Challenging the standard model with the scrutiny of b to qll transitions
Today, Particle Physics is in an unusual situation with a theory, the Standard Model (SM), able to accurately describe a very large number of precise measurements but at the cost of ad hoc features in the fermionic sector. Furthermore, the SM is unable to answer key questions raised by cosmological observations. Consequently, the ball is now on experiment side to search for signs of non-SM physics (NP). The most straightforward way to hunt for NP particles is to seek for their signatures directly in the data, but none of them has been found today. Therefore, this project focuses on indirect searches which rely on the quantum nature of particles. Since b-hadrons study is an ideal field for this type of searches, I propose to explore the Flavour-Changing Neutral Currents b-> sll  and b-> dll transitions to draw the identity card of the NP particles which may be at play. Due to experimental constraints, our current knowledge is limited: the published results are mostly related to the b-> s mumu transitions and the observations of b-> see are rare. With the Chiaroscuro project, I will be able to study for the first time the angular properties of the decay products of the b-> s ee transitions over the full kinematical domain for a variety of b-hadrons to investigate the NP couplings to the electron (e) and muon (mu) particles. Another important question is the coupling of NP with the quarks of the first and second families: are the b->sll and b->dll transitions impacted the same way by NP? In order to answer this interrogation, I will study Lb and Bc hadrons decays - uniquely accessible at the LHC - using cutting edge reconstruction techniques.
The project will use the LHCb detector running at the LHC to benefit from the huge b-hadron production rate. In order to cope with the increasingly challenging data-taking conditions, the project will develop innovative techniques in the electron reconstruction and precise calibration of the LHCb electromagnetic calorimeter.