Pathways to Rare Baryonic B Decays

Abstract

We point out new ways to search for charmless baryonic B decays: baryon pair production in association with ${\eta }^{\prime }$ is very likely as large as or even a bit larger than two body $K\pi /\pi \pi$ modes. We extend our argument, in weaker form, to $B\to \gamma +X_s$ and $\ell \nu +X$. Although calculations are not reliable, estimates give branching ratios of order $10^{-5}$--$10^{-6}$, where confidence is gained from recent experimental finding that $B\to D^{\ast }p\bar{n}$, $D^{\ast }p\bar{p}\pi$ are not far below $D^{\ast }\pi$ and $D^{\ast }\rho$ rates. Observation of charmless baryon modes would help clarify the dynamics of weak decays to baryonic final states, while the self-analyzing prowess of the $\Lambda$-baryon can be helpful in CP- and T-violation studies.

Comments: 12 pages, REVTEX, 3 eps figures included