K -> pi nu nu-bar decays and CKM fits

Abstract

After a brief introduction to the so-called flavour problem, we discuss the role of K -> pi nu nu-bar decays in shedding new light on this issue. In particular, we review the theoretical uncertainties in predicting B(K -> pi nu nu-bar) within the SM, the sensitivity of these observables to New Physics scenarios, and the status of their experimental determination.

Comments: Invited talk at the Workshop on the CKM Unitarity Triangle, IPPP Durham, April 2003 (eConf C0304052). 5 pages LaTeX, 4 eps figures (v2: numerical errors corrected)