TTP04-13 Precision Measurements and CKM Unitarity

TTP04-13 Precision Measurements and CKM Unitarity

TTP04-13 Precision Measurements and CKM Unitarity

Determinations of |Vud| and |Vus| along with their implications for the unitarity test |Vud|^2+|Vus|^2+|Vub|^2=1 are discussed. The leading two loop radiative corrections to neutron beta-decay are evaluated and used to derive a refined relationship |Vud|^2 tau_n (1+3g_A^2)=4908(4)sec. Employing |Vud| =0.9740(5) from superallowed nuclear decays and the measured neutron lifetime, tau_n = 885.7(7)sec leads to the precise prediction g_A=1.2703(8) which is compared with current direct experimental values. Various extractions of |Vus| are described and updated. The long accepted Particle Data Group value of |Vus| from fitted K_{e3} decay rates suggests a deviation from CKM unitarity but it is contradicted by more recent experimental results which confirm unitarity with good precision. An outlook for possible future advances is given.

Andrzej Czarnecki, William J. Marciano, Alberto Sirlin
Phys.Rev. D70 093006 2004
PDF PostScript arXiv