arXiv subjects

Mikhail Gorchtein

Publications and source records attributed to Mikhail Gorchtein.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Parity violation in atoms: neutrino-mediated long range forces and finite nuclear size

We consider neutral-current parity-violating interactions in an atom mediated by the exchange of a neutrino-antineutrino pair. We explicitly account for the nuclear finite size encoded in the nuclear form factor. Based on its general properties, we derive an effective neutrino-mediated potential and determine its properties at short and long distances. We demonstrate that, once the form factor properties are correctly accounted for, the range of such an effective potential corresponds to the nuclear radius, removing any sensitivity to shorter-distance contributions. This potential changes sign over the atom's volume, so that the correction to the effective nuclear weak charge induced by this interaction is tiny and does not alter the interpretation of atomic parity violation experiments.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2026

Taming nuclear size and shape effects in superallowed beta-decay

We present the first combined analysis of the statistical rate function f in superallowed beta decays with ab initio calculations and data. We focus on C10 to 10B, 14O to 14N and 26mAl to 26Mg, all of which are important channels for the precise determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix element Vud. Nuclear charge form factors are obtained by combining experimental data on nuclear charge radii and theory calculations of ratios of moments with the in-medium similarity renormalization group, while the beta decay form factors are derived from exact isospin relations. This enables a rigorous study of the nuclear shape dependence in the statistical rate function f and the quantification of its uncertainties from both experiment and theory. The calculation leads to a more precise test for the first-row CKM unitarity with reduced theoretical uncertainties. This work demonstrates a reliable strategy for combining nuclear many-body calculations with high-precision nuclear data to describe beta decays at tree level for precision tests of the Standard Model.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2026

Towards better nuclear charge radii

Nuclear charge radii constitute a physical observable of growing significance across multiple subdisciplines of physics and related fields. Their determination relies on a combination of complementary experimental techniques and advanced theoretical frameworks. Current recommended values are informed by the outcomes of several independent working groups, each employing distinct methodological approaches and evaluation strategies. The present effort is directed toward a more precise and reliable extraction of charge radii, as well as the development of a modern, transparent, and methodologically robust compilation of recommended values.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2026

Lattice QCD determination of the $\gamma Z$ box contribution to the proton weak charge

We present the first lattice QCD determination of the $\gamma Z$ box contribution to parity-violating electron-proton scattering, $\square_{\gamma Z}$ , a key ingredient for the precise tests of the Standard Model via the proton weak charge. Our calculation covers the electron beam energies up to $E =155 MeV$. For the axial-vector component, we achieve reduced uncertainties across the entire energy range compared with phenomenological estimates. For the vector component, the uncertainties remain slightly larger after continuum extrapolation. At $E = 0$, where the vector part vanishes, we obtain $\square_{\gamma Z}= 0.00412(9)$ , reducing the uncertainty by a factor of $2$ relative to the most precise previous determination. Incorporating this result yields an updated weak charge of $Q_{W}^{p}= 0.06987(50)$ . The calculated energy dependence of $\square_{\gamma Z}$ further provides a first-principles input for the upcoming P2 experiment at Mainz, which will operate at the optimized beam energy of $155 MeV$ to extract $Q_{W}^p$.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2025

A hitchhiker's guide to nuclear polarization in muonic atoms

I consider the so-called nuclear polarization correction to the 1S-levels in light to intermediate muonic atoms. An easy to use recipe to compute it is given. The calculation includes the effect of the nucleon polarization, i.e. the contribution from inelastic states in the hadronic range, and Coulomb corrections beyond the leading logarithm approximation to both nuclear and nucleon polarization. I provide numerical estimates for $4\leq Z\leq41$, compare to the estimates in the literature and discuss the need for future improvements.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2024

Testing for isospin symmetry breaking with extensive calculations of isotope shift factors in potassium

Precise evaluation of the isotope shift (IS) factors for seven low-lying potassium (K) states is achieved using relativistic coupled-cluster (RCC) theory. The energies of these states are assessed and compared with experimental data to confirm the accuracy of the wave functions calculated at varying RCC theory approximations and highlight the significance of many-body and relativistic effects in determining the energies and IS factors of K. Various methods are used to compute the IS factors, with the finite-field (FF) approach yielding results that align with observed and semi-empirical data. This consistency is attributed to orbital relaxation effects that are naturally present in the FF method but emerge only through complex interactions in other techniques. Using the IS factors derived from FF, we review the mean square radius difference between $^{38m}$K and $^{39}$K. From this difference and muonic atom x-ray spectroscopy, we deduce the absolute radius of $^{38m}$K using an updated calculation of the nuclear polarizability effect. Finally, we evaluate the isospin symmetry breaking (ISB) in this isotriplet by integrating the radius of $^{38m}$K with an updated radius of $^{38}$Ca, concluding that the ISB is compatible with zero. This finding offers a stringent benchmark for nuclear model calculations of ISB corrections in nuclear beta decay, which play a key role in determining the $V_{ud}$ matrix element.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2024

Simultaneous Extraction of the Weak Radius and the Weak Mixing Angle from Parity-Violating Electron Scattering on $^{12}\mathrm{C}$

We study the impact of nuclear structure uncertainties on a measurement of the weak charge of $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ at the future MESA facility in Mainz. Information from a large variety of nuclear models, accurately calibrated to the ground-state properties of selected nuclei, suggest that a $0.3$% precision measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry at forward angles will not be compromised by nuclear structure effects, thereby allowing a world-leading determination of the weak charge of $^{12}\mathrm{C}$. Furthermore, we show that a combination of measurements of the parity-violating asymmetry at forward and backward angles for the same electron beam energy can be used to extract information on the nuclear weak charge distribution. We conclude that a $0.34$% precision on the weak radius of $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ may be achieved by performing a $3$% precision measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry at backward angles.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

An $\textit{ab initio}$ strategy for taming nuclear-structure dependence of $ V_{ud} $ extractions: the $ {}^{10}\mathrm{C} \rightarrow {}^{10}\mathrm{B} $ superallowed transition

We report the first \textit{ab initio} calculation of the nuclear-structure-dependent radiative correction $ \delta_{ \mathrm{NS} } $ to the $ {}^{10}\mathrm{C} \rightarrow {}^{10}\mathrm{B} $ superallowed transition, computed with the no-core shell model and chiral effective field theory. We obtain $\delta_{ \mathrm{NS} } = - 0.422 (29)_{ \mathrm{nuc} } (12)_{ n,\mathrm{el} } $ with a $1.6$-times reduction in the total uncertainty when compared to the current literature estimate based on the shell model and Fermi gas picture. This work paves the way for a precise determination of $V_{ud}$ from superallowed beta decays within a systematically improvable framework.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2023

Superallowed nuclear beta decays and precision tests of the Standard Model

For many decades, the main source of information on the top-left corner element of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa quark mixing matrix $V_{ud}$ were superallowed nuclear beta decays with an impressive 0.01\% precision. This precision, apart from experimental data, relies on theoretical calculations in which nuclear structure-dependent effects and uncertainties play a prime role. This review is dedicated to a thorough reassessment of all ingredients that enter the extraction of the value of $V_{ud}$ from experimental data. We tried to keep balance between historical retrospect and new developments, many of which occurred in just five past years. They have not yet been reviewed in a complete manner, not least because new results are a-coming. This review aims at filling this gap and offers an in-depth yet accessible summary of all recent developments.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2023

Data-driven reevaluation of $ft$-values in superallowed $\beta$ decays

We present a comprehensive re-evaluation of the $ft$ values in superallowed nuclear $\beta$ decays crucial for the precise determination of $V_{ud}$ and low-energy tests of the electroweak Standard Model. It consists of the first, fully data-driven analysis of the nuclear $\beta$ decay form factor, that utilizes isospin relations to connect the nuclear charged weak distribution to the measurable charge distributions. This prescription supersedes previous shell-model estimations, and allows for a rigorous quantification of theory uncertainties in $f$ which is absent in the existing literature. Our new evaluation shows an overall downward shift of the central values of $f$ at the level of 0.01\%.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2023

Lattice QCD Calculation of Electroweak Box Contributions to Superallowed Nuclear and Neutron Beta Decays

We present the first lattice QCD calculation of the universal axial $\gamma W$-box contribution $\square_{\gamma W}^{VA}$ to both superallowed nuclear and neutron beta decays. This contribution emerges as a significant component within the theoretical uncertainties surrounding the extraction of $|V_{ud}|$ from superallowed decays. Our calculation is conducted using two domain wall fermion ensembles at the physical pion mass. To construct the nucleon 4-point correlation functions, we employ the random sparsening field technique. Furthermore, we incorporate long-distance contributions to the hadronic function using the infinite-volume reconstruction method. Upon performing the continuum extrapolation, we arrive at $\square_{\gamma W}^{VA}=3.65(8)_{\mathrm{lat}}(1)_{\mathrm{PT}}\times10^{-3}$. Consequently, this yields a slightly higher value of $|V_{ud}|=0.97386(11)_{\mathrm{exp.}}(9)_{\mathrm{RC}}(27)_{\mathrm{NS}}$, reducing the previous $2.1\sigma$ tension with the CKM unitarity to $1.8\sigma$. Additionally, we calculate the vector $\gamma W$-box contribution to the axial charge $g_A$, denoted as $\square_{\gamma W}^{VV}$, and explore its potential implications.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2023

The Standard Model theory of neutron beta decay

We review the status of the Standard Model theory of neutron beta decay. Particular emphasis is put on the recent developments in the electroweak radiative corrections. Given that some existing approaches give slightly different results, we thoroughly review the origin of discrepancies, and provide our recommended value for the radiative correction to the neutron and nuclear decay rates. The use of dispersion relation, lattice Quantum Chromodynamics and effective field theory framework allows for high-precision theory calculations at the level of $10^{-4}$, turning neutron beta decay into a powerful tool to search for new physics, complementary to high-energy collider experiments. We offer an outlook to the future improvements.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Quark mass difference effects in hadronic Fermi matrix elements from first principles

It was recently estimated that the strong isospin-symmetry breaking (ISB) corrections to the Fermi matrix element in free neutron decay could be of the order $10^{-4}$, one order of magnitude larger than the na\"{\i}ve estimate based on the Behrends-Sirlin-Ademollo-Gatto theorem. To investigate this claim, we derive a general expression of the leading ISB correction to hadronic Fermi matrix elements, which takes the form of a four-point correlation function in lattice gauge theory and is straightforward to compute from first principles. Our formalism paves the way for the first determination of such correction in the neutron sector with fully-controlled theory uncertainties.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Towards $\it{ab}$-$\it{initio}$ nuclear theory calculations of $\delta_\mathrm{C}$

We propose a new theory framework to study the isospin-symmetry breaking correction $\delta_\text{C}$ in superallowed nuclear beta decays, crucial for the precise determination of $|V_{ud}|$. Based on a general assumptions of the isovector dominance in ISB interactions, we construct a set of functions $F_{T_z}$ which involve nuclear matrix elements of isovector monopole operators and the nuclear Green's function. Via the functions $F_{T_z}$, a connection of $\delta_\text{C}$ to measurable electroweak nuclear radii is established, providing an experimental gauge of the theory accuracy of $\delta_\text{C}$. We outline a strategy to perform ab-initio calculations of $F_{T_z}$ based on the Lanczos algorithm, and discuss its similarity with other nuclear-structure-dependent inputs in nuclear beta decays.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2023

Electroweak nuclear radii constrain the isospin breaking correction to $V_{ud}$

We lay out a novel formalism to connect the isospin-symmetry breaking correction to the rates of superallowed nuclear beta decays, $δ_\text{C}$, to the isospin-breaking sensitive combinations of electroweak nuclear radii that can be accessed experimentally. We individuate transitions in the superallowed decay chart where a measurement of the neutron skin of a stable daughter even at a moderate precision could already help discriminating between models used to compute $δ_\text{C}$. We review the existing experimental situation and make connection to the existing and future experimental programs.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2022

Dispersive formalism for the nuclear structure correction $\delta_\mathrm{NS}$ to the $\beta$ decay rate

We analyze the axial $\gamma W$-box diagram for $I(J^P)=1(0^+)$ nuclei and provide a dispersion representation of the nuclear-structure correction $\delta_\text{NS}$ including its energy-dependent part. We also summarize useful isospin rotation formula and representations in nuclear theory that could facilitate the calculation of the parity-odd nuclear structure function $F_3(\nu,Q^2)$. They provide a rigorous theory framework for the future, high-precision calculation of the nuclear structure correction $\delta_\text{NS}$ necessary for the extraction of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element $|V_{ud}|$ from superallowed nuclear $\beta$ decays.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2022

Complete theory of radiative corrections to $K_{\ell 3}$ decays and the $V_{us}$ update

We fill up the missing piece in our own re-analysis of the long-distance electromagnetic radiative corrections to semileptonic kaon decays by performing a rigorous study in the $K\rightarrowπμ^+ν_μ(γ)$ channels. With appropriate experimental and lattice inputs, we achieve a precision level of $10^{-4}$ in these channels. This is comparable to our previous analysis in the $K\rightarrowπe^+ν_e(γ)$ channels. With this new result, we present an updated global analysis to extract the Standard Model parameter $|V_{us}|$ from semileptonic kaon decays. We obtain $|V_{us}|=0.22308(55)$ and $0.22356(73)$, using the lattice average of the $K^0\rightarrowπ^-$ transition form factor at $N_f=2+1+1$ and $N_f=2+1$, respectively.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Neutrino Scattering Measurements on Hydrogen and Deuterium: A Snowmass White Paper

Neutrino interaction uncertainties are a limiting factor in current and next-generation experiments probing the fundamental physics of neutrinos, a unique window on physics beyond the Standard Model. Neutrino-nucleon scattering amplitudes are an important part of the neutrino interaction program. However, since all modern neutrino detectors are composed primarily of heavy nuclei, knowledge of elementary neutrino-nucleon amplitudes relies heavily on experiments performed in the 1970s and 1980s, whose statistical and systematic precision are insufficient for current needs. In this white paper, we outline the motivation for attempting measurements on hydrogen and deuterium that would improve this knowledge, and we discuss options for making these measurements either with the DUNE near detector or with a dedicated facility.

hep-ex↗