Search for neutral D meson-antineutral D meson mixing in neutral D meson going to kaon(+)-antipion-antipion-pion decays

Abstract

We present results of a search for D⁰- D¯⁰ mixing by analyzing D ⁰ → K⁺π ⁻π⁻π⁺ decays from events in 230.4 fb^-1 e⁺ e⁻ data recorded by BABAR. Assuming CP conservation, we measure the time-integrated mixing rate R_M = ([special characters omitted] (stat.) ± 0.002 (syst.))%, and R_M < 0.048% at 95% confidence. Using a frequentist method, we estimate that the data are consistent with no mixing at 4.3% confidence level. We present results both with and without the assumption of CP conservation. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax [phone].)