New Physics contributions to the lifetime difference in D0-anti-D0 mixing

The first general analysis of New Physics contributions to the D0-anti-D0 lifetime difference (equivalently Delta Gamma_D} is presented. The extent to which New Physics (NP) contributions to |Delta C|=1 processes can produce effects in Delta Gamma_D, even if such NP contributions are undetectable in the current round of D0 decay experiments, is studied. New Physics models which do and do not dominate the lifetime difference in the flavor SU(3) limit are identified. Specific examples are provided.