Π leptonic decay (current matrix element)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the pion leptonic decay process, specifically the decay of \(\pi^+\) into a lepton and a neutrino, described by the Lagrangian \(L=\frac{4G_F}{\sqrt{2}}V_{ud}^* \bar{d}_L\gamma^\mu u_L \bar{\nu}_L \gamma_\mu l_L\). The effective current used is \(J^\mu_L=1/2(V^\mu-A^\mu)\), emphasizing the axial current's role due to the pion's pseudo-scalar nature. The relationship between the decay constants \(f_\pi\) and \(F_\pi\) is clarified, with \(F_\pi = \frac{f_\pi}{\sqrt{2}}\), where \(f_\pi\) is approximately 130 MeV and \(F_\pi\) is about 90 MeV. The discussion also highlights historical notation variations in defining decay constants.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum field theory concepts, particularly Lagrangians.
  • Familiarity with the axial and vector currents in particle physics.
  • Knowledge of pion decay processes and their significance in weak interactions.
  • Basic grasp of form factors and their role in particle decay calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the pion decay constant \(f_\pi\) and its implications in particle physics.
  • Learn about the role of effective currents in weak decays, focusing on axial currents.
  • Investigate the historical context of decay constant notation and its evolution in scientific literature.
  • Explore the application of form factors in other particle decay processes beyond pions.
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Particle physicists, students studying quantum field theory, and researchers interested in weak interactions and decay processes will benefit from this discussion.

Einj
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I'm currently studying the pion leptonic decay and I'm getting a bit confused about some factors. Firstly, le correct lagrangian that describe the pion decay \pi^+\rightarrow l^+ + \nu_l is:

$$L=\frac{4G_F}{\sqrt{2}}V_{ud}^* \bar{d}_L\gamma^\mu u_L \bar{\nu}_L \gamma_\mu l_L$$

We can't operate with the quark current and so we have to use an effective current J^\mu_L=1/2(V^\mu-A^\mu) where V and A are the vector and axial curret. The vector current gives no contribution because the pion is pseudo scalar.
So we need to calculate the matrix element of the axial current. I'm a bit confused about the correct use of form factor. My professor wrote down the following matrix element:

$$\langle 0 |A_\mu|\pi^+\rangle = ip^{\pi}_\mu f_\pi$$

while in some books I found the form factor written as F_\pi and realted to f_\pi by some 2 or √2 factors.
Can some one tell me the exact relation between F and f?

Thanks
 
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The pion decay constant:
<br /> \langle 0 | A_{\mu} | \pi \rangle = i p_{\mu} f_{\pi}<br />
Where
<br /> A_{\mu} = \bar{u} \gamma_{\mu} \gamma_{5} d<br />
is about 130 MeV. This is the definition.
Now, you might see F_{\pi} = \frac{f_{\pi}}{\sqrt{2}} which is about 90 MeV,

The difference in notation is just different ways of writing it.
NOTE: I have noticed some DEFINE the decay constant differently in older papers where F is written as f and vice versa. I'm not completely sure but there may have been a time when the notation wasn't set in stone. (long ago)

Remember to keep track of the twos too:
If you look at the definition of my current, A, notice there are no L subscripts on the quarks. So you have:
<br /> \bar{d}_L \gamma^{\mu} u_L = d \frac{(1+ \gamma_5)}{2} \gamma^{\mu}\frac{(1- \gamma_5)}{2} u\\ <br /> = \bar{d} \gamma^{\mu}\frac{(1- \gamma_5)}{2} \frac{(1- \gamma_5)}{2} u\\<br /> \\ <br /> = \bar{d} \gamma^{\mu} \frac{(1- \gamma_5)}{2} u\\<br /> = \frac{1}{2} \bar{d} \gamma^{\mu} u - \frac{1}{2}\bar{d} \gamma^{\mu} \gamma_5 u\\<br /> \approx \frac{1}{2} V^{\mu} - \frac{1}{2} A^{\mu}<br />

So don't forget that by getting it into the form of A you pick up the extra negative 1/2.
 
Yes, I kept track of it. Thanks for the help, that was exactly the answer I was looking for!
 

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