What RK and Q5 can tell us about New Physics in b→sℓℓ transitions?

Abstract

Abstract The deviations with respect to the Standard Model that are currently observed in b → sℓℓ transitions, or B anomalies, can be interpreted in terms of different New Physics (NP) scenarios within a model-independent effective approach. We identify a set of internal tensions of the fit that require further attention and whose theoretical or experimental nature could be determined with more data. In this landscape of NP, we discuss possible ways to discriminate among favoured NP hypotheses in the short term thanks to current and forthcoming observables. While an update of R K should help to disentangle the type of NP we may be observing (Lepton-Flavour Universality Violating and/or Lepton Flavour Universal), additional observables, in particular Q 5, turn out to be central to determine which NP hypothesis should be preferred. We also analyse the preferences shown by the current global fit concerning various NP hypotheses, using two different tools: the behaviour of the pulls of individual observables under NP scenarios and the directions favoured by approximate quadratic parametrisations of the observables in terms of Wilson coefficients.