The discussion revolves around the concept of longitudinal polarization of W bosons, specifically addressing the orientation of their spin in relation to their direction of motion. Participants explore the definitions and implications of polarization in different contexts, including comparisons with electron polarization.
Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition of longitudinal polarization for W bosons, with multiple competing views remaining regarding the orientation of spin and its implications.
The discussion highlights potential confusion arising from different conventions used for defining polarization in various contexts, particularly between W bosons and electrons.
blechman said:It could mean many things in principle. The standard basis (known as the "helicity" basis) is exactly what you said. Sometimes it is useful to define other definitions of polarization depending on what you're doing. But in typical papers, yes, this is what they mean.
Vanadium 50 said:I'm afraid this isn't quite right. The spin of a longitudinal W is transverse to its direction of motion (as counter-intuitive as this sounds).