M. G. Vitz | Searcharxiv

arXiv2018

PEN experiment: a precise test of lepton universality

With few open channels and uncomplicated theoretical description, charged pion decays are uniquely sensitive to certain standard model (SM) symmetries, the universality of weak fermion couplings, and to aspects of pion structure and chiral dynamics. We review the current knowledge of the pion electronic decay $π^+ \to e^+ ν_e(γ)$, or $π_{e2(γ)}$, and the resulting limits on non-SM processes. Focusing on the PEN experiment at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland, we examine the prospects for further improvement in the near term.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2017

PEN: a low energy test of lepton universality

Allowed charged $π$ meson decays are characterized by simple dynamics, few available decay channels, mainly into leptons, and extremely well controlled radiative and loop corrections. In that sense, pion decays represent a veritable triumph of the standard model (SM) of elementary particles and interactions. This relative theoretical simplicity makes charged pion decays a sensitive means for testing the underlying symmetries and the universality of weak fermion couplings, as well as for studying pion structure and chiral dynamics. Even after considerable recent improvements, experimental precision is lagging far behind that of the theoretical description for pion decays. We review the current state of experimental study of the pion electronic decay $π^+ \to e^+ν_e(γ)$, or $π_{e2(γ)}$, where the $(γ)$ indicates inclusion and explicit treatment of radiative decay events. We briefly review the limits on non-SM processes arising from the present level of experimental precision in $π_{e2(γ)}$ decays. Focusing on the PEN experiment at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland, we examine the prospects for further improvement in the near term.

hep-ex↗