T-Odd Triple-Product Correlations in Hadronic b Decays

Abstract

We study T-violating triple-product asymmetries in the quark-level decay b -> s u u(bar) within the standard model (SM). We find that only two types of triple products are non-negligible. The asymmetry in p_u . [s_u x s_u(bar)] or p_u(bar) . [s_u x s_u(bar)] can be as large as about 5%. It can be probed in B -> V_1 V_2 decays, where V_1 and V_2 are vector mesons. And the asymmetry in s_b . [p_u x p_s] can be in the range 1%--3%. One can search for this signal in the decay Λ_b -> Λπ^+ π^- or in B^* -> X_s X, where X_s and X then each decay into two mesons. All other triple-product asymmetries are expected to be small within the SM. This gives us new methods of searching for new physics.