Study of Dalitz decays from π0 in e+e− → τ+τ− events recorded by the Belle II detector as a control sample for dark sector search validation
Date
2025
Authors
Sutariya, Dhwani Raju
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Abstract
This thesis presents a validation study of Monte Carlo (MC) simulations in the Belle II experiment by comparing simulated data with real experimental data along with the measurement of the Dalitz decay branching fraction (BF). The analysis focuses on the Dalitz decay of the neutral pion, π0 → γe+e−, which serves as a control sample for searches for dark photons in event e+e− → γ[A′ → e+e−]. The neutral pions are from tau pair events where τ+ → ¯ντ π+[π0 → γe+e−]. By evaluating efficiency and purity, we ensure the robustness of event selection, background suppression, and modeling of key kinematic distributions. After applying selection criteria, the computed MC purity is 99.27% with an efficiency of 0.0122, with the final data sample containing 572 events. The Dalitz decay BF is measured to 0.01076 ± 0.00045(stat.), in agreement with the Particle Data Group (PDG) value of 0.01174 ± 0.00035, with a discrepancy of 1.7σ. This study is limited to evaluation of statistical uncertainties on the BF with a discussion on systematic studies as a follow up. These findings provide essential input for improving data-MC agreement in future dark photon searches and improving measurement of the Dalitz decay BF.
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Keywords
Particle physics, Dalitz decay, Control sample, Belle II, Photon conversions, Dark photon, Dark sector