Covariant Light-Front Approach for B to K* gamma, K_1 gamma, K*_2 gamma Decays

Abstract

Exclusive radiative B decays, B to K* gamma, K_1(1270) gamma, K_1(1400) gamma and K*_2(1430) gamma, are studied in the framework of a covariant light-front quark model. The tensor form factor T_1(q^2) at q^2=0, which is relevant to the decay B to K* gamma, is found to be 0.24, substantially smaller than what expected from the conventional light-front model or light-cone sum rules. Taking into account the sizable next-to-leading order (NLO) corrections, the calculated branching ratio of B to K* gamma agrees with experiment, while most of the existing models predict too large B to K* gamma compared to the data. The relative strength of B to K_1(1270) gamma and B to K_1(1400) gamma rates is very sensitive to the sign of the K_1(1270)-K_1(1400) mixing angle. Contrary to the other models in which K_1(1270) gamma and K_1(1400) gamma rates are predicted to be comparable, it is found that one of them is strongly suppressed owing to a large cancellation between two different form factor terms. The calculated branching ratio of B to K*_2 gamma is in a good agreement with experiment and this may imply the smallness of NLO corrections to this radiative decay mode.