The size of χ≡arg(−VtsVtb*Vcs*Vcb) and physics beyond the Standard Model

Abstract We analyse the allowed range of values of χ , both in the Standard Model and in models with new physics, pointing out that a relatively large value of χ , e.g., of order λ , is only possible in models where the unitarity of the 3 × 3 Cabibbo–Kobayashi–Maskawa matrix is violated through the introduction of extra Q = 2 / 3 quarks. We study the interesting case where the extra quark is an isosinglet, determining the allowed range for χ and the effect of a large χ on various low-energy observables, such as CP asymmetries in B meson decays. We also discuss the correlated effects which would be observable at high energy colliders, like decays t → c Z , modifications of the cross section and forward–backward asymmetry in e + e − → t t ¯ and the direct production of a new quark.