Tests of factorization and SU(3) relations in B decays into heavy-light final states

Using data from the B factories and the Tevatron, we perform tests of how well nonleptonic B decays of the kind B→D(s)(*)P, where P is a pion or kaon, are described within the factorization framework. We find that factorization works well--as is theoretically expected--for color-allowed, tree-diagram-like topologies. Moreover, also exchange topologies, which have a nonfactorizable character, do not show any anomalous behavior. We discuss also isospin triangles between the B→D(*)π decay amplitudes, and determine the corresponding amplitudes in the complex plane, which show a significant enhancement of the color-suppressed tree contribution with respect to the factorization picture. Using data for B→D(*)K decays, we determine SU(3)-breaking effects and cannot resolve any nonfactorizable SU(3)-breaking corrections larger than ∼5%. In view of these results, we point out that a comparison between the Bd0→D+π- and Bs0→Ds+π- decays offers an interesting new determination of fd/fs. Using CDF data, we obtain the most precise value of this ratio at CDF, and discuss the prospects for a corresponding measurement at LHCb.