Exploring new physics in the B→φK system

Employing the SU(2) isospin symmetry of strong interactions and estimates borrowed from effective field theory, we explore the impact of new physics on the decays B+/- --> phiK(+/-) and B-d --> phiK(S) in a model-independent manner. To this end, we introduce - in addition to the: usual mixing-induced CP asymmetry in B-d --> phiK(S) - a set of three observables, which may not only provide "smoking-gun" signals for new physics contributions to different isospin channels, but also valuable insights into hadron dynamics. Imposing dynamical hierarchies of amplitudes, we discuss various patterns of these observables, including also scenarios with small and large rescattering processes. Whereas the B --> phiK system provides, in general, a powerful tool to search for indications of new physics, there is also an unfortunate case, where such effects cannot be distinguished from those of the Standard Model. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.