B Counting at BaBar

Abstract

In this thesis we examine the method of counting $B\overline{B}$ events produced in the BaBar experiment. The original method was proposed in 2000, but improvements to track reconstruction and our understanding of the detector since that date make it appropriate to revisit the $B$ Counting method. We propose a new set of cuts designed to minimize the sensitivity to time-varying backgrounds. We find the new method counts $B\overline{B}$ events with an associated systematic uncertainty of $\pm 0.6%