Search for the decay Bs0→D*∓π±

Abstract

A search for the decay B 0 s → D * ∓ π ± is presented using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb − 1 of p p collisions collected by LHCb. This decay is expected to be mediated by a W -exchange diagram, with little contribution from rescattering processes, and therefore a measurement of the branching fraction will help us to understand the mechanism behind related decays such as B 0 s → π + π − and B 0 s → D ¯¯¯ D . Systematic uncertainties are minimized by using B 0 → D * ∓ π ± as a normalization channel. We find no evidence for a signal, and set an upper limit on the branching fraction of B ( B 0 s → D * ∓ π ± ) < 6.1 ( 7.8 ) × 10 − 6 at 90% (95%) confidence level.