KOFFEE: Kaon Observables at Future Fermilab Experimental Extensions

Abstract

The rare decays $K^{+}\to {\pi }^{+}\nu \bar{\nu }$ and $K_L\to {\pi }^0\nu \bar{\nu }$ are among the most precisely predicted flavor observables, enabling determinations of the CKM matrix and its CP-violating phase, as well as providing sensitivity to new physics at scales far beyond the reach of colliders. We propose a dedicated rare-kaon program at Fermilab, exploiting the high-intensity proton complex currently under construction for its neutrino programs and potential collider R&D. In this letter, we estimate the achievable kaon flux and project the sensitivity to the aforementioned kaon golden modes, as well as the reach on new dynamics in the UV with an EFT framework. Such a program could measure both modes with unprecedented precision, probe new physics up to $\mathcal{O}(100)$ TeV, and determine the unitarity triangle from kaon processes alone. All this can be achieved while sharing infrastructure with other frontier programs.

Comments: 6 + 4 pages, 3 + 4 figures