Paper detail

Towards B -> X_s gamma at the NNLO in QCD without interpolation in m_c

Strengthening constraints on new physics from the B -> X_s gamma branching ratio requires improving accuracy in the measurements and the Standard Model predictions. To match the expected Belle-II accuracy, Next-to-Next-to-Leading Order (NNLO) QCD corrections must be calculated without the so-far employed interpolation in the charm-quark mass m_c. In the process of evaluating such corrections at the physical value of m_c, we have finalized the part coming from diagrams with closed fermion loops on the gluon lines that contribute to the interference of the current-current and photonic dipole operators. We confirm several published results for corrections of this type, and supplement them with a previously uncalculated piece. Taking into account the recently improved estimates of non-perturbative contributions, we find B_{s gamma} = (3.40 \pm 0.17) * 10^{-4} and R_gamma = B_{(s+d) gamma}/B_{c l nu} = (3.35 \pm 0.16) * 10^{-3} for E_gamma > 1.6 GeV in the decaying meson rest frame.