Quark mixing factor in CKM matrix

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the quark mixing factors in the CKM matrix, specifically the equality of the coupling constants for transitions involving up (u) and bottom (b) quarks, as well as their corresponding antiparticles. The equality arises from the Hermitian nature of the Lagrangian density, which ensures that the coupling between u and b is equal in magnitude to that between their antiparticles, ##\bar{u}## and ##\bar{b}##. Additionally, the discussion highlights the implications of weak interactions in processes such as the decay of charged Kaons, emphasizing that the coupling constants remain consistent across different transitions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the CKM matrix and quark mixing
  • Familiarity with Lagrangian density in quantum field theory
  • Knowledge of weak interactions and baryon number conservation
  • Basic concepts of particle decay processes, particularly involving Kaons
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the CKM matrix in detail
  • Explore the implications of Hermitian operators in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the role of weak interactions in particle physics
  • Analyze specific decay processes involving Kaons and their coupling constants
USEFUL FOR

Particle physicists, students of quantum field theory, and researchers interested in the properties of quark interactions and the CKM matrix.

Amith2006
Messages
416
Reaction score
2
I find that the quark mixing factor say for example ##V_{ub}## is the same for:
u ##\Leftrightarrow## b
##u\Leftrightarrow\bar{b}##
##\bar{u}\Leftrightarrow## b
##\bar{u}\Leftrightarrow\bar{b}##
Does this have something to do with weak interaction being unable to distinguish these from one another?
Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There is no (known) interaction which turns a quark into an anti-quark as that would violate baryon number.

For the coupling between ##u## and ##b## being equal (in magnitude) to the coupling between ##\bar u## and ##\bar b##, this is a simple consequence of the Lagrangian density being Hermitian.
 
Orodruin said:
There is no (known) interaction which turns a quark into an anti-quark as that would violate baryon number.

For the coupling between ##u## and ##b## being equal (in magnitude) to the coupling between ##\bar u## and ##\bar b##, this is a simple consequence of the Lagrangian density being Hermitian.
I can understand that the coupling between u and b is equal (in magnitude) to the coupling between ##\bar{u}## and ##\bar{b}## due to the Hermitian property but in the decay of charged Kaon,
##K^+ \rightarrow \mu^+ + \nu_\mu##
the hadronic part of the current has ##V_{c\bar{s}}## which is the same coupling as ##V_{cs}##.
 
Last edited:
It is not a transition between them, that is the point.
You can rotate the diagram to get u -> s+W+, for example (no c involved in a kaon decay). The vertex stays the same, so you need Vus.
 
Sorry ##V_{us}##. Ah, now I get it. Thanks.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
7K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
7K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K