How the two-body decay momentum distribution transform in lab frame?

In summary, the final particle distribution for two-body decay in the center of mass frame is given by a normalized relation with a constant value for the momentum. To find the distribution in the lab frame, one needs to do a Lorentz transformation, keeping the value of p* constant, and transforming the angle according to the usual formula.
  • #1
Chenkb
41
1
For two-body decay, in the center of mass frame, final particle distribution is,
$$
W^*(\cos\theta^*,\phi^*) = \frac{1}{4\pi}(1+\alpha\cos\theta^*)
$$
We have the normalization relation , ##\int W^*(\cos\theta^*,\phi^*)d\cos\theta^* d\phi^*=1##.

And we also know that in CM frame ##p^*## is a constant, say, ##p^*=C^*##.

So, the final particle momentum distribution can be write as(I'm not sure),
$$
W^*(\cos\theta^*,\phi^*,p^*) = \frac{1}{4\pi}(1+\alpha\cos\theta^*)\delta(p^*-C^*)
$$
If the above momentum distribution in CM frame is right,
then what does it look like in the lab frame,
$$W(\cos\theta,\phi,p)=?$$
assume that the mother particle moves with velocity ##\beta## along ##z## axis.
I know it is just a Lorentz transformation, but how to handle this, especially the ##\delta##-function.

Best Regards!
 
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  • #2
You only need to transform the angle according to the usual formula (see for example http://www.maths.tcd.ie/~cblair/notes/specrel.pdf). p* is usually a combination of the masses of the decaying particle and of the decay product so it remains the same under Lorentz transformation.
 

1. What is the two-body decay momentum distribution?

The two-body decay momentum distribution refers to the distribution of momentum between the two particles that result from a decay process.

2. How does the two-body decay momentum distribution transform in the lab frame?

The two-body decay momentum distribution transforms in the lab frame based on the relative velocities and directions of the two particles. This transformation can be mathematically described using the Lorentz transformation equations.

3. What factors affect the transformation of the two-body decay momentum distribution in the lab frame?

The transformation of the two-body decay momentum distribution in the lab frame is affected by factors such as the masses of the two particles, their velocities, and the angle at which they are emitted from the decay process.

4. How is the two-body decay momentum distribution measured in the lab frame?

The two-body decay momentum distribution can be measured in the lab frame using various experimental techniques such as particle detectors, which can track the trajectories and energies of the particles resulting from the decay process.

5. Why is understanding the transformation of the two-body decay momentum distribution in the lab frame important?

Understanding the transformation of the two-body decay momentum distribution in the lab frame is important for accurately interpreting experimental data and making predictions about decay processes. It also allows for the testing of fundamental principles in physics, such as the conservation of momentum and energy.

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