Theoretical Issues in $b$ Physics

Abstract

Examples are given of some current questions in $b$ physics to which LHC experiments may provide answers. These include (i) the precise determination of parameters of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix; (ii) measurements of CKM phases using B decays to CP eigenstates; (iii) the search for direct CP asymmetries in B decays; (iv) rare radiative B decays; (v) the study of $B_s$ properties and decays, (vi) excited states of $B$ and $B_s$ mesons, and (vii) the search for heavier quarks which could mix with the $b$ quark.

Comments: 18 pages, LaTeX, 4 figures, invited talk presented at LHC 2003 Symposium, Fermilab, May 1-3, 2003. Proceedings to be published by Springer-Verlag. Two figures and one CP asymmetry updated; more direct use made of CP asymmetry information in B -> K pi decays