Direct CP Violation In Radiative B Decays

Abstract

We discuss the role of the radiative B decays $B \to X_{s/d} \gamma$ in our search for new physics focusing on the issue of direct CP violation. We discuss in some detail a SM prediction for the CP asymmetries in inclusive $b \to s/d$ transitions, namely $\mid \Delta {\cal B}(B \to X_s \gamma) + \Delta {\cal B}(B \to X_d \gamma) \mid \sim 1 \cdot 10^{-9}$. Any measured value in significant deviation of this estimate would indicate new sources of CP violation beyond the CKM phase.