Test of factorization in B -> K pi decays - art. no. 094002

We analyze the B-->K pi decays using the factorization model with the final state interaction phase shift included. We find that factorization seems t o describe qualitatively the latest CLEO data. For a test of the factorizat ion model, we derive a relation for the branching ratios independent of the strength of the strong penguin interactions. This relation gives a central value of (0.60 x 10(-5)) for B((B) over bar (0)-->(K) over bar (0)pi (0)), somewhat smaller than the latest CLEO measurement, but the experimental er rors are yet too big to take it as a real prediction of the factorization m odel. We also find that a ratio obtained from the CP-averaged B-->K pi deca y rates could be used to test the factorization model and to determine the weak angle gamma with more precise data, although the latest CLEO data seem to favor yin the range of (90 degrees -120 degrees).