Clarification neutral Kaon decay (Griffith, Elem. Particles)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decay modes of neutral Kaons as described in Griffith's "Introduction to Elementary Particles," specifically in chapter 4.4.3.1. It establishes that under CP conservation, the decay modes are expected to be K1 → 2π and K2 → 3π. A key point of contention arises regarding the possibility of K1 decaying into 3π, given that both Kaons and pions have spin 0, leading to questions about angular momentum conservation in the final state. The discussion clarifies that while the final state can possess nonzero orbital angular momentum, the conservation laws must be satisfied, which complicates the decay process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of CP symmetry in particle physics
  • Familiarity with decay processes of Kaons and pions
  • Knowledge of angular momentum conservation principles
  • Basic grasp of quantum mechanics and particle spin
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of CP violation in particle decays
  • Explore the concept of angular momentum in multi-particle systems
  • Investigate the decay mechanisms of Kaons in greater detail
  • Learn about the role of orbital angular momentum in particle interactions
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for particle physicists, students studying quantum mechanics, and researchers interested in the properties and decay modes of Kaons and pions.

Dr.AbeNikIanEdL
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I was reading in Griffit's "Introduction to Elementary Particles" when I stumbled over the following Remark in chapter 4.4.3.1. CP eigenstates are constructed by

|K_1> = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(|K^0> - |\bar{K^0})
|K_2> = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(|K^0> + |\bar{K^0})

and, assuming CP conservation, the only possible decay modes should be

K_1 \rightarrow 2\pi
K_2 \rightarrow 3\pi

In the footnote at the end of the page (146) it is mentioned that "with the right combination of orbital angular momentum, it is possible to construct a ## CP=+1## state of the [##3\pi##] system, [...] this might allow ##K_1## to decay (rarely) into ##3\pi## [...]".
Now my question is, as Kaons as well as pions have spin 0, wouldn't angular momentum conservation forbid any orbital angular momentum in the final state? Do I miss something or is ##K_1 \rightarrow 3\pi## then rigorously forbidden (under the assumption of strikt CP conservation)?
 
Dr.AbeNikIanEdL said:
I was reading in Griffit's "Introduction to Elementary Particles" when I stumbled over the following Remark in chapter 4.4.3.1. CP eigenstates are constructed by

|K_1> = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(|K^0> - |\bar{K^0})
|K_2> = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(|K^0> + |\bar{K^0})

and, assuming CP conservation, the only possible decay modes should be

K_1 \rightarrow 2\pi
K_2 \rightarrow 3\pi

In the footnote at the end of the page (146) it is mentioned that "with the right combination of orbital angular momentum, it is possible to construct a ## CP=+1## state of the [##3\pi##] system, [...] this might allow ##K_1## to decay (rarely) into ##3\pi## [...]".
Now my question is, as Kaons as well as pions have spin 0, wouldn't angular momentum conservation forbid any orbital angular momentum in the final state? Do I miss something or is ##K_1 \rightarrow 3\pi## then rigorously forbidden (under the assumption of strikt CP conservation)?
Why do you think that orbital angular momentum would be forbidden in the final state? This is unrelated to the particles being spin 0 or not. You can in principle imagine a bound state of two spin 0 particles and this bound state could have excited states with nonzero angular momentum. Can you clarify your question?
 
My reasoning was as follows:
Total angular momentum should be conserved in this decay, so ##J = l + s## should not change. The Kaon has ##l = 0## and ##s = 0##, so ##J = 0##. Therefore the final state must have ##J = 0## as well. Pions are spin 0 particles, so there are no spins to add up, ##s = 0## in the overall final state. So any nonzero angular momentum ##l## would make the total angular momentum ##J## being some nonzero value, violating total angular momentum conservation.
I am clear that three pions could form a state with nonzero angular momentum, I just don't understand how this state could be produced in a Kaon decay, sorry for not being clear about that.
 

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