Precision Studies in the
Quark Flavor Sector and
the Search for New
Physics
An important goal of elementary-particle physics
is to discover couplings of Standard Model particles to yet unknown heavy
particles, which are predicted to exist in a large variety of theoretical
models. High-precision studies of rare decays of heavy quarks and measurements
of the parameters of the quark mixing matrix allow for sensitive probes of new
flavor-changing interactions. These could play a role in explaining the
observed matter-antimatter asymmetry in the Universe. Recent developments in
this field as well as some potential hints for New Physics effects will be
discussed.