Belle II
Belle II
The Belle II detector is located at the interaction point of the high luminosity SuperKEKB electron-positron collider in Tsukuba, Japan. The Belle II experiment focuses on precision measurements of weak interaction parameters, the study of exotic hadrons, and searches for phenomena beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. Belle II is collecting very large data samples of beauty and charm hadrons, as well as tau leptons.
Our research group plays a pivotal role in the Belle II experiment, actively contributing to key areas of study while maintaining direct engagement with the wider international collaboration.
Dark Sector Searches
Among our primary focuses is exploration of dark sector particle physics, particularly through searches for axion-like particles and dark baryons. These investigations aim to uncover possibilities that could help explain the nature of dark matter and its interactions with the visible universe.
CKM Measurements
We are deeply involved in high-precision measurements of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix elements, Vub and Vcb. These measurements are crucial for understanding the mixing and transitions between different quark flavors, providing a vital test of the Standard Model’s predictions. Our work also extends to the study of CP violation.
Lepton Flavour Universality
Our group has conducted rigorous tests of lepton flavor universality in semileptonic B decays, examining whether all lepton species interact uniformly with gauge bosons - as predicted by the Standard Model. Deviations from this principle could signal the presence of new physics.
Heavy Neutral Lepton Searches
Lastly, we are engaged in searches for heavy neutral leptons, hypothetical particles that could provide insights into the nature of neutrino masses and their role in physics beyond the Standard Model.
Machine Learning
To complement the collaboration's efforts, our group has developed and implemented advanced machine-learning algorithms for lepton identification. These tools enhance Belle II's ability to differentiate leptons from other particles, increasing the precision of data analysis and improving the sensitivity of rare decay searches.
Academic Researchers
Prof Phillip Urquijo
Dr Eiasha Waheed
Research Fellow, Particle Physics