$CP$ violation in two-body hadronic $Λ_b$ decays in the PQCD approach

Abstract

We systematically investigate the $CP$-averaged branching ratios and $CP$ violations (CPVs) for the two-body hadronic decays $Λ_b\to ph$, where $h$ runs through the mesons $π^-$, $ρ^-$, $a_1^-(1260)$, $K^-$, $K^{\ast -}$, $K_1^-(1270)$ and $K_1^-(1400)$, in the perturbative QCD approach to order $α_s^2$ in the strong coupling. Various topological amplitudes are obtained by incorporating subleading-twist hadron distribution amplitudes, which exhibit reasonable hierarchical patterns, sizable strong phases, and non-negligible higher-power corrections. The predicted direct CPVs in $Λ_b\to pπ^-,pK^-$, different from those in similar $B$ meson decays, are as small as the current data. The low CPV in $Λ_b\to pπ^-$ results from the cancellation between the $S$- and $P$-wave CPVs, while the one in $Λ_b\to pK^-$ is determined by the tiny $S$-wave CPV. However, individual partial-wave CPVs can exceed $10\%$, consistent with direct CPVs in $B$ meson decays. The CPVs in the $Λ_b\to pK_1^-(1270),pK_1^-(1400)$ channels are relatively larger. In particular, CPVs above $20\%$ appear in the up-down asymmetries associated with the final-state angular distributions of $Λ_b\to pK_1^-(1270),pK_1^-(1400)$, followed by the secondary $K_1\to Kππ$ decays. These observables offer promising prospects for firmly establishing baryon CPVs. The decay asymmetry parameters of $Λ_b\to ph$ are also predicted for future experimental confrontations.