We revisit the $\mathrm{\Delta }F=2$ transitions in the $K$ and $B_{d,s}$ neutral meson systems in the context of the minimal left-right symmetric model. We take into account, in addition to up-to-date phenomenological data, the contributions related to the renormalization of the flavor-changing neutral Higgs tree-level amplitude. These contributions were neglected in recent discussions, albeit formally needed in order to obtain a gauge-independent result. Their impact on the minimal LR model is crucial and twofold. First, the effects are relevant in $B$ meson oscillations, for both CP conserving and CP violating observables, so that for the first time these imply constraints on the LR scenario which compete with those of the $K$ sector (plagued by long-distance uncertainties). Second, they sizably contribute to the indirect kaon CP violation parameter $ϵ$. We discuss the bounds from $B$ and $K$ mesons in both cases of LR symmetry: generalized parity ($\mathcal{P}$) and charge conjugation ($\mathcal{C}$). In the case of $\mathcal{P}$, the interplay between the CP-violation parameters $ϵ$ and ${ϵ}^{\prime }$ leads us to rule out the regime of very hierarchical bidoublet vacuum expectation values $v_2/v_1<m_b/m_t\simeq 0.02$. In general, by minimizing the scalar field contribution up to the limit of the perturbative regime and by definite values of the relevant CP phases in the charged right-handed currents, we find that a right-handed gauge boson $W_R$ as light as 3 TeV is allowed at the 95% C. L. This is well within the reach of direct detection at the next LHC run. If not discovered, within a decade the upgraded LHCb and Super B factories may reach an indirect sensitivity to a left-right scale of 8 TeV.

• Received 3 April 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.89.095028