Lifetimes of b-hadrons and mixing of neutral B-mesons: theoretical and experimental status

In this article, we review the current status of B-mixing and b-hadron lifetimes both from experimental and theoretical points of view. Furthermore, we discuss the phenomenological potential of these observables for deepening our understanding of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) and for indirect searches for effects beyond the Standard Model (SM). In addition, we present new updated SM predictions for the mixing observables Δ M_d,s , ΔΓ _d,s and a_fs^d,s . We conclude with an outlook on future prospects for theoretical and experimental improvements.