Search for $\Lambda_c^+ \to p K^+ \pi^-$ and $D_s^+ \to K^+ K^+ \pi^-$ Using Genetic Programming Event Selection

Abstract

We apply a genetic programming technique to search for the double Cabibbo suppressed decays $\Lambda_c^+ \to p K^+ \pi^-$ and $D_s^+ \to K^+ K^+ \pi^-$. We normalize these decays to their Cabibbo favored partners and find $\text{BR}($\Lambda_c^+ \to p K^+ \pi^-$)/\text{BR}($\Lambda_c^+ \to p K^- \pi^+$) = (0.05 \pm 0.26 \pm 0.02)%$ and $\text{BR}($D_s^+ \to K^+ K^+ \pi^-$)/\text{BR}($D_s^+ \to K^+ K^- \pi^+$) = (0.52\pm 0.17\pm 0.11)%$ where the first errors are statistical and the second are systematic. Expressed as 90% confidence levels (CL), we find $< 0.46 % $ and $ < 0.78%$ respectively. This is the first successful use of genetic programming in a high energy physics data analysis.