Difference inB+andB0DirectCPAsymmetry as an Effect of a Fourth Generation

Abstract

Direct CP violation in B0 --> K+ pi- decay has emerged at the -10% level, but the asymmetry in B+ --> K+ pi0 mode is consistent with zero. This difference points towards possible new physics in the electroweak penguin operator. We point out that a sequential fourth generation, with sizable V(t' s)* V(t' b) and near maximal phase, could be a natural cause. We use the perturbative QCD factorization approach for B --> Kpi amplitudes. While the B0 --> K+ pi- mode is insensitive to t', we critically compare t' effects on direct CP violation in B+ --> K+ pi0 with b --> sl+ l- and B(s) mixing. If the K+ pi0 - K+ pi- asymmetry difference persists, we predict sin2phi(Bs) to be negative.