A no-go theorem for non-standard explanations of the $\tau\to K_S\pi\nu_\tau$ CP asymmetry

Abstract

A new tensor interaction is the only possibility to explain the $2.8\sigma$ tension observed by the BaBar collaboration in the CP asymmetry in $\tau\to K_S\pi\nu_\tau$ with physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM) realized above the electroweak scale. However, the strong phase generated by the interference between vector and tensor phases is suppressed by at least two orders of magnitude due to Watson's final-state-interaction theorem, and the strength of the CP-violating tensor interaction is strongly constrained by bounds from the neutron electric dipole moment and $D$-$\bar{D}$ mixing. As a result, a confirmation of the tension at Belle II would point to light BSM physics.