Pathways to Rare Baryonic B Decays

Abstract

We point out new ways to search for charmless baryonic B decays: baryon pair production in association with $\eta^\prime$ is very likely as large as or even a bit larger than two body $K\pi/\pi\pi$ modes. We extend our argument, in weaker form, to $B\to \gamma + X_s$ and $\ell\nu +X$. Although calculations are not reliable, estimates give branching ratios of order $10^{-5}$--$10^{-6}$, where confidence is gained from recent experimental finding that $B \to D^{*} p \bar n$, $D^{*} p \bar p \pi$ are not far below $D^*\pi$ and $D^*\rho$ rates. Observation of charmless baryon modes would help clarify the dynamics of weak decays to baryonic final states, while the self-analyzing prowess of the $\Lambda$-baryon can be helpful in CP- and T-violation studies.