K to π ν bar ν: A Model Independent Analysis and Supersymmetry

We present a model independent analysis of new-physics contributions to the decays K^+ \to \pi^+ \nu \bar \nu and K_L \to \pi^0 \nu \bar \nu. We parameterize the effects of new physics in these decays by two parameters: r_K and \theta_K, with r_K=1 and \theta_K=0 in the Standard Model (SM). We show how these parameters can be extracted from future data. This analysis offers some insight in a possible violation of a "golden relation" between K \to \pi \nu \bar \nu decays and the CP asymmetry in B \to \psi K_S in the SM pointed out some time ago. We illustrate these ideas by considering a general class of supersymmetric models. We find that in the "constrained" MSSM, in which \theta_K=0, the measurements of Br(K^+ \to \pi^+ \nu \bar \nu) and Br(K_L \to \pi^0 \nu \bar \nu) directly determine the angle \beta. Moreover, the "golden relation" remains unaffected. On the other hand, in general SUSY models with unbroken R-parity the present experimental constraints still allow for substantial deviations from r_K=1 and \theta_K=0. Typically 0.5 < r_K < 1.3 and -25^0 < \theta_K < 25^0. Consequently, in these models the violation of the "golden relation" is possible and values for Br(K^+ \to \pi^+ \nu \bar \nu) and Br(K_L \to \pi^0 \nu \bar \nu) departing from the SM expectations by factors 2-3 cannot be excluded. Our conclusions differ in certain aspects from the ones reached in previous analyses. In particular, we stress the possible importance of left-right flavour-violating mass insertions that were not considered before.