Search for B→K∗ν¯ν decays

Abstract

We present a search for the decays B → K ∗ ν ¯ ν using 454 × 10 6 B ¯¯¯ B pairs collected at the Υ ( 4 S ) resonance with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II B -Factory. We first select an event sample where one B is reconstructed in a semileptonic or hadronic mode with one charmed meson. The remaining particles in the event are then examined to search for a B → K ∗ ν ¯ ν decay. The charged K ∗ is reconstructed as K * + → K 0 S π + or K * + → K + π 0 ; the neutral K ∗ is identified in K * 0 → K + π − mode. We establish upper limits at 90% confidence level of B ( B + → K * + ν ¯ ν ) < 8 × 10 − 5 , B ( B 0 → K * 0 ν ¯ ν ) < 12 × 10 − 5 , and B ( B → K ∗ ν ¯ ν ) < 8 × 10 − 5 .