Pi 0 Decay: Chances of e+ e- Gamma vs e+ e-

In summary, there is a preference for the decay of pi 0 into e+ e- gamma over e+ e- only due to the leading order contribution being evaluated to zero. This is because the decays must happen via an intermediate state, but the intermediate state that would contribute the most is not allowed. This is a complex concept that requires a thorough understanding of quantum field theory, typically taught in university courses in years 3-4. Additionally, helicity suppression and the addition of a photon may also influence the decay.
  • #1
Manel
10
0
Hello everyone,
I found in the PDG booklet that pi 0 decay into e+ e- gamma is more likely to happen than to e+ e- only ..is there a reason that favorises the first decay?
 
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  • #2
The decay to a single electron-positron pair is suppressed because what would be the leading order contribution, the diagram with the exchange of one single photon, evaluates to zero.
 
  • #3
Orodruin said:
the diagram with the exchange of one single photon, evaluates to zero.
I didn't understand what you mean here. Would you please clarify. Thanks a lot
 
  • #4
The decays must happen via an intermediate state. The intermediate state which would be contributing the most to the electron-positron decay based on the couplings is not allowed.
 
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Likes Manel
  • #5
Any resource detailing that ? So grateful
 
  • #6
Complete understanding of this would require an introductory course in quantum field theory, usually given at universities somewhere in year 3-4.
 
  • #7
Thanks a lot
 
  • #8
also helicity suppression probably plays a role. a pseudoscalar decaying to to leptons will be suppressed by the mass of the lepton, due to conservation of angular momentum requiring a spin flip on one lepton. adding the photon will allow the lepton to not have to flip, thus trading the mass suppression for alphaEM.
 

Related to Pi 0 Decay: Chances of e+ e- Gamma vs e+ e-

1. What is Pi 0 Decay?

Pi 0 Decay is a process in which a neutral pion (Pi 0) particle decays into either an electron-positron pair (e+ e-) and a photon (gamma) or only an electron-positron pair. This process is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics and is important in understanding the behavior of subatomic particles.

2. What are the chances of Pi 0 Decay resulting in e+ e- Gamma vs e+ e- only?

The chances of Pi 0 Decay resulting in e+ e- Gamma versus e+ e- only depend on the energy of the Pi 0 particle. At lower energies, the probability of e+ e- Gamma decay is higher, while at higher energies, the probability of e+ e- only decay is higher. This is because at higher energies, there is enough energy for the Pi 0 to decay into only an e+ e- pair, while at lower energies, it may not have enough energy to produce the additional photon.

3. What factors affect the chances of e+ e- Gamma vs e+ e- only in Pi 0 Decay?

The chances of e+ e- Gamma vs e+ e- only in Pi 0 Decay are affected by the energy of the Pi 0 particle, the conservation of energy and momentum, and the coupling constants of the particles involved. The spin and charge of the particles also play a role in determining the outcome of the decay.

4. How is Pi 0 Decay studied and measured?

Pi 0 Decay is studied and measured using particle accelerators, where high-energy collisions between particles can produce Pi 0 particles. These particles are then allowed to decay and the resulting particles are detected and measured. By studying the energy and momentum of the decay products, scientists can determine the probabilities of e+ e- Gamma vs e+ e- only decay.

5. What is the significance of understanding Pi 0 Decay?

Understanding Pi 0 Decay is important in understanding the behavior of subatomic particles and the fundamental laws of physics. It also has practical applications in fields such as particle physics, cosmology, and nuclear medicine. Additionally, studying Pi 0 Decay can provide insights into the early universe and the processes that govern the formation of matter.

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