Fixing CP phases to cancel CKM phases

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between CP invariance and the CKM matrix in particle physics. It establishes that the CKM matrix, represented as a 3x3 unitary matrix with 9 parameters (3 angles and 6 phases), requires fixing CP phases to cancel the CKM phases. However, due to the presence of two global symmetries, U(1)B (baryon number) and U(1)Q (electric charge), only 5 independent CP phases can be utilized, leaving one phase in the CKM matrix that cannot be canceled. This limitation prevents the condition from being satisfied.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of CKM matrix parameters in particle physics
  • Familiarity with CP invariance and its implications
  • Knowledge of global symmetries, specifically U(1)B and U(1)Q
  • Basic concepts of unitary matrices in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of CP violation in the Standard Model of particle physics
  • Study the role of global symmetries in quantum field theory
  • Examine the structure and properties of the CKM matrix in detail
  • Explore advanced topics in CP transformations and their effects on particle interactions
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, particle physicists, and graduate students focusing on quantum field theory and the Standard Model, particularly those interested in CP violation and the CKM matrix.

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When we try to see if the weak sector is CP invariant, we CP transform all the fields in the charged interactions terms and we get a condition involving the elements of the CKM matrix and the arbitrary phases of the CP transformed fields:
$$V_{ij} = V^*_{ij} \, e^{i(\xi_W + \phi_{d_j} - \phi_{u_i})}$$
Then, the argument goes: there are 9 parameters in V_CKM because it is a general 3x3 unitary matrix. These 9 parameters are split in 3 "angles" and 6 phases, the 3 angles being the ones you get if you restrict to an element of ##\text{SO}(3)##.

To make the above condition hold, we need to fix the CP phases to cancel the 6 CKM phases. We have 7 CP phases (1 from W, 3 from the downs and 3 from the ups), so it seems like we can do it.

But then we say "actually we have only 5 independent CP phases, because there are 2 residual global symmetries corresponding to baryon number and electric charge". Therefore, 1 phase remains in the CKM and the condition can never hold.

I don't understand the last point: why does the presence of ##\text{U}(1)_\text{B}## and ##\text{U}(1)_\text{Q}## global symmetries reduces the number of CP phases I can fix to cancel the CKM phases?
 
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You can use two of those phases to be included in your U(1)B and U(1)Q global transformations of your fields (one for each transformation)
 
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