arXiv subjects

J. C. Hardy

Publications and source records attributed to J. C. Hardy.

51 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2005

A new analysis of 14O beta decay: branching ratios and CVC consistency

The ground-state Gamow-Teller transition in the decay of 14O is strongly hindered and the electron spectrum deviates markedly from the allowed shape. A reanalysis of the only available data on this spectrum changes the branching ratio assigned to this transition by seven standard deviations: our new result is (0.54 \pm 0.02)%. The Kurie plot data from two earlier publications are also examined and a revision to their published branching ratios is recommended. The required nuclear matrix elements are calculated with the shell model and, for the first time, consistency is obtained between the M1 matrix element deduced from the analog gamma transition in 14N and that deduced from the slope of the shape-correction function in the beta transition, a requirement of the conserved vector current hypothesis. This consistency is only obtained, however, if renormalized rather than free-nucleon operators are used in the shell-model calculations. In the mirror decay of 14C a similar situation occurs. Consistency between the 14C lifetime, the slope of the shape-correction function and the M1 matrix element from gamma decay can only be achieved with renormalized operators in the shell-model calculation.

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arXiv2004

Superallowed nuclear beta decays: A critical survey with tests of CVC and the standard model

A complete and critical survey is presented of all half-life, decay-energy and branching-ratio measurements related to 20 superallowed decays; no measurements are ignored, though some are rejected for cause and others updated. A new calculation of the statistical rate function is described and experimental ft values determined. The associated theoretical corrections needed to convert these results into Ft values are discussed, and careful attention is paid to the origin and magnitude of their uncertainties. As an exacting confirmation of the conserved vector current hypothesis, the Ft values are seen to be constant to 3 parts in 10^4. These data are also used to set new limits on any possible scalar interactions or right-hand currents. The average Ft value obtained from the survey, when combined with the muon lifetime, yields the CKM matrix element Vud = 0.9738(4); and the unitarity test on the top row of the matrix becomes |Vud|^2 + |Vus|^2 + |Vub|^2 = 0.9966(14) using the PDG's currently recommended values for Vus and Vub. We discuss the priorities for future theoretical and experimental work with the goal of making the CKM unitarity test more definitive.

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arXiv2004

New limit on fundamental weak-interaction parameters from superallowed beta decay

A new critical survey of all world data on superallowed beta decays provides demanding tests of, and tight constraints on, the weak interaction. In confirmation of the conserved vector current (CVC) hypothesis, the vector coupling coupling constant is demonstrated to be constant to better than 3 parts in 10^4, and any induced scalar current is limited to fs \leq 0.0013 in electron rest-mass units. The possible existence of a fundamental scalar current is similarly limited to |Cs/Cv| \leq 0.0013. The superallowed data also determine the CKM matrix element to be Vud = 0.9738(4). With PDG values for Vus and Vub, the top-row test of CKM unitarity yields Vud^2 + Vus^2 + Vub^2 = 0.9966(14); although, if a recent result on Ke3 decay is used exclusively to obtain Vus, this sum becomes 0.9999(16). Limits on possible right-hand currents are given.

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arXiv2003

Quark Mixing, CKM Unitarity

In the Standard Model of elementary particles, quark-mixing is expressed in terms of a 3 x 3 unitary matrix V, the so called Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix. Significant unitarity checks are so far possible for the first row of this matrix. This article reviews the experimental and theoretical information on these matrix elements. On the experimental side, we find a 2.2 sigma to 2.7 sigma deviation from unitarity, which conflicts with the Standard Model.

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arXiv2003

Superallowed Beta Decay of Nuclei with A >or= 62: The Limiting Effect of Weak Gamow-Teller Branches

The most precise value of V_{ud}, which is obtained from superallowed nuclear beta decay, leads to a violation of CKM unitarity by 2.2 sigma. Experiments are underway on two continents to test and improve this result through decay studies of odd-odd N = Z nuclei with A >or= 62. We show, in a series of illustrative shell-model calculations, that numerous weak Gamow-Teller branches are expected to compete with the superallowed branch in each of these nuclei. Though the total Gamow-Teller strength is significant, many of the individual branches will be unobservably weak. Thus, new techniques must be developed if reliable ft-values are to be obtained with 0.1% precision for the superallowed branches.

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arXiv2003

The Evaluation of V_{ud}, Experiment and Theory

The value of the V_{ud} matrix element of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix can be derived from nuclear superallowed beta decays, neutron decay, and pion beta decay. We survey current world data for all three. Today, the most precise value of V_{ud} comes from the nuclear decays; however, the precision is limited not by experimental error but by the estimated uncertainty in theoretical corrections. Experimental uncertainty does limit the neutron-decay result, which, though statistically consistent with the nuclear result, is approximately a factor of three poorer in precision. The value obtained for $V_{ud}$ leads to a result that differs at the 98% confidence level from the unitarity condition for the CKM matrix. We examine the reliability of the small calculated corrections that have been applied to the data, and assess the likelihood of even higher quality nuclear data becoming available to confirm or deny the discrepancy. Some of the required experiments depend upon the availability of intense radioactive beams. Others are possible today.

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arXiv2003

High Precision Measurement of the Superallowed 0^+ to 0^+ Beta Decay of ^{22}Mg

The half-life, 3.8755(12) s, and superallowed branching ratio, 0.5315(12), for ^{22}Mg beta-decay have been measured with high precision. The latter depended on gamma-ray intensities being measured with an HPGe detector calibrated for relative efficiencies to an unprecedented 0.15%. Previous precise measurements of 0^+ to 0^+ transitions have been restricted to the nine that populate stable daughter nuclei. No more such cases exist, and any improvement in a critical CKM unitarity test must depend on precise measurements of more exotic nuclei. With this branching-ratio measurement, we show those to be possible for T_z = -1 parents. We obtain a corrected Ft-value of 3071(9) s, in good agreement with expectations.

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arXiv2002

Calculated corrections to superallowed Fermi beta decay: New evaluation of the nuclear-structure-dependent terms

The measured $ft$-values for superallowed $0^{+} \to 0^{+}$ nuclear $β$-decay can be used to obtain the value of the vector coupling constant and thus to test the unitarity of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix. An essential requirement for this test is accurate calculations for the radiative and isospin symmetry-breaking corrections that must be applied to the experimental data. We present a new and consistent set of calculations for the nuclear-structure-dependent components of these corrections. These new results do not alter the current status of the unitarity test -- it still fails by more than two standard deviations -- but they provide calculated corrections for eleven new superallowed transitions that are likely to become accessible to precise measurements in the future. The reliability of all calculated corrections is explored and an experimental method indicated by which the structure-dependent corrections can be tested and, if necessary, improved.

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arXiv1998

Superallowed Fermi beta decay and Coulomb mixing in nuclei

Superallowed $0^+ \to 0^+$ nuclear beta decay provides a direct measure of the weak vector coupling constant, $\GV$. We survey current world data on the nine accurately determined transitions of this type, which range from the decay of $^{10}$C to that of $^{54}$Co, and demonstrate that the results confirm conservation of the weak vector current (CVC) but differ at the 98% confidence level from the unitarity condition for the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix. We examine the reliability of the small calculated corrections that have been applied to the data, and conclude that there are no evident defects although the Coulomb correction, $δ_C$, depends sensitively on nuclear structure and thus needs to be constrained independently. The potential importance of a result in disagreement with unitarity, clearly indicates the need for further work to confirm or deny the discrepancy. We examine the options and recommend priorities for new experiments and improved calculations. Some of the required experiments depend upon the availability of intense radioactive beams. Others are possible with existing facilities.

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arXiv1998

The current status of Vud

The value of the $V_{ud}$ matrix element of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix can be derived from nuclear superallowed beta decays, neutron decay, and pion beta decay. We survey current world data for all three. Today, the most precise value of $V_{ud}$ comes from the nuclear decays; however, the precision is limited not by experimental error but by the estimated uncertainty in theoretical corrections. The neutron data are approximately a factor of four poorer in precision but this could change dramatically in the near future as planned experiments come to fruition. The nuclear result (and the most recent of the neutron decay results) differ at the 98% confidence level from the unitarity condition for the CKM matrix. We examine the reliability of the small calculated corrections that have been applied to the data, and assess the likelihood of even higher quality nuclear data becoming available to confirm or deny the discrepancy. Some of the required experiments depend upon the availability of intense radioactive beams. Others are possible today.

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arXiv1998

Superallowed Fermi beta decay

Superallowed $0^+ \to 0^+$ nuclear beta decay provides a direct measure of the weak vector coupling constant, $\GV$. We survey current world data on the nine accurately determined transitions of this type, which range from the decay of $^{10}$C to that of $^{54}$Co, and demonstrate that the results confirm conservation of the weak vector current (CVC) but differ at the 98% confidence level from the unitarity condition for the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix. We examine the reliability of the small calculated corrections that have been applied to the data, and assess the likelihood of even higher quality nuclear data becoming available to confirm or deny the discrepancy. Some of the required experiments depend upon the availability of intense radioactive beams. Others are possible today.

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arXiv1996

Degree to which CVC is Established Through Beta Decay Alone

Precision studies of $0^{+} \rightarrow 0^{+}$ superallowed $β$ decays provide the necessary data to test stringently the CVC hypothesis. They will also provide a value for the weak vector coupling constant and the $V_{ud}$ quark mixing element of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix. The determination of this element is crucial for the test of the unitarity of the CKM matrix, and the search for physics beyond the Standard Model. This paper reviews the current status of $0^{+} \rightarrow 0^{+}$ $β$-decay data and their implications, as well as some relevant data from the $β$ decay of $^{19}$Ne and the neutron.

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arXiv1995

Recent Chalk River Experiments on Superallowed $0^{+} \to 0^{+}$ Beta Decays

Two experiments, (1) a measurement of the superallowed $0^{+} \rightarrow 0^{+}$ branching ratio in $^{10}$C, and (2) a measurement of (or limit on) non-analogue $0^{+} \rightarrow 0^{+}$ branches in $^{38m}$K, $^{46}$V, $^{50}$Mn and $^{54}$Co, are described. The implications these experiments have on the test of the conservation of the weak vector current (CVC) and the unitarity of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix are surveyed.

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arXiv1995

Superallowed Fermi Beta Decay -- a Status Report

Data on superallowed Fermi beta decay in nuclei are compiled and electromagnetic corrections discussed. Recommended values for the weak vector coupling constant and the leading element of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa mixing matrix are given. Comments on neutron decay and limits extracted on extensions to the Standard Model are made.

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arXiv1995

CURRENTS AND THEIR COUPLINGS IN THE WEAK SECTOR OF THE STANDARD MODEL

Beta-decay and muon-capture experiments in nuclei are reviewed. The conserved vector current hypothesis is confirmed through the observed constancy of the vector coupling constant determined from the superallowed Fermi transitions and from the measurement of the weak-magnetism term in mirror Gamow-Teller transitions. The axial-vector and pseudoscalar coupling constants in the nucleon are determined from neutron decay and muon capture on the proton respectively. In finite nuclei, evidence for these coupling constants being reduced relative to their free-nucleon values is discussed. Meson-exchange currents are shown to be an important correction to the time-like part of the axial current as evident in first-forbidden beta decays. Tests of the Standard Model are discussed, as well as extensions beyond it involving right-hand currents and scalar interactions.

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