On the origin of the D0 like-sign dimuon charge asymmetry

Abstract

We reconsider the recent observation by the D0 experiment of a sizable like-sign dimuon charge asymmetry, highlighting that it could be affected by CP-violating New Physics contributions not only in Bd- and Bs-meson mixings, but also in semileptonic decays of b and c quarks producing muons. The D0, measurement could be reconciled with the Standard Model expectations for neutral-meson mixings, provided that the CP asymmetry in semileptonic b (c) decays reaches 0.3 % (1%). Such effects, which lie within the available (rather loose) experimental bounds, would be clear indications of New Physics and should be investigated experimentally.

Comments: Corrected discussion of the SM contributions to the direct semileptonic CP asymmetries in B decays. Main results and conclusions unchanged