Spin effects in rare $B \to X_s \tau^+ \tau^-$ and $B \to K^{(*)} \tau^+ \tau^-$ decays in a single Universal Extra Dimension scenario

Abstract

We study the branching fractions and the lepton polarization asymmetries of rare $B \to X_s \tau^+ \tau^-$ and $B \to K^{(*)} \tau^+ \tau^-$ modes within the Standard Model and in the Appelquist-Cheng-Dobrescu model, which is a New Physics scenario with a single universal extra dimension. In particular, we investigate the sensitivity of the observables to the radius $R$ of the compactified extra-dimension, which is the only new parameter in this New Physics model. For the exclusive transitions we study the uncertainties due to the hadronic matrix elements using two set of form factors, finding that in many cases such uncertainties are small. In particular, we show that the $\tau^-$ polarization asymmetries become free of hadronic uncertainties if Large Energy relations for the form factors, valid for low momentum transfer to the lepton pair, are used. We also consider $K^*$ helicity fractions and their sensitivity to the compactification parameter.