How could this,Sigma0 decay into Lambda and gamma, happens?

In summary, The article "Electromagnetic Decay of the Σ0(1385) to Λγ" discusses the possibility of the reaction Σ0→Λ+γ through electromagnetic interaction. However, the conservation of parity is violated in this reaction as the parity on the left side is even and on the right side is odd. The author raises the issue of considering the parity of the wave-function of the final state in addition to the intrinsic parities of the particles involved. This issue is resolved by multiplying the parity of the wave-function with the parity of the combined particles.
  • #1
HanningWu
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I found an article, titled Electromagnetic Decay of the Σ0(1385) to Λγ , in the arXiv telling that the reaction
Σ0→Λ+γ
can happen through electromagnetic interaction. However, if I examine the conservation of parity. Parity on the left side is even(P(Σ0)=+), but that on the right side is odd(P(Λ)=+, while P(γ)=-). In this sense, the parity conservation is violated. In addition, I am convinced that the parity is conserved under electromagnetic interaction, so this reaction by no means can exist.
 
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  • #2
Those are the intrinsic parities of the particle states. You also need to consider the parity of the wave-function of the final state.
 
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  • #3
Orodruin said:
Those are the intrinsic parities of the particle states. You also need to consider the parity of the wave-function of the final state.
Thank you so much! Problem solved. :biggrin:
 
  • #4
Orodruin said:
Those are the intrinsic parities of the particle states. You also need to consider the parity of the wave-function of the final state.
Since I can't simply multiply the parity of the Lambda bayon and the photon, how can I calculate the parity of the final state?
 
  • #5
You can, but you also have to multiply it with the parity of the wave-function combining the two particles.
 
  • #6
mfb said:
You can, but you also have to multiply it with the parity of the wave-function combining the two particles.
Does "the parity of the wave-function combining the two particle" mean the parity valued (-1)L, where L is the orbital quantum number?
 
  • #7
Right.
 

1. How does a Sigma0 particle decay into a Lambda and a gamma ray?

The decay of a Sigma0 particle into a Lambda and a gamma ray is a result of the strong interaction between quarks. The Sigma0 particle, which is composed of an up, down, and strange quark, can transform into a Lambda particle, which is made up of an up, down, and a bottom quark, and a gamma ray through the emission of a W boson. This process is known as weak decay and is governed by the weak nuclear force.

2. What is the probability of a Sigma0 particle decaying into a Lambda and a gamma ray?

The probability of a Sigma0 particle decaying into a Lambda and a gamma ray is not fixed and can vary depending on the specific conditions of the interaction. However, in general, the probability of this decay is relatively low compared to other types of particle decays.

3. How is energy conserved in the decay of a Sigma0 particle into a Lambda and a gamma ray?

In the decay of a Sigma0 particle into a Lambda and a gamma ray, energy is conserved through the creation of a W boson. The W boson carries away the excess energy from the decay, allowing for energy conservation to be maintained. Additionally, the sum of the masses of the resulting particles (Lambda and gamma ray) is equal to the mass of the initial Sigma0 particle, ensuring total energy is conserved.

4. Can a Sigma0 particle decay into other particles besides a Lambda and a gamma ray?

Yes, a Sigma0 particle can also decay into other particles besides a Lambda and a gamma ray. This is known as a non-leptonic decay, where the Sigma0 particle can transform into a variety of combinations of mesons and baryons. However, the decay into a Lambda and a gamma ray is the most common decay channel for the Sigma0 particle.

5. What are the implications of the decay of a Sigma0 particle into a Lambda and a gamma ray?

The decay of a Sigma0 particle into a Lambda and a gamma ray has significant implications for the study of the strong nuclear force and the structure of matter. This decay process helps scientists understand the nature of quarks and the interactions between them, providing insights into the fundamental building blocks of our universe.

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