Abstract: We benefit from a recent lattice determination of the full set of vector, axial and tensor form factors for the Lambda(b) -> Lambda(c)* (2595)tau(nu) over bar (tau) and Lambda(c) (2625)tau(nu) over bar (tau) semileptonic decays to study the possible role of these two reactions in lepton flavor universality violation studies. Using an effective theory approach, we analyze different observables that can be accessed through the visible kinematics of the charged particles produced in the tau decay, for which we consider the pi(-)nu(tau), rho(-) nu(tau) and mu(-)(nu) over bar (mu)nu(tau) channels. We compare the results obtained in the Standard Model and other schemes containing new physics (NP) interactions, with either left-handed or right-handed neutrino operators. We find a discriminating power between models similar to the one of the Lambda(b) -> Lambda(c) decay, although somewhat hindered in this case by the larger errors of the Lambda(b) -> Lambda(c)* lattice form factors. Notwithstanding this, the analysis of these reactions is already able to discriminate between some of the NP scenarios and its potentiality will certainly improve when more precise form factors are available.

Abstract: We use a O(alpha(s). Lambda(QCD)/m(c)) heavy quark effective theory scheme, where only O(Lambda(QCD)/mb) corrections are neglected, to study the matrix elements of the scalar, pseudoscalar, vector, axial-vector and tensor currents between the Lambda(b) ground state and the odd parity charm Lambda(c)(2595)(+) and Lambda(c)(2625)(+) resonances. We show that in the near-zero recoil regime, the scheme describes reasonably well, taking into account uncertainties, the results for the 24 form factors obtained in lattice QCD (LQCD) just in terms of only four Isgur-Wise (IW) functions. We also find some support for the possibility that the Lambda(c)(2595)(+) and Lambda(c)(2625)(+) resonances might form a heavy quark spin symmetry (HQSS) doublet. However, we argue that the available LQCD description of these two resonances is not accurate enough to disentangle the possible effects of the Sigma(c)pi and Sigma(c)*pi thresholds, located only a few MeV above their position, and that it cannot be ruled out that these states are not HQSS partners. Finally, we study the ratio d Gamma/[Lambda(b) -> Lambda(c,1/2)-*l (v) over bar (l)]/dq(2)/d Gamma/[Lambda(b) -> Lambda(c,3/2)-*l (v) over bar (l)]/dq(2) of the Standard Model differential semileptonic decay widths, with q the four-momentum transferred between the initial and final hadrons. We provide a natural explanation for the existence of large deviations, near the zero recoil, of this ratio from 1=2 (value predicted in the infinite heavy quark mass limit, assuming that the Lambda(c,1/2)- and Lambda(c,3/2)- are the two members of a HQSS doublet) based on S-wave contributions to the Lambda(b) -> Lambda(c,1/2)- decay amplitude driven by a subleading IW function.

Abstract: We investigate the Lambda (1520) photoproduction in the (gamma) over right arrowp -> K+ Lambda(1520) reaction within the effective Lagrangian method near threshold. In addition to the “background” contributions from the contact, t-channel K-exchange, and s-channel nucleon pole terms, which were already considered in previous studies, the contribution from the nucleon resonance N*(2080) (spin-parity J(P) = 3/2(-)) is also considered. We show that the inclusion of the nucleon resonance N*(2080) leads to a fairly good description of the new LEPS differential cross-section data, and that these measurements can be used to determine some of the properties of this latter resonance. However, serious discrepancies appear when the predictions of the model are compared to the photon-beam asymmetry, which was also measured by the LEPS Collaboration.