arXiv subjects

A. Sirlin

Publications and source records attributed to A. Sirlin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2011

Observations on the radiative corrections to pion beta-decay

We find that, in the local V-A theory, the radiative corrections to pion beta-decay involving the weak vector current, when evaluated in the current algebra (CA) formulation in which quarks are the fundamental underlying fields, show a small difference with the more elementary calculations based directly on the pion fields. We show that this difference arises from a specific short-distance effect that depends on the algebra satisfied by the weak and electromagnetic currents. On the other hand, we present a simple theoretical argument that concludes that this difference does not occur when the CA formulation is compared with the chiral perturbation theory (chiPT) approach. Comparisons with previous studies, and with a more recent calculation based on chiPT, are included. We also briefly review the important differences between the results in the local V-A theory and the Standard Model.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2011

Radiative Correction to the anti-nu_e (nu_e) Spectrum in beta-Decay

We derive an analytic expression for the O(alpha) radiative correction to the anti-nu_e (nu_e) spectrum in allowed beta-decay. The m -> 0 limit is convergent and leads to a very simple result (m is the electron mass). This is in sharp contrast to the correction to the e^- (e^+) spectrum, that diverges as m -> 0, an important difference that we explain on theoretical grounds. After discussing some of their general properties, we use the corrections to the anti-nu_e and e^- spectra to derive the corresponding correction to the e^- -> anti-nu_e conversion, a relation that is of considerable interest for reactor studies of neutrino oscillations.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2010

The muon g-2 discrepancy: new physics or a relatively light Higgs?

After a brief review of the muon g-2 status, we discuss hypothetical errors in the Standard Model prediction that might explain the present discrepancy with the experimental value. None of them seems likely. In particular, a hypothetical increase of the hadroproduction cross section in low-energy e+e- collisions could bridge the muon g-2 discrepancy, but it is shown to be unlikely in view of current experimental error estimates. If, nonetheless, this turns out to be the explanation of the discrepancy, then the 95% CL upper bound on the Higgs boson mass is reduced to about 135GeV which, in conjunction with the experimental 114.4GeV 95% CL lower bound, leaves a narrow window for the mass of this fundamental particle.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

Novel formulations of CKM matrix renormalization

We review two recently proposed on-shell schemes for the renormalization of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) quark mixing matrix in the Standard Model. One first constructs gauge-independent mass counterterm matrices for the up- and down-type quarks complying with the hermiticity of the complete mass matrices. Diagonalization of the latter then leads to explicit expressions for the CKM counterterm matrix, which are gauge independent, preserve unitarity, and lead to renormalized amplitudes that are non-singular in the limit in which any two quarks become mass degenerate. One of the schemes also automatically satisfies flavor democracy.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

Quark mixing renormalization effects in the determination of the CKM parameters |V_{ij}|

We briefly review existing proposals for the renormalization of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix and study the numerical effects of several of them on the W-boson hadronic partial decay widths. We then use these results to evaluate the relative shifts on the CKM parameters |V_{ij}|^2 induced by the quark mixing renormalization effects, as well as their scheme dependence. We also discuss the implications of this analysis for the most precise unitarity test of the CKM matrix.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2008

The muon g-2 discrepancy: errors or new physics?

After a brief review of the muon g-2 status, we discuss hypothetical errors in the Standard Model prediction that could explain the present discrepancy with the experimental value. None of them looks likely. In particular, an hypothetical increase of the hadroproduction cross section in low-energy e^+e^- collisions could bridge the muon g-2 discrepancy, but is shown to be unlikely in view of current experimental error estimates. If, nonetheless, this turns out to be the explanation of the discrepancy, then the 95% CL upper bound on the Higgs boson mass is reduced to about 130 GeV which, in conjunction with the experimental 114.4 GeV 95% CL lower bound, leaves a narrow window for the mass of this fundamental particle.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2008

The muon g-2 and the bounds on the Higgs boson mass

After a brief review of the muon g-2 status, we analyze the possibility that the present discrepancy between experiment and the Standard Model (SM) prediction may be due to hypothetical errors in the determination of the hadronic leading-order contribution to the latter. In particular, we show how an increase of the hadro-production cross section in low-energy e^+e^- collisions could bridge the muon g-2 discrepancy, leading however to a decrease on the electroweak upper bound on M_H, the SM Higgs boson mass. That bound is currently M_H < ~ 150GeV (95%CL) based on the preliminary top quark mass M_t = 172.6(1.4)GeV and the recent determination Δα_{\rm had}^{(5)}(M_Z) = 0.02768(22), while the direct-search lower bound is M_H > 114.4GeV (95%CL). By means of a detailed analysis we conclude that this solution of the muon g-2 discrepancy is unlikely in view of current experimental error estimates. However, if this turns out to be the solution, the 95%CL upper bound on M_H is reduced to about 130GeV which, in conjunction with the experimental lower bound, leaves a narrow window for the mass of this fundamental particle.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2007

Electroweak Radiative Corrections to Muon Capture

Electroweak radiative corrections to muon capture on nuclei are computed and found to be sizable. They enhance the capture rates for hydrogen and helium by 2.8% and 3.0% respectively. As a result, the value of the induced pseudoscalar coupling, g_P^exp, extracted from a recent hydrogen 1S singlet capture experiment is increased by about 21% to g_P^exp = 7.3 +/- 1.2 and brought into good agreement with the prediction of chiral perturbation theory, g_P^theory=8.2 +/- 0.2. Implications for helium capture rate predictions are also discussed.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2005

Status of the Cabibbo Angle

We review the recent experimental and theoretical progress in the determination of |V_{ud}| and |V_{us}|, and the status of the most stringent test of CKM unitarity. Future prospects on |V_{cd}| and |V_{cs}| are also briefly discussed.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

Bounds on the Higgs Boson Mass from M_W

Recent experimental and theoretical progress in the M_H estimates from M_W and Sin^2_eff_lept is reviewed, with particular emphasis on the role played by M_t. Assuming that the SM is correct and taking into account the lower bound on M_H from direct searches, we derive restrictive bounds on M_W and M_t. We also discuss a representative ``benchmark'' scenario for the possible future evolution of these parameters. Amusingly, this benchmark scenario suggested some time ago a value for M_t that turned out to be in very close agreement with its most recent experimental determination.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

Bounds on M_W, M_t, Sin^2 theta_eff^lept

Assuming that the Standard Model is correct and taking into account the lower bound on M_H from direct searches, we discuss bounds on M_W, M_top, and Sin^2 theta_eff_lept at various confidence levels. This permits to identify theoretically favored ranges for these important parameters in the Standard Model framework, regardless of other observables. As an illustration of possible future developments, a hypothetical benchmark scenario, involving shifts less then 1 sigma in the experimental central values, is discussed.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

The electroweak form factor \hatκ(q^2) and the running of \sin^2 \hatθ_W

Gauge independent form factors ρ^(e; e) and \hatκ^(e; e)(q^2) for Moller scattering at s << m_W^2 are derived. It is pointed out that \hatκ^(e; e) is very different from its counterparts in other processes. The relation between the effective parameter \hatκ^(e; e)(q^2,μ) \sin^2 \hatθ_W(μ) and \sin^2 θ_eff is derived in a scale-independent manner. A gauge and process-independent running parameter \sin^2 \hatθ_W (q^2), based on the pinch-technique self-energy a_{γZ} (q^2), is discussed for all q^2 values. At q^2=0 it absorbs very accurately the Czarnecki-Marciano calculation of the Moller scattering asymmetry at low s values, and at q^2 = m^2_Z it is rather close to \sin^2 θ_eff. The q^2 dependence of \sin^2 \hatθ_W (q^2) is displayed in the space and time-like domains.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2002

Topics in Electroweak Physics

We briefly discuss five topics in Precision Electroweak Physics: i) the recently proposed Effective Scheme of Renormalization, ii) evidence for electroweak bosonic corrections derived from the radiative correction Delta_r_eff, iii) an approach to estimate the scale of new physics in a hypothetical Higgs-less scenario, iv) simple and accurate formulae for s^2_eff, M_W, Gamma_l, and their physical applications, v) a recent proposal concerning the field renormalization constant for unstable particles.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2002

Simple Formulae for Sin^2 theta_eff^lept, M_W, Gamma_l, and their Physical Applications

The calculation of the partial widths of the Z boson in the effective scheme is discussed. Simple formulae for Sin^2 theta_eff^lept, M_W, and Gamma_l in the on-shell, MS, and effective renormalization schemes are presented. Their domain of validity extends to low M_H values probed by current experiments, and to the range of Delta alpha_hadr results from recent calculations. Physical applications of these formulae are illustrated. A comparative analysis of the above mentioned schemes is presented. The paper includes a discussion of the discrepancy of the Sin^2 theta_eff^lept values derived from the leptonic and hadronic sectors and of the shortcomings of theoretical error estimates of Sin^2 theta_eff^lept based solely on those affecting M_W.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2001

Novel Approach to Renormalize the Electroweak Sector of the Standard Model

We discuss a novel approach to renormalize the Electroweak Sector of the Standard Model, in which \sin^2θ_{eff}, measured at the Z^0 peak, is identified with the basic renormalized electroweak mixing parameter. This approach shares the desirable convergence properties of the MS scheme and provides a framework for calculations that are strictly independent of the electroweak scale in finite orders of perturbation theory. We illustrate the method with updated precise calculations of \sin^2θ_{eff} and M_W, as functions of M_H, and comment on the implications of these calculations for the Higgs boson search and the theoretical prediction of M_W.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2001

Scale-Independent Calculation of $\sin^2 θ_{eff}^{lept}$

We present a calculation of the electroweak mixing parameter $\sin^2 θ_{eff}^{lept}$ that incorporates known higher order effects, shares the desirable convergence properties of the $\bar{MS}$ scheme, and has the important theoretical advantage of being strictly independent of the electroweak scale in finite orders of perturbation theory . We also show how this formulation can be extended to the calculation of the W mass $M_W$. The results provide accurate, scale-independent evaluations of these important parameters, as functions of the Higgs boson mass $M_H$, and are compared with previous calculations in order to analyze the scheme and scale dependence of the electroweak corrections.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2000

Width and Partial Widths of Unstable Particles

In the gauge theory context, a definition of branching ratios and partial widths of unstable particles is proposed that satisfies the basic principles of additivity and gauge independence. A simpler definition, similar to the conventional one, is examined in the Z^0-boson case. In order to establish contact with experiment, we show that it leads to a peak cross section that justifies the expression used by the LEP Electroweak Working Group through next-to-next-to-leading order, provided that the pole rather than the on-shell mass and width of the Z^0 boson are employed.

hep-th↗

arXiv2000

Effective Mass Scale of New Physics in the Absence of the Higgs Boson

We consider a hypothetical scenario in which the Higgs boson is absent, and attempt to constrain the mass scale Lambda of the new physics that would take its place. Using recent measurements of sin^2(theta_eff^lept) and M_W, we show that, in a class of theories characterized by simple conditions, the upper bound on Lambda is close to or smaller than the SM upper bound on M_H, while in the complementary class Lambda is not restricted by our considerations. The issue of fine-tuning when Lambda is large is briefly discussed. As a by-product of our considerations, we discuss the usefulness and important properties of a radiative correction, Delta r_eff, that directly links sin^2(theta_eff^lept) with alpha, G_mu, and M_Z.

hep-ph↗