Large O(m(c)(-2)) nonperturbative corrections to the inclusive rate of the decay B->X(s)gamma

It is shown that the inclusive rate of the rare weak radiative decays B --> X(s) gamma contains a series of nonperturbative corrections, whose 'short distance' scale is set by m(c)(-1), rather than by m(b)(-1). The first correction in this series is expressed through the chromomagnetic interaction of the b quark inside the B meson and the relative magnitude of the effect is determined by the ratio [(B) over bar/(b) over bar sigma . Gb/B]/m(c)(2). Though the magnitude of this first correction is suppressed by a numerical coefficient, the sensitivity of the decay rate to the distance scale m(c)(-1) may significantly limit the accuracy of purely perturbative predictions for the rate. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.