Unified SU(4) theory for the $R_{D^{(*)}}$ and $R_{K^{(*)}}$ anomalies

Abstract

We propose a chiral Pati-Salam theory based on the gauge group $SU(4)_C\times SU(2)_L\times SU(2)_R$. The left-handed quarks and leptons are unified into a fundamental representation of $SU(4)_C$, while right-handed quarks and leptons have a separate treatment. The deviations measured in the rare semi-leptonic decays $B\to D^{(*)} \tau\bar\nu$ are explained by a scalar leptoquark which couples to right-handed fields and is contained in the $SU(4)_C\times SU(2)_R$ breaking scalar multiplet. The measured deviation of lepton flavor universality in the rare decays $\bar B\to \bar K^{(*)}\ell^+\ell^-$, $\ell=\mu,e$ is explained via the $SU(4)_C$ leptoquark gauge boson. The model predicts a new sub-GeV scale sterile neutrino which participates in the anomaly and can be searched for in upcoming neutrino experiments. The theory satisfies the current most sensitive experimental constraints and its allowable parameter regions will be probed as more precise measurements from the LHCb and Belle II experiments become available.