Theory News on $B_{s(d)} \to \mu^+\mu^-$ Decays

Abstract

The rare decays $B_{s(d)} \to \mu^+\mu^-$ play a key role for the testing of the Standard Model. An overview of the most recent theoretical predictions of the corresponding branching ratios is given, emphasizing that the sizable decay width difference $\Delta\Gamma_s$ of the $B_s$-meson system affects the $B_s\to \mu^+\mu^-$ channel. As a consequence, the calculated Standard Model branching ratio has to be upscaled by about 10% to BR$(B_s\to \mu^+\mu^-)=(3.54\pm0.30)\times 10^{-9}$. This prediction is the reference value for the comparison with the time-integrated experimental branching ratio, where LHCb has recently reported $(3.2^{+1.5}_{-1.2})\times10^{-9}$ corresponding to the first evidence for $B_s\to \mu^+\mu^-$. The $\Delta\Gamma_s$ effects have also to be included in the constraints on the parameter space of New-Physics models following from the experimental data. Furthermore, $\Delta\Gamma_s$ makes a new observable through the effective $B_s\to \mu^+\mu^-$ lifetime accessible, which probes New Physics in a way complementary to the branching ratio and adds an exciting new topic to the agenda for the high-luminosity upgrade of the LHC.