 3, updates the author list, removes one figure, and updates some text for clarity and grammar

Report number: LIGO-P2500167

All-sky search for long-duration gravitational-wave transients in the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Observing run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1750 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present an all-sky search for long-duration gravitational waves (GWs) from the first part of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA fourth observing run (O4), called O4a and comprising data taken between 24 May 2023 and 16 January 2024. The GW signals targeted by this search are the so-called "long-duration" (> 1 s) transients expected from a variety of astrophysical processes, including non-axisymmetric deforma… ▽ More We present an all-sky search for long-duration gravitational waves (GWs) from the first part of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA fourth observing run (O4), called O4a and comprising data taken between 24 May 2023 and 16 January 2024. The GW signals targeted by this search are the so-called "long-duration" (> 1 s) transients expected from a variety of astrophysical processes, including non-axisymmetric deformations in magnetars or eccentric binary coalescences. We make minimal assumptions on the emitted GW waveforms in terms of morphologies and durations. Overall, our search targets signals with durations ~1-1000 s and frequency content in the range 16-2048 Hz. In the absence of significant detections, we report the sensitivity limits of our search in terms of root-sum-square signal amplitude (hrss) of reference waveforms. These limits improve upon the results from the third LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run (O3) by about 30% on average. Moreover, this analysis demonstrates substantial progress in our ability to search for long-duration GW signals owing to enhancements in pipeline detection efficiencies. As detector sensitivities continue to advance and observational runs grow longer, unmodeled long-duration searches will increasingly be able to explore a range of compelling astrophysical scenarios involving neutron stars and black holes. △ Less

Submitted 23 July, 2025; v1 submitted 16 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Report number: LIGO-P2500090-v6

GW231123: a Binary Black Hole Merger with Total Mass 190-265 $M_{\odot}$

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1749 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: On 2023 November 23 the two LIGO observatories both detected GW231123, a gravitational-wave signal consistent with the merger of two black holes with masses $137^{+23}_{-18}\, M_\odot$ and $101^{+22}_{-50}\, M_\odot$ (90\% credible intervals), at luminosity distance 0.7-4.1 Gpc and redshift of $0.40^{+0.27}_{-0.25}$, and a network signal-to-noise ratio of $\sim$20.7. Both black holes exhibit high… ▽ More On 2023 November 23 the two LIGO observatories both detected GW231123, a gravitational-wave signal consistent with the merger of two black holes with masses $137^{+23}_{-18}\, M_\odot$ and $101^{+22}_{-50}\, M_\odot$ (90\% credible intervals), at luminosity distance 0.7-4.1 Gpc and redshift of $0.40^{+0.27}_{-0.25}$, and a network signal-to-noise ratio of $\sim$20.7. Both black holes exhibit high spins, $0.9^{+0.10}_{-0.19}$ and $0.80^{+0.20}_{-0.52}$ respectively. A massive black hole remnant is supported by an independent ringdown analysis. Some properties of GW231123 are subject to large systematic uncertainties, as indicated by differences in inferred parameters between signal models. The primary black hole lies within or above the theorized mass gap where black holes between 60-130 $M_\odot$ should be rare due to pair instability mechanisms, while the secondary spans the gap. The observation of GW231123 therefore suggests the formation of black holes from channels beyond standard stellar collapse, and that intermediate-mass black holes of mass $\sim$200 $M_\odot$ form through gravitational-wave driven mergers. △ Less

Submitted 10 November, 2025; v1 submitted 10 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 27 pages, 10 figures

Report number: DCC: P2500026-v8

Journal ref: ApJL 993 L25 (2025)

Low thermal noise mirror coatings utilising titanium dioxide and germanium dioxide mixtures

Authors: M. Fazio, I. W. Martin, P. Hill, M. Ben Yaala, M. Chicoine, C. Clark, N. Demos, M. M. Fejer, D. Gibson, S. Gras, J. Hough, A. Markosyan, G. McGhee, S. Rowan, J. Smith, F. Schiettekatte, S. Tait, G. Vajente, S. Reid

Abstract: Upgrades to ground-based gravitational-wave observatories will require mirror coatings with reduced thermal noise, enabling improved detector sensitivity and extended astrophysical reach. Recent studies have shown that optical coatings utilising amorphous materials that exhibit a larger fraction of corner-sharing between adjacent structural units of metal-centered polyhedra are a promising route f… ▽ More Upgrades to ground-based gravitational-wave observatories will require mirror coatings with reduced thermal noise, enabling improved detector sensitivity and extended astrophysical reach. Recent studies have shown that optical coatings utilising amorphous materials that exhibit a larger fraction of corner-sharing between adjacent structural units of metal-centered polyhedra are a promising route for reducing mechanical dissipation and thus thermal noise at room temperature. We report on multilayer optical coatings that are fabricated using germanium dioxide mixed with titanium dioxide (TiO$_2$:GeO$_2$) for the high index layers, and silicon dioxide (SiO$_2$) for the low index material. Single layers of TiO$_2$:GeO$_2$ are characterised to optimise the mixture proportion and based on that highly reflective multilayer stacks were deposited. Exceptional optical absorption at 1064 nm below 1 part-per-million (ppm) is observed in the multilayer stacks after heat treatment. The annealing process also induces the formation of blisters which leads to increased optical scattering. However, there is indication that blisters can be suppressed by decreasing the water partial pressure in the deposition chamber. Direct thermal noise measurements provide experimental verification of a significant 25\% reduction of thermal noise over the mirrors currently employed, which combined with sub-ppm levels of optical absorption show the potential of TiO$_2$:GeO$_2$ to improve the sensitivity of gravitational-wave observatories. △ Less

Submitted 11 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Search for continuous gravitational waves from known pulsars in the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, R. Abbott, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, S. Adhicary, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, M. Aghaei Abchouyeh, O. D. Aguiar, I. Aguilar, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi, A. Al-Jodah, C. Alléné , et al. (1794 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Continuous gravitational waves (CWs) emission from neutron stars carries information about their internal structure and equation of state, and it can provide tests of General Relativity. We present a search for CWs from a set of 45 known pulsars in the first part of the fourth LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA observing run, known as O4a. We conducted a targeted search for each pulsar using three independent ana… ▽ More Continuous gravitational waves (CWs) emission from neutron stars carries information about their internal structure and equation of state, and it can provide tests of General Relativity. We present a search for CWs from a set of 45 known pulsars in the first part of the fourth LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA observing run, known as O4a. We conducted a targeted search for each pulsar using three independent analysis methods considering the single-harmonic and the dual-harmonic emission models. We find no evidence of a CW signal in O4a data for both models and set upper limits on the signal amplitude and on the ellipticity, which quantifies the asymmetry in the neutron star mass distribution. For the single-harmonic emission model, 29 targets have the upper limit on the amplitude below the theoretical spin-down limit. The lowest upper limit on the amplitude is $6.4\!\times\!10^{-27}$ for the young energetic pulsar J0537-6910, while the lowest constraint on the ellipticity is $8.8\!\times\!10^{-9}$ for the bright nearby millisecond pulsar J0437-4715. Additionally, for a subset of 16 targets we performed a narrowband search that is more robust regarding the emission model, with no evidence of a signal. We also found no evidence of non-standard polarizations as predicted by the Brans-Dicke theory. △ Less

Submitted 26 September, 2025; v1 submitted 2 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Comments: main paper: 12 pages, 6 figures, 4 tables

Report number: LIGO-P2400315

Journal ref: Astrophys.J. 983 (2025) 2, 99

Measurement of $CP$ asymmetry in $B_s^0 \to D_s^{\mp} K^{\pm}$ decays

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1116 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A measurement of the $CP$-violating parameters in $B_s^0 \to D_s^{\mp} K^{\pm}$ decays is reported, based on the analysis of proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $6\,\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ at a centre-of-mass energy of $13 \,\mathrm{TeV}$. The measured parameters are obtained with a decay-time dependent analysis yielding… ▽ More A measurement of the $CP$-violating parameters in $B_s^0 \to D_s^{\mp} K^{\pm}$ decays is reported, based on the analysis of proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $6\,\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ at a centre-of-mass energy of $13 \,\mathrm{TeV}$. The measured parameters are obtained with a decay-time dependent analysis yielding $C_f = 0.791 \pm 0.061 \pm 0.022$, $A_f^{ΔΓ} = -0.051 \pm 0.134 \pm 0.058$, $A_{\overline{f}}^{ΔΓ} = -0.303 \pm 0.125 \pm 0.055$, $S_f = -0.571 \pm 0.084 \pm 0.023$ and $S_{\overline{f}} = -0.503 \pm 0.084 \pm 0.025$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. This corresponds to $CP$ violation in the interference between mixing and decay of about $8.6\,σ$. Together with the value of the Bs mixing phase $-2β_s$, these parameters are used to obtain a measurement of the CKM angle $γ$ equal to $ (74\pm12)^\circ$ modulo $180^{\circ}$, where the uncertainty contains both statistical and systematic contributions. This result is combined with the previous LHCb measurement in this channel using $3\,\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ resulting in a determination of $γ= (81^{+12}_{-11})^\circ$. △ Less

Submitted 8 July, 2025; v1 submitted 18 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/3575/ (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-020, CERN-EP-2024-219

Journal ref: JHEP 03 (2025) 139

Advanced LIGO detector performance in the fourth observing run

Authors: E. Capote, W. Jia, N. Aritomi, M. Nakano, V. Xu, R. Abbott, I. Abouelfettouh, R. X. Adhikari, A. Ananyeva, S. Appert, S. K. Apple, K. Arai, S. M. Aston, M. Ball, S. W. Ballmer, D. Barker, L. Barsotti, B. K. Berger, J. Betzwieser, D. Bhattacharjee, G. Billingsley, S. Biscans, C. D. Blair, N. Bode, E. Bonilla , et al. (171 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: On May 24th, 2023, the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), joined by the Advanced Virgo and KAGRA detectors, began the fourth observing run for a two-year-long dedicated search for gravitational waves. The LIGO Hanford and Livingston detectors have achieved an unprecedented sensitivity to gravitational waves, with an angle-averaged median range to binary neutron st… ▽ More On May 24th, 2023, the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), joined by the Advanced Virgo and KAGRA detectors, began the fourth observing run for a two-year-long dedicated search for gravitational waves. The LIGO Hanford and Livingston detectors have achieved an unprecedented sensitivity to gravitational waves, with an angle-averaged median range to binary neutron star mergers of 152 Mpc and 160 Mpc, and duty cycles of 65.0% and 71.2%, respectively, with a coincident duty cycle of 52.6%. The maximum range achieved by the LIGO Hanford detector is 165 Mpc and the LIGO Livingston detector 177 Mpc, both achieved during the second part of the fourth observing run. For the fourth run, the quantum-limited sensitivity of the detectors was increased significantly due to the higher intracavity power from laser system upgrades and replacement of core optics, and from the addition of a 300 m filter cavity to provide the squeezed light with a frequency-dependent squeezing angle, part of the A+ upgrade program. Altogether, the A+ upgrades led to reduced detector-wide losses for the squeezed vacuum states of light which, alongside the filter cavity, enabled broadband quantum noise reduction of up to 5.2 dB at the Hanford observatory and 6.1 dB at the Livingston observatory. Improvements to sensors and actuators as well as significant controls commissioning increased low frequency sensitivity. This paper details these instrumental upgrades, analyzes the noise sources that limit detector sensitivity, and describes the commissioning challenges of the fourth observing run. △ Less

Submitted 21 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: 26 pages, 18 figures

Report number: LIGO-P2400256

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 111, 062002 (2025)

Measurements of $ψ{(2S)}$ and $χ_{c1}(3872)$ production within fully reconstructed jets

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1111 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: This paper presents the first measurement of $ψ{(2S)}$ and $χ_{c1}(3872)$ meson production within fully reconstructed jets. Each quarkonium state (tag) is reconstructed via its decay to the $J/ψ$($\rightarrowμ^+μ^-$)$π^+π^-$ final state in the forward region using proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment at the center-of-mass-energy of $13 \text{TeV}$ in 2016, corresponding to… ▽ More This paper presents the first measurement of $ψ{(2S)}$ and $χ_{c1}(3872)$ meson production within fully reconstructed jets. Each quarkonium state (tag) is reconstructed via its decay to the $J/ψ$($\rightarrowμ^+μ^-$)$π^+π^-$ final state in the forward region using proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment at the center-of-mass-energy of $13 \text{TeV}$ in 2016, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $1.64 \text{fb}^{-1}$. The fragmentation function, presented as the ratio of the quarkonium-tag transverse momentum to the full jet transverse momentum ($p_{\mathrm{T}}(\text{tag})/p_{\mathrm{T}}(\text{jet})$), is measured differentially in $p_{\mathrm{T}}(\text{jet})$ and $p_{\mathrm{T}}(\text{tag})$ bins. The distributions are separated into promptly produced quarkonia from proton-proton collisions and quarkonia produced from displaced $b$-hadron decays. While the displaced quarkonia fragmentation functions are in general well described by parton-shower predictions, the prompt quarkonium distributions differ significantly from fixed-order non-relativistic QCD (NRQCD) predictions followed by a QCD parton shower. △ Less

Submitted 25 September, 2025; v1 submitted 23 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/1618/ (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-021, CERN-EP-2024-241

Journal ref: EPJC 85 (2025) 562

Search for gravitational waves emitted from SN 2023ixf

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, R. Abbott, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, S. Adhicary, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, M. Aghaei Abchouyeh, O. D. Aguiar, I. Aguilar, L. Aiello, A. Ain, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi, A. Al-Jodah, C. Alléné, A. Allocca , et al. (1758 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the results of a search for gravitational-wave transients associated with core-collapse supernova SN 2023ixf, which was observed in the galaxy Messier 101 via optical emission on 2023 May 19th, during the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA 15th Engineering Run. We define a five-day on-source window during which an accompanying gravitational-wave signal may have occurred. No gravitational waves have been… ▽ More We present the results of a search for gravitational-wave transients associated with core-collapse supernova SN 2023ixf, which was observed in the galaxy Messier 101 via optical emission on 2023 May 19th, during the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA 15th Engineering Run. We define a five-day on-source window during which an accompanying gravitational-wave signal may have occurred. No gravitational waves have been identified in data when at least two gravitational-wave observatories were operating, which covered $\sim 14\%$ of this five-day window. We report the search detection efficiency for various possible gravitational-wave emission models. Considering the distance to M101 (6.7 Mpc), we derive constraints on the gravitational-wave emission mechanism of core-collapse supernovae across a broad frequency spectrum, ranging from 50 Hz to 2 kHz where we assume the gravitational-wave emission occurred when coincident data are available in the on-source window. Considering an ellipsoid model for a rotating proto-neutron star, our search is sensitive to gravitational-wave energy $1 \times 10^{-4} M_{\odot} c^2$ and luminosity $2.6 \times 10^{-4} M_{\odot} c^2/s$ for a source emitting at 82 Hz. These constraints are around an order of magnitude more stringent than those obtained so far with gravitational-wave data. The constraint on the ellipticity of the proto-neutron star that is formed is as low as 1.08, at frequencies above 1200 Hz, surpassing past results. △ Less

Submitted 11 March, 2025; v1 submitted 21 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: Main paper: 6 pages, 4 figures and 1 table. Total with appendices: 20 pages, 4 figures, and 1 table

Report number: LIGO-P2400125

Journal ref: ApJ 985 183 (2025)

A search using GEO600 for gravitational waves coincident with fast radio bursts from SGR 1935+2154

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, R. Abbott, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, S. Adhicary, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, M. Aghaei Abchouyeh, O. D. Aguiar, I. Aguilar, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi, A. Al-Jodah, C. Alléné , et al. (1758 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The magnetar SGR 1935+2154 is the only known Galactic source of fast radio bursts (FRBs). FRBs from SGR 1935+2154 were first detected by CHIME/FRB and STARE2 in 2020 April, after the conclusion of the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA Collaborations' O3 observing run. Here we analyze four periods of gravitational wave (GW) data from the GEO600 detector coincident with four periods of FRB activity detected by… ▽ More The magnetar SGR 1935+2154 is the only known Galactic source of fast radio bursts (FRBs). FRBs from SGR 1935+2154 were first detected by CHIME/FRB and STARE2 in 2020 April, after the conclusion of the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA Collaborations' O3 observing run. Here we analyze four periods of gravitational wave (GW) data from the GEO600 detector coincident with four periods of FRB activity detected by CHIME/FRB, as well as X-ray glitches and X-ray bursts detected by NICER and NuSTAR close to the time of one of the FRBs. We do not detect any significant GW emission from any of the events. Instead, using a short-duration GW search (for bursts $\leq$ 1 s) we derive 50\% (90\%) upper limits of $10^{48}$ ($10^{49}$) erg for GWs at 300 Hz and $10^{49}$ ($10^{50}$) erg at 2 kHz, and constrain the GW-to-radio energy ratio to $\leq 10^{14} - 10^{16}$. We also derive upper limits from a long-duration search for bursts with durations between 1 and 10 s. These represent the strictest upper limits on concurrent GW emission from FRBs. △ Less

Submitted 21 May, 2025; v1 submitted 11 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: 15 pages of text including references, 4 figures, 5 tables

Report number: LIGO-P2400192

Journal ref: ApJ 977 255 (2024)

Search for $B_{(s)}^{*0}\toμ^+μ^-$ in $B_c^+\toπ^+μ^+μ^-$ decays

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1113 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A search for the very rare $B^{*0}\toμ^+μ^-$ and $B_{s}^{*0}\toμ^+μ^-$ decays is conducted by analysing the $B_c^+\to π^+μ^+μ^-$ process. The analysis uses proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector between 2011 and 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9$\text{\,fb}^{-1}$. The signal signatures correspond to simultaneous peaks in the $μ^+μ^-$ and $π^+μ^+μ^-$ invari… ▽ More A search for the very rare $B^{*0}\toμ^+μ^-$ and $B_{s}^{*0}\toμ^+μ^-$ decays is conducted by analysing the $B_c^+\to π^+μ^+μ^-$ process. The analysis uses proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector between 2011 and 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9$\text{\,fb}^{-1}$. The signal signatures correspond to simultaneous peaks in the $μ^+μ^-$ and $π^+μ^+μ^-$ invariant masses. No evidence for an excess of events over background is observed for either signal decay mode. Upper limits at the $90\%$ confidence level are set on the branching fractions relative to that for $B_c^+\to J\mskip -3mu/\mskip -2muψπ^+$ decays, \begin{equation*} {\cal R}_{B^{*0}(μ^+μ^-)π^+/J\mskip -3mu/\mskip -2muψπ^+} < 3.8\times 10^{-5}\ \text{ and }\: {\cal R}_{B_{s}^{*0}(μ^+μ^-)π^+/J\mskip -3mu/\mskip -2muψπ^+} < 5.0\times 10^{-5}\,. \end{equation*} △ Less

Submitted 14 January, 2025; v1 submitted 25 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/1796/ (LHCb public pages)

Report number: CERN-EP-2024-220, LHCb-PAPER-2024-026

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C 85, 20 (2025)

Development of ion-beam sputtered silicon nitride thin films for low-noise mirror coatings of gravitational-wave detectors

Authors: A. Amato, M. Bazzan, G. Cagnoli, M. Canepa, M. Coulon, J. Degallaix, N. Demos, A. Di Michele, M. Evans, F. Fabrizi, G. Favaro, D. Forest, S. Gras, D. Hofman, A. Lemaitre, G. Maggioni, M. Magnozzi, V. Martinez, L. Mereni, C. Michel, V. Milotti, M. Montani, A. Paolone, A. Pereira, F. Piergiovanni , et al. (10 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Brownian thermal noise of thin-film coatings is a fundamental limit for high-precision experiments based on optical resonators such as gravitational-wave interferometers. Here we present the results of a research activity aiming to develop lower-noise ion-beam sputtered silicon nitride thin films compliant with the very stringent requirements on optical loss of gravitational-wave interferometers.… ▽ More Brownian thermal noise of thin-film coatings is a fundamental limit for high-precision experiments based on optical resonators such as gravitational-wave interferometers. Here we present the results of a research activity aiming to develop lower-noise ion-beam sputtered silicon nitride thin films compliant with the very stringent requirements on optical loss of gravitational-wave interferometers. In order to test the hypothesis of a correlation between the synthesis conditions of the films and their elemental composition and optical and mechanical properties, we varied the voltage, current intensity and composition of the sputtering ion beam, and we performed a broad campaign of characterizations. While the refractive index was found to monotonically depend on the beam voltage and linearly vary with the N/Si ratio, the optical absorption appeared to be strongly sensitive to other factors, as yet unidentified. However, by systematically varying the deposition parameters, an optimal working point was found. Thus we show that the loss angle and extinction coefficient of our thin films can be as low as $(1.0 \pm 0.1) \times 10^{-4}$ rad at $\sim$2.8 kHz and $(6.4 \pm 0.2) \times 10^{-6}$ at 1064 nm, respectively, after thermal treatment at 900 $^{\circ}$C. To the best of our knowledge, such loss angle value is the lowest ever measured on this class of thin films. We then used our silicon nitride thin films to design and produce a multi-material mirror coating showing a thermal noise amplitude of $(10.3 \pm 0.2) \times 10^{-18}$ m Hz$^{-1/2}$ at 100 Hz, which is 25\% lower than in current mirror coatings of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo interferometers, and an optical absorption as low as $(1.6 \pm 0.5)$ parts per million at 1064 nm. △ Less

Submitted 10 February, 2025; v1 submitted 11 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Journal ref: A. Amato et al., Development of ion-beam sputtered silicon nitride thin films for low-noise mirror coatings of gravitational-wave detectors, Phys. Rev. D 111, 042003 (2025)

First determination of the spin-parity of $Ξ_{c}(3055)^{+,0}$ baryons

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1109 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The ${Ξ_{b}^{0(-)}\toΞ_{c}(3055)^{+(0)}(\to D^{+(0)}Λ)π^{-}}$ decay chains are observed, and the spin-parity of $Ξ_{c}(3055)^{+(0)}$ baryons is determined for the first time. The measurement is performed using proton-proton collision data at a center-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}=13\,\text{TeV}$, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $5.4\,\text{fb}^{-1}$, recorded by the~$\text{LHCb}$ experi… ▽ More The ${Ξ_{b}^{0(-)}\toΞ_{c}(3055)^{+(0)}(\to D^{+(0)}Λ)π^{-}}$ decay chains are observed, and the spin-parity of $Ξ_{c}(3055)^{+(0)}$ baryons is determined for the first time. The measurement is performed using proton-proton collision data at a center-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}=13\,\text{TeV}$, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $5.4\,\text{fb}^{-1}$, recorded by the~$\text{LHCb}$ experiment between 2016 and 2018. The spin-parity of the $Ξ_{c}(3055)^{+(0)}$ baryons is determined to be $3/2^{+}$ with a significance of more than $6.5σ$ ($3.5σ$) compared to all other tested hypotheses. The up-down asymmetries of the ${Ξ_{b}^{0(-)}\toΞ_{c}(3055)^{+(0)}π^{-}}$ transitions are measured to be $-0.92\pm0.10\pm0.05$ ($-0.92\pm0.16\pm0.22$), consistent with maximal parity violation, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. These results support the hypothesis that the $Ξ_{c}(3055)^{+(0)}$ baryons correspond to the first $D$-wave $λ$-mode excitation of the $Ξ_{c}$ flavor triplet. △ Less

Submitted 1 April, 2025; v1 submitted 9 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/1603 (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-018, CERN-EP-2024-215

Journal ref: Phys.Rev.Lett. 134 (2025) 8, 081901

Measurement of exclusive $J/ψ$ and $ψ(2S)$ production at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1072 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Measurements are presented of the cross-section for the central exclusive production of $J/ψ\toμ^+μ^-$ and $ψ(2S)\toμ^+μ^-$ processes in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13 $ TeV with 2016-2018 data. They are performed by requiring both muons to be in the LHCb acceptance (with pseudorapidity $2<η_{μ^\pm} < 4.5$) and mesons in the rapidity range $2.0 < y < 4.5$. The integrated cross-section… ▽ More Measurements are presented of the cross-section for the central exclusive production of $J/ψ\toμ^+μ^-$ and $ψ(2S)\toμ^+μ^-$ processes in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13 $ TeV with 2016-2018 data. They are performed by requiring both muons to be in the LHCb acceptance (with pseudorapidity $2<η_{μ^\pm} < 4.5$) and mesons in the rapidity range $2.0 < y < 4.5$. The integrated cross-section results are \begin{equation*} σ_{J/ψ\toμ^+μ^-}(2.0<y_{J/ψ}<4.5,2.0<η_{μ^\pm} < 4.5) = 400 \pm 2 \pm 5 \pm 12 \,{\rm pb}\,, \end{equation*} \begin{equation*} σ_{ψ(2S)\toμ^+μ^-}(2.0<y_{ψ(2S)}<4.5,2.0<η_{μ^\pm} < 4.5) = 9.40 \pm 0.15 \pm 0.13 \pm 0.27 \,{\rm pb}\,, \end{equation*} where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic and due to the luminosity determination. In addition, a measurement of the ratio of $ψ(2S)$ and $J/ψ$ cross-sections, at an average photon-proton centre-of-mass energy of 1 TeV, is performed, giving \begin{equation*} \frac{σ_{ψ(2S)}}{σ_{J/ψ}} = 0.1763 \pm 0.0029 \pm 0.0008 \pm 0.0039 \,, \end{equation*} where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic and the third due to the knowledge of the involved branching fractions. For the first time, the dependence of the $J/ψ$ and $ψ(2S)$ cross-sections on the total transverse momentum transfer is determined in $pp$ collisions and is found consistent with the behaviour observed in electron-proton collisions. △ Less

Submitted 28 February, 2025; v1 submitted 5 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/1801

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-012, CERN-EP-2024-213

Journal ref: SciPost Phys. 18, 071 (2025)

LIGO Detector Characterization in the first half of the fourth Observing run

Authors: S. Soni, B. K. Berger, D. Davis, F. Di. Renzo, A. Effler, T. A. Ferreira, J. Glanzer, E. Goetz, G. González, A. Helmling-Cornell, B. Hughey, R. Huxford, B. Mannix, G. Mo, D. Nandi, A. Neunzert, S. Nichols, K. Pham, A. I. Renzini, R. M. S. Schofield, A Stuver, M. Trevor, S. Álvarez-López, R. Beda, C. P. L. Berry , et al. (211 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Progress in gravitational-wave astronomy depends upon having sensitive detectors with good data quality. Since the end of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA third Observing run in March 2020, detector-characterization efforts have lead to increased sensitivity of the detectors, swifter validation of gravitational-wave candidates and improved tools used for data-quality products. In this article, we discuss thes… ▽ More Progress in gravitational-wave astronomy depends upon having sensitive detectors with good data quality. Since the end of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA third Observing run in March 2020, detector-characterization efforts have lead to increased sensitivity of the detectors, swifter validation of gravitational-wave candidates and improved tools used for data-quality products. In this article, we discuss these efforts in detail and their impact on our ability to detect and study gravitational-waves. These include the multiple instrumental investigations that led to reduction in transient noise, along with the work to improve software tools used to examine the detectors data-quality. We end with a brief discussion on the role and requirements of detector characterization as the sensitivity of our detectors further improves in the future Observing runs. △ Less

Submitted 21 July, 2025; v1 submitted 4 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: 35 pages, 18 figures

Measurement of $\itΛ_\it{b}^0$, $\itΛ_\it{c}^+$ and $\itΛ$ decay parameters using $\itΛ_\it{b}^0 \to \itΛ_\it{c}^+ h^-$ decays

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1103 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A comprehensive study of the angular distributions in the bottom-baryon decays $\itΛ^\mathrm{0}_b\to\itΛ_c^+ h^-(h=π, K)$, followed by $\itΛ_c^+\to\itΛ h^+$ with $\itΛ\to \it{p} π^-$ or $\itΛ_c^+\to\it{p}\it{K}^0_\mathrm{S}$ decays, is performed using a data sample of proton-proton collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $9~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ collected by the LHCb experiment at cent… ▽ More A comprehensive study of the angular distributions in the bottom-baryon decays $\itΛ^\mathrm{0}_b\to\itΛ_c^+ h^-(h=π, K)$, followed by $\itΛ_c^+\to\itΛ h^+$ with $\itΛ\to \it{p} π^-$ or $\itΛ_c^+\to\it{p}\it{K}^0_\mathrm{S}$ decays, is performed using a data sample of proton-proton collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $9~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ collected by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8 and 13 $\mathrm{Te\kern -0.1em V}$. The decay parameters and the associated charge-parity ($C\!P$) asymmetries are measured, with no significant $C\!P$ violation observed. For the first time, the $\itΛ^\mathrm{0}_b \to \itΛ_c^+ h^-$ decay parameters are measured. The most precise measurements of the decay parameters $α, β$ and $γ$ are obtained for $\itΛ_c^+$ decays and an independent measurement of the decay parameters for the strange-baryon $\itΛ$ decay is provided. The results deepen our understanding of weak decay dynamics in baryon decays. △ Less

Submitted 7 January, 2025; v1 submitted 4 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/3240 (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-017, CERN-EP-2024-200

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 133 (2024) 261804

Measurement of $C\!P$ violation observables in $D^+\rightarrow K^-K^+π^+$ decays

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1109 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A search for violation of the charge-parity $C\!P$ symmetry in the $D^+\rightarrow K^-K^+π^+$ decay is presented, with proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4 fb$^{-1}$, collected at a center-of-mass energy of $13$ TeV with the LHCb detector. A novel model-independent technique is used to compare the $D^+$ and $D^-$ phase-space distributions, with instrumental… ▽ More A search for violation of the charge-parity $C\!P$ symmetry in the $D^+\rightarrow K^-K^+π^+$ decay is presented, with proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4 fb$^{-1}$, collected at a center-of-mass energy of $13$ TeV with the LHCb detector. A novel model-independent technique is used to compare the $D^+$ and $D^-$ phase-space distributions, with instrumental asymmetries subtracted using the $D^+_{s}\rightarrow K^-K^+π^+$ decay as a control channel. The $p$-value for the hypothesis of $C\!P$ conservation is $8.1\%$. The $C\!P$ asymmetry observables $A_{C\!P|S}^{φπ^+} = (0.95 \pm 0.43_{stat} \pm 0.26_{syst})\times 10^{-3}$ and $A_{C\!P|S}^{\overline{K}^{*0}K^+} = (-0.26 \pm 0.56_{ stat} \pm 0.18_{syst})\times 10^{-3}$ are also measured. These results show no evidence of $C\!P$ violation and represent the most sensitive search performed through the phase space of a multibody decay. △ Less

Submitted 4 February, 2025; v1 submitted 2 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/1616 (LHCb public pages)

Report number: CERN-EP-2024-204, LHCb-PAPER-2024-019

Journal ref: Physical Review Letters 133, 251801 (2024)

Study of the rare decay $J/ψ\to μ^+μ^-μ^+μ^-$

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1096 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The rare electromagnetic $J/ψ\to μ^+μ^-μ^+μ^-$ decay is observed with a significance greatly exceeding the discovery threshold, using proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment during 2016-2018 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $5.4\,\text{fb}^{-1}$. The rate of this decay is measured relative to that of the $J/ψ\to μ^+μ^-$ mode.… ▽ More The rare electromagnetic $J/ψ\to μ^+μ^-μ^+μ^-$ decay is observed with a significance greatly exceeding the discovery threshold, using proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment during 2016-2018 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $5.4\,\text{fb}^{-1}$. The rate of this decay is measured relative to that of the $J/ψ\to μ^+μ^-$ mode. Using the QED model for the four-muon decay in the efficiency estimation, its branching fraction is determined to be \begin{equation*} {\mathcal{B}}(J/ψ\to μ^+μ^-μ^+μ^-) = (1.13\pm0.10\pm0.05\pm0.01)\times 10^{-6}, \end{equation*} where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic and due to the uncertainty on the branching fraction of the $J/ψ\to μ^+μ^-$ decay. △ Less

Submitted 22 January, 2025; v1 submitted 29 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/3453 (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-016, CERN-EP-2024-201

Journal ref: JHEP 12 (2024) 062

Measurement of $D^0-\overline{D}^0$ mixing and search for $CP$ violation with $D^0\rightarrow K^+π^-$ decays

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1070 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A measurement of the time-dependent ratio of the $D^0\rightarrow K^+π^-$ to $\overline{D}^0\rightarrow K^+π^-$ decay rates is reported. The analysis uses a sample of proton-proton collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6 fb$^{-1}$ recorded by the LHCb experiment from 2015 through 2018 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The $D^0$ meson is required to originate from a… ▽ More A measurement of the time-dependent ratio of the $D^0\rightarrow K^+π^-$ to $\overline{D}^0\rightarrow K^+π^-$ decay rates is reported. The analysis uses a sample of proton-proton collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6 fb$^{-1}$ recorded by the LHCb experiment from 2015 through 2018 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The $D^0$ meson is required to originate from a $D^{*+}\rightarrow D^0π^+$ decay, such that its flavor at production is inferred from the charge of the accompanying pion. The measurement is performed simultaneously for the $K^+π^-$ and $K^-π^+$ final states, allowing both mixing and $CP$-violation parameters to be determined. The value of the ratio of the decay rates at production is determined to be $R_{Kπ} = (343.1 \pm 2.0) \times 10^{-5}$. The mixing parameters are measured to be $c_{Kπ} = (51.4 \pm 3.5) \times 10^{-4}$ and $c_{Kπ}^{\prime} = (13 \pm 4) \times 10^{-6}$, where $\sqrt{R_{Kπ}}c_{Kπ}$ is the linear coefficient of the expansion of the ratio as a function of decay time in units of the $D^0$ lifetime, and $c_{Kπ}^{\prime}$ is the quadratic coefficient, both averaged between the $K^+π^-$ and $K^-π^+$ final states. The precision is improved relative to the previous best measurement by approximately 60%. No evidence for $CP$ violation is found. △ Less

Submitted 22 January, 2025; v1 submitted 25 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/1800

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-008, CERN-EP-2024-178

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 111 (2025) 012001

Observation of exotic $J/ψφ$ resonant structure in diffractive processes in proton-proton collisions

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1068 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The first study of $J/ψφ$ production in diffractive processes in proton-proton collisions is presented. The study is based on an LHCb dataset recorded at centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5 fb$^{-1}$. The data disfavour a nonresonant $J/ψφ$ production but are consistent with a resonant model including several resonant states observed previously only in… ▽ More The first study of $J/ψφ$ production in diffractive processes in proton-proton collisions is presented. The study is based on an LHCb dataset recorded at centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5 fb$^{-1}$. The data disfavour a nonresonant $J/ψφ$ production but are consistent with a resonant model including several resonant states observed previously only in $B^+ \to J/ψφK^+$ decays. The $χ_{c0}(4500)$ state is observed with a significance over $6σ$ and the $χ_{c1}(4274)$ is confirmed with a significance of more than $4σ$. △ Less

Submitted 5 September, 2025; v1 submitted 19 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/1799 (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2023-043, CERN-EP-2024-149

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 134 (2025) 031902

Study of charmonium production via the decay to $p\bar{p}$ at $\sqrt{s} = 13 TeV$

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1060 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Charmonium production cross-section in proton-proton collisions is measured at the centre-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s}=13\,TeV$ using decays to $p\bar{p}$ final state. The study is performed using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $2.2\,{fb}^{-1}$ collected in 2018 with the $LHCb$ detector. The production cross-section of the $η_c$ meson is measured in a rapidity range of… ▽ More Charmonium production cross-section in proton-proton collisions is measured at the centre-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s}=13\,TeV$ using decays to $p\bar{p}$ final state. The study is performed using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $2.2\,{fb}^{-1}$ collected in 2018 with the $LHCb$ detector. The production cross-section of the $η_c$ meson is measured in a rapidity range of $2.0 < y < 4.0$ and in a transverse momentum range of $5.0 < p_{T} < 20.0\,{GeV/\it{c}}$, which is extended compared with previous $LHCb$ analyses. The differential cross-section is measured in bins of $p_{T}$ and, for the first time, of $y$. Upper limits, at 90% and 95% confidence levels, on the $η_c(2S)$ and $h_c(1P)$ prompt production cross-sections are determined for the first time. △ Less

Submitted 28 January, 2025; v1 submitted 19 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://cern.ch/lhcbproject/Publications/p/LHCb-PAPER-2024-004.html (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-004, CERN-EP-2024-165

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C84 (2024) 1274

Swift-BAT GUANO follow-up of gravitational-wave triggers in the third LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run

Authors: Gayathri Raman, Samuele Ronchini, James Delaunay, Aaron Tohuvavohu, Jamie A. Kennea, Tyler Parsotan, Elena Ambrosi, Maria Grazia Bernardini, Sergio Campana, Giancarlo Cusumano, Antonino D'Ai, Paolo D'Avanzo, Valerio D'Elia, Massimiliano De Pasquale, Simone Dichiara, Phil Evans, Dieter Hartmann, Paul Kuin, Andrea Melandri, Paul O'Brien, Julian P. Osborne, Kim Page, David M. Palmer, Boris Sbarufatti, Gianpiero Tagliaferri , et al. (1797 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present results from a search for X-ray/gamma-ray counterparts of gravitational-wave (GW) candidates from the third observing run (O3) of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) network using the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (Swift-BAT). The search includes 636 GW candidates received in low latency, 86 of which have been confirmed by the offline analysis and included in the third cumulative Gravitational-Wav… ▽ More We present results from a search for X-ray/gamma-ray counterparts of gravitational-wave (GW) candidates from the third observing run (O3) of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) network using the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (Swift-BAT). The search includes 636 GW candidates received in low latency, 86 of which have been confirmed by the offline analysis and included in the third cumulative Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalogs (GWTC-3). Targeted searches were carried out on the entire GW sample using the maximum--likelihood NITRATES pipeline on the BAT data made available via the GUANO infrastructure. We do not detect any significant electromagnetic emission that is temporally and spatially coincident with any of the GW candidates. We report flux upper limits in the 15-350 keV band as a function of sky position for all the catalog candidates. For GW candidates where the Swift-BAT false alarm rate is less than 10$^{-3}$ Hz, we compute the GW--BAT joint false alarm rate. Finally, the derived Swift-BAT upper limits are used to infer constraints on the putative electromagnetic emission associated with binary black hole mergers. △ Less

Submitted 27 March, 2025; v1 submitted 13 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: Update to version accepted for publication in ApJ. 50 pages, 10 figures, 4 tables

Journal ref: ApJ, Volume 980, 2025, 207

Amplitude analysis of $B^+ \to ψ(2S) K^+ π^+ π^-$ decays

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1093 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The first full amplitude analysis of $B^+ \to ψ(2S) K^+ π^+ π^-$ decays is performed using proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $9\,\text{fb}^{-1}$ recorded with the LHCb detector. The rich $K^+ π^+ π^-$ spectrum is studied and the branching fractions of the resonant substructure associated with the prominent $K_1(1270)^+$ contribution are measured. The data ca… ▽ More The first full amplitude analysis of $B^+ \to ψ(2S) K^+ π^+ π^-$ decays is performed using proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $9\,\text{fb}^{-1}$ recorded with the LHCb detector. The rich $K^+ π^+ π^-$ spectrum is studied and the branching fractions of the resonant substructure associated with the prominent $K_1(1270)^+$ contribution are measured. The data cannot be described by conventional strange and charmonium resonances only. An amplitude model with 53 components is developed comprising 11 hidden-charm exotic hadrons. New production mechanisms for charged charmonium-like states are observed. Significant resonant activity with spin-parity $J^P = 1^+$ in the $ψ(2S) π^+$ system is confirmed and a multi-pole structure is demonstrated. The spectral decomposition of the $ψ(2S) π^+ π^-$ invariant-mass structure, dominated by $X^0 \to ψ(2S) ρ(770)^0$ decays, broadly resembles the $J/ψφ$ spectrum observed in $B^+ \to J/ψφK^+$ decays. Exotic $ψ(2S) K^+ π^-$ resonances are observed for the first time. △ Less

Submitted 25 April, 2025; v1 submitted 17 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/1601 (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-014, CERN-EP-2024-177

Journal ref: JHEP01(2025)054

Search for the rare decay of charmed baryon $Λ_c^+$ into $p μ^+ μ^-$ final state

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1063 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A search for the nonresonant $Λ_c^+ \to p μ^+ μ^-$ decay is performed using proton-proton collision data recorded at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4 fb$^{-1}$. No evidence for the decay is found in the dimuon invariant-mass regions where the expected contributions of resonances is subdominant. The upper limit on the branchi… ▽ More A search for the nonresonant $Λ_c^+ \to p μ^+ μ^-$ decay is performed using proton-proton collision data recorded at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4 fb$^{-1}$. No evidence for the decay is found in the dimuon invariant-mass regions where the expected contributions of resonances is subdominant. The upper limit on the branching fraction of the $Λ_c^+ \to p μ^+ μ^-$ decay is determined to be $2.9~(3.2) \times 10^{-8}$ at 90% (95%) confidence level. The branching fractions in the dimuon invariant-mass regions dominated by the $η$, $ρ$ and $ω$ resonances are also determined. △ Less

Submitted 27 September, 2024; v1 submitted 16 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://cern.ch/lhcbproject/Publications/p/LHCb-PAPER-2024-005.html (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-005, CERN-EP-2024-158

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 110 (2024) 052007

Probing the nature of the $χ_{c1}(3872)$ state using radiative decays

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1094 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The radiative decays $χ_{c1}(3872)\rightarrowψ(2S)γ$ and $χ_{c1}(3872)\rightarrow J/ψγ$ are used to probe the~nature of the~$χ_{c1}(3872)$ state using proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector, corresponding to an~integrated luminosity of~9fb$^{-1}$. Using the~$B^+\rightarrow χ_{c1}(3872)K^+$decay, the $χ_{c1}(3872)\rightarrow ψ(2S)γ$ process is observed for the first time and… ▽ More The radiative decays $χ_{c1}(3872)\rightarrowψ(2S)γ$ and $χ_{c1}(3872)\rightarrow J/ψγ$ are used to probe the~nature of the~$χ_{c1}(3872)$ state using proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector, corresponding to an~integrated luminosity of~9fb$^{-1}$. Using the~$B^+\rightarrow χ_{c1}(3872)K^+$decay, the $χ_{c1}(3872)\rightarrow ψ(2S)γ$ process is observed for the first time and the ratio of its partial width to that of the $χ_{c1}(3872)\rightarrow J/ψγ$ decay is measured to be $$ \frac{Γ_{χ_{c1}(3872)\rightarrow ψ(2S)γ}} {Γ_{χ_{c1}(3872)\rightarrow J/ψγ}} = 1.67 \pm 0.21 \pm 0.12 \pm0.04 , $$ where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic and the third is due to the uncertainties on the branching fractions of the $ψ(2S)$ and $J/ψ$ mesons. The measured ratio makes the interpretation of the $χ_{c1}(3872)$ state as a~pure $D^0\bar{D}^{*0}+\bar{D}^0D^{*0}$ molecule questionable and strongly indicates a sizeable compact charmonium or tetraquark component within the $χ_{c1}(3872)$ state. △ Less

Submitted 24 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: 31 pages, 2 figures. All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://cern.ch/lhcbproject/Publications/p/LHCb-PAPER-2024-015.html (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-015, CERN-EP-2025-157

Precision measurement of the $Ξ^-_b$ baryon lifetime

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1064 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A sample of $pp$ collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.5 fb$^{-1}$ and collected by the LHCb experiment during LHC Run 2, is used to measure the ratio of the lifetime of the $Ξ^-_b$ baryon to that of the $Λ^0_b$ baryon, $r_τ\equivτ_{Ξ^-_b}/τ_{Λ^0_b}$. The value ${r_τ=1.076\pm0.013\pm0.006}$ is obtained, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic.… ▽ More A sample of $pp$ collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.5 fb$^{-1}$ and collected by the LHCb experiment during LHC Run 2, is used to measure the ratio of the lifetime of the $Ξ^-_b$ baryon to that of the $Λ^0_b$ baryon, $r_τ\equivτ_{Ξ^-_b}/τ_{Λ^0_b}$. The value ${r_τ=1.076\pm0.013\pm0.006}$ is obtained, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. This value is averaged with the corresponding value from Run 1 to obtain ${r_τ^{\rm Run\,1,2} = 1.078\pm0.012\pm0.007}$. Multiplying by the world-average value of the $Λ^0_b$ lifetime yields $τ_{Ξ^-_b}^{\rm Run~1,2} = 1.578\pm0.018\pm0.010\pm0.011$ ps, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to the limited knowledge of the $Λ^0_b$ lifetime. This measurement improves the precision of the current world average of the $Ξ^-_b$ lifetime by about a factor of two, and is in good agreement with the most recent theoretical predictions. △ Less

Submitted 4 October, 2024; v1 submitted 17 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: 12 pages, 5 figures. All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://cern.ch/lhcbproject/Publications/p/LHCb-PAPER-2014-010.html (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-010, CERN-EP-2024-139

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D110, 072002 (2024)

Measurement of the branching fraction ratios $R(D^{+})$ and $R(D^{*+})$ using muonic $τ$ decays

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1063 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The branching fraction ratios of $\overline{B}^0\to D^+τ^-\overlineν_τ$ and $\overline{B}^0\to D^{*+}τ^-\overlineν_τ$ decays are measured with respect to their muonic counterparts, using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.0 fb$^{-1}$ collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV. The reconstructed final states are formed by combining… ▽ More The branching fraction ratios of $\overline{B}^0\to D^+τ^-\overlineν_τ$ and $\overline{B}^0\to D^{*+}τ^-\overlineν_τ$ decays are measured with respect to their muonic counterparts, using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.0 fb$^{-1}$ collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV. The reconstructed final states are formed by combining $D^+$ mesons with $τ^-\toμ^-\overlineν_μν_τ$ candidates, where the $D^+$ is reconstructed via the $D^+\to K^-π^+π^+$ decay. The results are \begin{align*} R(D^{+}) &= 0.249 \pm 0.043 \pm 0.047, R(D^{*+}) &= 0.402 \pm 0.081\pm 0.085, \end{align*} where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The two measurements have a correlation coefficient of $-0.39$ and are compatible with the Standard Model. △ Less

Submitted 16 February, 2025; v1 submitted 5 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/1792 (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-007, CERN-EP-2024-125

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 134 (2025) 061801

Observation of new charmonium(-like) states in $B^+ \to D^{*\pm} D^{\mp} K^+$ decays

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1062 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A study of resonant structures in $B^{+}\rightarrow{D^{\ast+}D^{-}K^{+}}$ and $B^{+}\rightarrow{D^{\ast-}D^{+}K^{+}}$ decays is performed, using proton-proton collision data at centre-of-mass energies of $\sqrt{s}=7, 8$, and $13$ TeV recorded by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb$^{-1}$. A simultaneous amplitude fit is performed to the two channels with contribu… ▽ More A study of resonant structures in $B^{+}\rightarrow{D^{\ast+}D^{-}K^{+}}$ and $B^{+}\rightarrow{D^{\ast-}D^{+}K^{+}}$ decays is performed, using proton-proton collision data at centre-of-mass energies of $\sqrt{s}=7, 8$, and $13$ TeV recorded by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb$^{-1}$. A simultaneous amplitude fit is performed to the two channels with contributions from resonances decaying to $D^{\ast-}D^{+}$ and $D^{\ast+}D^{-}$ states linked by $C$ parity. This procedure allows the $C$-parities of resonances in the $D^{\ast\pm}D^{\mp}$ mass spectra to be determined. Four charmonium(-like) states are observed decaying into $D^{\ast\pm}D^{\mp}$: $η_c(3945)$, $h_c(4000)$, $χ_{c1}(4010)$ and $h_c(4300)$, with quantum numbers $J^{PC}$ equal to $0^{-+}$, $1^{+-}$, $1^{++}$ and $1^{+-}$, respectively. At least three of these states have not been observed previously. In addition, the existence of the $T_{\bar{c}\bar{s}0}^{*}(2870)^{0}$ and $T_{\bar{c}\bar{s}1}^{*}(2900)^{0}$ resonances in the $D^-K^+$ mass spectrum, already observed in the $B^+ \to D^+ D^- K^+$ decay, is confirmed in a different production channel. △ Less

Submitted 22 January, 2025; v1 submitted 5 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://cern.ch/lhcbproject/Publications/p/LHCb-PAPER-2023-047.html (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2023-047, CERN-EP-2024-096

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 133 (2024) 131902

Amplitude analysis of the radiative decay $B^0_s\to K^+K^-γ$

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1061 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A search for radiative decay of $B^0_s$ mesons to orbitally excited $K^+K^-$ states is performed using proton proton collisions recorded by the \mbox{LHCb}\xspace experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9~fb$^{-1}$. The dikaon spectrum in the mass range $m_{KK}<2400$~{\ensuremath{\,\text{Me\kern -0.1em V\!/}c^2}\xspace} is dominated by the $φ(1020)$ resonance that accounts for alm… ▽ More A search for radiative decay of $B^0_s$ mesons to orbitally excited $K^+K^-$ states is performed using proton proton collisions recorded by the \mbox{LHCb}\xspace experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9~fb$^{-1}$. The dikaon spectrum in the mass range $m_{KK}<2400$~{\ensuremath{\,\text{Me\kern -0.1em V\!/}c^2}\xspace} is dominated by the $φ(1020)$ resonance that accounts for almost 70$\%$ of the decay rate. Considering the possible contributions of $f_2{(1270)}$, $f'_2{(1525)}$ and $f_2{(2010)}$ meson states, the overall tensor contribution to the amplitude is measured to be \begin{equation} {\cal F}_{\{f_2\}}=16.8\pm 0.5\mathrm{~(stat.)}\pm0.7\mathrm{~(syst.)}\%,\nonumber \end{equation} mostly dominated by the $f'_2(1525)$ state. Several statistically equivalent solutions are obtained for the detailed resonant structure depending on whether the smaller amplitudes interfere destructively or constructively with the dominant amplitude. The preferred solution that corresponds to the lowest values of the fit fractions along with constructive interference leads to the relative branching ratio measurement \begin{equation} \frac{{\cal B}(B^0_s\to f'_2γ)}{{\cal B}(B^0_s\toφγ)}= 19.4^{+0.9}_{-0.8}\mathrm{~(stat.)}{}^{+1.4}_{-0.5}\mathrm{~(syst.)}\pm0.5\mathrm{~(\cal{B})}\%\nonumber, \end{equation} where the last uncertainty is due to the ratio of measured branching fractions to the $K^+K^-$ final state. This result represents the first observation of the radiative $B^0_s\to f'_2(1525)γ$ decay, which is the second radiative transition observed in the $B^0_s$ sector. △ Less

Submitted 14 January, 2025; v1 submitted 31 May, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/1791 (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-002, CERN-EP-2024-115

Journal ref: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/JHEP08(2024)093

Comprehensive analysis of local and nonlocal amplitudes in the $B^0\rightarrow K^{*0}μ^+μ^-$ decay

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1070 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A comprehensive study of the local and nonlocal amplitudes contributing to the decay $B^0\rightarrow K^{*0}(\to K^+π^-) μ^+μ^-$ is performed by analysing the phase-space distribution of the decay products. The analysis is based on $pp$ collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 8.4fb$^{-1}$ collected by the LHCb experiment. This measurement employs for the first time a model of bo… ▽ More A comprehensive study of the local and nonlocal amplitudes contributing to the decay $B^0\rightarrow K^{*0}(\to K^+π^-) μ^+μ^-$ is performed by analysing the phase-space distribution of the decay products. The analysis is based on $pp$ collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 8.4fb$^{-1}$ collected by the LHCb experiment. This measurement employs for the first time a model of both one-particle and two-particle nonlocal amplitudes, and utilises the complete dimuon mass spectrum without any veto regions around the narrow charmonium resonances. In this way it is possible to explicitly isolate the local and nonlocal contributions and capture the interference between them. The results show that interference with nonlocal contributions, although larger than predicted, only has a minor impact on the Wilson Coefficients determined from the fit to the data. For the local contributions, the Wilson Coefficient $C_9$, responsible for vector dimuon currents, exhibits a $2.1σ$ deviation from the Standard Model expectation. The Wilson Coefficients $C_{10}$, $C_{9}'$ and $C_{10}'$ are all in better agreement than $C_{9}$ with the Standard Model and the global significance is at the level of $1.5σ$. The model used also accounts for nonlocal contributions from $B^{0}\to K^{*0}\left[τ^+τ^-\to μ^+μ^-\right]$ rescattering, resulting in the first direct measurement of the $b sττ$ vector effective-coupling $C_{9τ}$. △ Less

Submitted 23 May, 2025; v1 submitted 27 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://cern.ch/lhcbproject/Publications/p/LHCb-PAPER-2024-011.html (LHCb public pages); corrected Figures 6,7; the fit results and covariance information for all signal amplitude parameters can be found here https://cds.cern.ch/record/2900179/files/

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-011, CERN-EP-2024-122

Journal ref: JHEP09(2024)026, JHEP05(2025)208

Search for the lepton-flavor violating decay $B^0_s\toφμ^\pmτ^\mp$

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1062 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A search for the lepton-flavor violating decays $B^0_s\toφμ^\pmτ^\mp$ is presented, using a sample of proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, collected with the LHCb detector and corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of $9\,\text{fb}^{-1}$. The $τ$ leptons are selected using decays with three charged pions. No significant excess is observed, and an upper l… ▽ More A search for the lepton-flavor violating decays $B^0_s\toφμ^\pmτ^\mp$ is presented, using a sample of proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, collected with the LHCb detector and corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of $9\,\text{fb}^{-1}$. The $τ$ leptons are selected using decays with three charged pions. No significant excess is observed, and an upper limit on the branching fraction is determined to be ${\cal B}( B^0_s\toφμ^\pmτ^\mp) < 1.0\times 10^{-5}$ at 90% confidence level. △ Less

Submitted 18 November, 2024; v1 submitted 21 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/1788 (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-006, CERN-EP-2024-114

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D110 (2024) 7

Study of $b$-hadron decays to $\mathitΛ_{c}^+ h^- h^{\prime -}$ final states

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1072 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Decays of $\mathitΞ_{b}^-$ and $\mathitΩ_{b}^-$ baryons to $\mathitΛ_{c}^+ h^- h^{\prime -}$ final states, with $h^- h^{\prime -}$ being $π^-π^-$, $K^-π^-$ and $K^-K^-$ meson pairs, are searched for using data collected with the LHCb detector. The data sample studied corresponds to an integrated luminosity of $8.7\,\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ of $pp$ collisions collected at centre-of-mass energies… ▽ More Decays of $\mathitΞ_{b}^-$ and $\mathitΩ_{b}^-$ baryons to $\mathitΛ_{c}^+ h^- h^{\prime -}$ final states, with $h^- h^{\prime -}$ being $π^-π^-$, $K^-π^-$ and $K^-K^-$ meson pairs, are searched for using data collected with the LHCb detector. The data sample studied corresponds to an integrated luminosity of $8.7\,\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ of $pp$ collisions collected at centre-of-mass energies $\sqrt{s} = 7$, $8$ and $13\,\mathrm{Te\kern -0.1em V}$. The products of the relative branching fractions and fragmentation fractions for each signal mode, relative to the $B^- \to \mathitΛ_{c}^+ \overline{p} π^-$ mode, are measured, with $\mathitΞ_{b}^- \to\mathitΛ_{c}^+ K^- π^-$, $\mathitΞ_{b}^- \to\mathitΛ_{c}^+ K^- K^-$ and $\mathitΩ_{b}^- \to\mathitΛ_{c}^+ K^- K^-$ decays being observed at over $5\,σ$ significance. The $\mathitΞ_{b}^- \to\mathitΛ_{c}^+ K^- π^-$ mode is also used to measure the $\mathitΞ_{b}^-$ production asymmetry, which is found to be consistent with zero. In addition, the $B^- \to \mathitΛ_{c}^+ \overline{p} K^-$ decay is observed for the first time, and its branching fraction is measured relative to that of the $B^- \to \mathitΛ_{c}^+ \overline{p} π^-$ mode. △ Less

Submitted 30 September, 2024; v1 submitted 21 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/1789

Report number: CERN-EP-2024-116, LHCb-PAPER-2024-013

Journal ref: JHEP 08 (2024) 132

Transverse polarization measurement of $Λ$ hyperons in $p$Ne collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 68.4 GeV with the $\mbox{LHCb}$ detector

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1065 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A measurement of the transverse polarization of the $Λ$ and $\barΛ$ hyperons in $p$Ne fixed-target collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 68.4 GeV is presented using data collected by the LHCb detector. The polarization is studied using the decay $Λ\rightarrow p π^-$ together with its charge conjugated process, the integrated values measured are… ▽ More A measurement of the transverse polarization of the $Λ$ and $\barΛ$ hyperons in $p$Ne fixed-target collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 68.4 GeV is presented using data collected by the LHCb detector. The polarization is studied using the decay $Λ\rightarrow p π^-$ together with its charge conjugated process, the integrated values measured are $$ P_Λ = 0.029 \pm 0.019 \, (\rm{stat}) \pm 0.012 \, (\rm{syst}) \, , $$ $$ P_{\barΛ} = 0.003 \pm 0.023 \, (\rm{stat}) \pm 0.014 \,(\rm{syst}) \,. $$ Furthermore, the results are shown as a function of the Feynman~$x$~variable, transverse momentum, pseudorapidity and rapidity of the hyperons, and are compared with previous measurements. △ Less

Submitted 16 October, 2024; v1 submitted 18 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/3120 (LHCb public pages)

Report number: CERN-EP-2024-121, LHCb-PAPER-2024-009

Journal ref: JHEP 09 (2024) 082

Search for time-dependent $CP$ violation in $D^0 \rightarrow π^+ π^- π^0$ decays

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1064 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A measurement of time-dependent $CP$ violation in $D^0 \rightarrow π^+ π^- π^0$ decays using a $pp$ collision data sample collected by the LHCb experiment in 2012 and from 2015 to 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.7$\,\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$, is presented. The initial flavour of each $D^0$ candidate is determined from the charge of the pion produced in the… ▽ More A measurement of time-dependent $CP$ violation in $D^0 \rightarrow π^+ π^- π^0$ decays using a $pp$ collision data sample collected by the LHCb experiment in 2012 and from 2015 to 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.7$\,\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$, is presented. The initial flavour of each $D^0$ candidate is determined from the charge of the pion produced in the $D^*(2010)^+ \rightarrow D^0 π^+$ decay. The decay $D^0 \rightarrow K^- π^+ π^0$ is used as a control channel to validate the measurement procedure. The gradient of the time-dependent $CP$ asymmetry, $ΔY$, in $D^0 \rightarrow π^+ π^- π^0$ decays is measured to be \begin{equation*} ΔY = (-1.3 \pm 6.3 \pm 2.4) \times 10^{-4}, \end{equation*} where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic, which is compatible with $CP$ conservation. △ Less

Submitted 9 September, 2024; v1 submitted 10 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://lbfence.cern.ch/alcm/public/analysis/full-details/1787

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-003, CERN-EP-2024-111

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 133 (2024) 101803

Amplitude analysis and branching fraction measurement of $B^{+}\to D^{*-}D^{+}_{s}π^{+}$ decays

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1057 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The decays of the $B^{+}$ meson to the final state $D^{*-}D^{+}_{s}π^{+}$ are studied in proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9 fb$^{-1}$. The ratio of branching fractions of the $B^{+}\to D^{*-}D^{+}_{s}π^{+}$ and $B^{0}\to D^{*-}D^{+}_{s}$ decays is measured to be… ▽ More The decays of the $B^{+}$ meson to the final state $D^{*-}D^{+}_{s}π^{+}$ are studied in proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9 fb$^{-1}$. The ratio of branching fractions of the $B^{+}\to D^{*-}D^{+}_{s}π^{+}$ and $B^{0}\to D^{*-}D^{+}_{s}$ decays is measured to be $0.173\pm 0.006\pm 0.010$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. Using partially reconstructed $D^{*+}_{s}\to D^{+}_{s}γ$ and $D^{+}_{s}π^{0}$ decays, the ratio of branching fractions between the $B^{+}\to D^{*-}D^{*+}_{s}π^{+}$ and $B^{+}\to D^{*-}D^{+}_{s}π^{+}$ decays is determined as $1.31\pm 0.07\pm 0.14$. An amplitude analysis of the $B^{+}\to D^{*-}D^{+}_{s}π^{+}$ decay is performed for the first time, revealing dominant contributions from known excited charm resonances decaying to the $D^{*-}π^{+}$ final state. No significant evidence of exotic contributions in the $D^{+}_{s}π^{+}$ or $D^{*-}D^{+}_{s}$ channels is found. The fit fraction of the scalar state $T_{c\bar{s} 0}^{\ast}(2900)^{++}$ observed in the $B^{+}\to D^{-}D^{+}_{s}π^{+}$ decay is determined to be less than 2.3% at a 90% confidence level. △ Less

Submitted 16 September, 2024; v1 submitted 30 April, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://cern.ch/lhcbproject/Publications/p/LHCb-PAPER-2024-001.html (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2024-001, CERN-EP-2024-110

Journal ref: JHEP08 (2024) 165

First observation of $Λ_{b}^{0} \rightarrow Σ_c^{(*)++} D^{(*)-} K^{-}$ decays

Authors: LHCb collaboration, R. Aaij, A. S. W. Abdelmotteleb, C. Abellan Beteta, F. Abudinén, T. Ackernley, A. A. Adefisoye, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, P. Adlarson, C. Agapopoulou, C. A. Aidala, Z. Ajaltouni, S. Akar, K. Akiba, P. Albicocco, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, Z. Aliouche, P. Alvarez Cartelle, R. Amalric, S. Amato, J. L. Amey, Y. Amhis , et al. (1067 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The four decays, $Λ_{b}^{0} \rightarrow Σ_c^{(*)++} D^{(*)-} K^{-}$, are observed for the first time using proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector at a centre-of-mass energy of $13\,\rm{TeV}$, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $6\,\rm{fb}^{-1}$. By considering the $Λ_b^0 \rightarrow Λ_c^{+} \overline{D}^0 K^{-}$ decay as reference channel, the following branching f… ▽ More The four decays, $Λ_{b}^{0} \rightarrow Σ_c^{(*)++} D^{(*)-} K^{-}$, are observed for the first time using proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector at a centre-of-mass energy of $13\,\rm{TeV}$, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $6\,\rm{fb}^{-1}$. By considering the $Λ_b^0 \rightarrow Λ_c^{+} \overline{D}^0 K^{-}$ decay as reference channel, the following branching fraction ratios are measured to be $$\frac{\cal{B} (Λ_{b}^{0} \rightarrow Σ_{c}^{++} \rm{D}^{-} {K}^{-})}{\cal{B}(Λ_{b}^{0} \rightarrow Λ_c^{+} \rm \overline{D}^0 {K}^{-})} = {0.282}\pm{0.016}\pm{0.016}\pm{0.005}, \frac{\cal{B}(Λ_{b}^{0} \rightarrow Σ_{c}^{*++} \rm {D}^{-} {K}^{-})}{\cal{B}(Λ_{b}^{0} \rightarrow Σ_c^{++} \rm {D}^{-} {K}^{-})} = {0.460}\pm{0.052}\pm{0.028}, \frac{\cal{B}(Λ_{b}^{0} \rightarrow Σ_{c}^{++} \rm {D}^{*-} {K}^{-})}{\cal{B}(Λ_{b}^{0} \rightarrow Σ_c^{++} \rm {D}^{-} {K}^{-})} = {2.261}\pm{0.202}\pm{0.129}\pm{0.046}, \frac{\cal{B}(Λ_{b}^{0} \rightarrow Σ_{c}^{*++} \rm D^{*-} K^{-})}{\cal{B}(Λ_{b}^{0} \rightarrow Σ_c^{++} \rm D^{-} K^{-})} = {0.896}\pm{0.137}\pm{0.066}\pm{0.018},$$ where the first uncertainties are statistical, the second are systematic, and the third are due to uncertainties in the branching fractions of intermediate particle decays. These initial observations mark the beginning of pentaquark searches in these modes, with more data set to become available following the LHCb upgrade. △ Less

Submitted 26 August, 2024; v1 submitted 30 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Comments: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://cern.ch/lhcbproject/Publications/p/LHCb-PAPER-2023-044.html (LHCb public pages)

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2023-044, CERN-EP-2024-098

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 110 (2024) L031104