Constraints on lepton-flavor mixing with third-generation new physics

Abstract

We study the implications of an approximate $U(2)^5$ flavor symmetry at the TeV scale, under the assumption of new physics predominantly coupled to the third-generation fermions, focusing on the breaking of the $U(2)_\ell$ subgroup governing the mixing between second- and third-generation left-handed leptons. We derive constraints on the corresponding spurion parameter $δ$ from current data on lepton flavor violating (LFV) and lepton flavor universality (LFU) observables, finding that $R_{K^{(*)}}$ and $\mathcal{B}(B_s \to μμ)$ give the most stringent bound on $δ$, yielding ${|δ|<0.051}$ at 95% CL. In addition, we provide updated bounds for LFV decay rates and discuss prospects for future sensitivity improvements, finding that future LFV searches could further tighten constraints on the mixing between second- and third-generation leptons.