Theory of B -> K(*)l+l- decays at high q^2: OPE and quark-hadron duality

Abstract

We develop a systematic framework for exclusive rare B decays of the type B -> K(*)l+l- at large dilepton invariant mass q^2. It is based on an operator product expansion (OPE) for the required matrix elements of the nonleptonic weak Hamiltonian in this kinematic regime. Our treatment differs from previous work by a simplified operator basis, the explicit calculation of matrix elements of subleading operators, and by a quantitative estimate of duality violation. The latter point is discussed in detail, including the connection with the existence of an OPE and an illustration within a simple toy model.