A test of the Delta S = Delta Q selection rule in K°e3 decay

An experiment was performed at the Argonne ZGS to test the validity of the 6S = t:P. weak interaction selection rule for the decay KAn experiment was performed at the Argonne ZGS to test the validity of the 6S = t:P. weak interaction selection rule for the decay [equation] K mesons were produced by a 3 GeV beam on a carbon target in the reaction [equation]. Even t were reconstructed on the basis of the trajectories of the kaon decay products in optical spark chambers located ina magnetic field. The electron from the decay was identified by its shower in heavy plate spark chambers. The presence of the associated AO was deduced from its decay AO ~~ + p in spark chambers near the target. Decay times for the KO,s were measured over a proper time interval of .5 to 6.5 K~lifetimes from production. Decay time distributions for both signs of the decay lepton were corrected for geometrical efficiency and fit to theoretical distributions. The complex quantity x, determined from the fit, measured the magni tude and phase of the ratio of 6S = - 6Q to 6S = 6Q decay amplitudes. A non-zero magnitude for x would imply a violation of the 6S = 6Qrule, whereas an imaginary part for x would reveal a violation of T and hence ----~---~---------- CP invariance. The results of our experiment based on 342 events are: Re x= -.05 ± .12 Im x = -.13 ± .11 These results are completely consistent with no violation of the 68 = 6Q rule or of T invariance. K mesons 'were produced by a 3 GeV ~ beam on a carbon target ~'nh t e react '~ on ~ +p ~ A0 + K0 . Even t were constructed on the basis of the trajectories of the kaon decay products in optical spark chambers located in a magnetic field. The electron from the decay was identified by its shower in heavy plate spark chambers. The presence of the associated AO was deduced from its decay AO -> + p in spark chambers near the target. Decay times for the KO,s were measured over a proper time interval of .5 to 6.5 K lifetimes from production. Decay time distributions for both signs of the decay lepton were corrected for geometrical efficiency and fit to theoretical distributions. The complex quantity x, determined from the fit, measured the magnitude and phase of the ratio of 6S = - 6Q to 6S = 6Q decay amplitudes. A non-zero magnitude for x would imply a violation of the 6S = 6Qrule, whereas an imaginary part for x would reveal a violation of T and hence CP invariance. The results of our experiment based on 342 events are: Re x= -.05 ± .12 Im x = -.13 ± .11 These results are completely consistent with no violation of the 68 = 6Q rule or of T invariance.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Mantsch, Paul Matthew

Contributors dc:contributor

• Smith, J.H.

• Argonne ZGS
• weak interaction selection rule
• heavy plate spark chambers

Statement dc:rights

• 1970 Paul Matthew Mantsch

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

6049426

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/25853