Relative sign in diagrams for ##Z##-boson exchange for ##WW## scattering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the scattering process ##W^{+}W^{-} \to W^{+}W^{-}##, specifically focusing on the diagrams for ##Z##-boson exchange and the presence of a relative minus sign between the matrix elements for the two diagrams involved.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the relative minus sign between the matrix elements may be dictated by Fermi-Dirac statistics, suggesting a connection to a possible closed loop that carries the extra minus sign.
  • Another participant questions the applicability of Fermi-Dirac statistics to W/Z bosons, indicating that the minus sign might relate to the t- and u- channels.
  • A different participant asks for clarification on the reasoning behind the expectation of a relative minus sign for the process, asserting that there is no u channel process in the case of a Z mediator.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the origin of the relative minus sign, with no consensus reached on the underlying reasons or the relevance of Fermi-Dirac statistics in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of the diagrams or the specific conditions under which the minus sign arises, leading to ongoing questions about the definitions and assumptions involved.

spaghetti3451
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Consider the scattering process ##W^{+}W^{-} \to W^{+}W^{-}##. This process is mediated in the Standard Model by

1. a four-##W## scattering,
2. ##Z##-boson exchange,
3. Higgs exchange.

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Let us consider the diagrams for ##Z##-boson exchange:

82a12c3798.png
Why is there a relative minus sign between the matrix elements for the two diagrams?
 
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Newbie here...have you considered that the relative minus sign btwn two terms is dictated by the Fermi-Dirac stats? something about a possible closed loop - which carries the extra minus sign.

I hope this helps.

Deneen
 
Could you be more specific?
 
]
rel min sign.jpg
 
how can you use Fermi-Dirac statistics for W/Z bosons?
Also I think that that minus sign mentioned in your reference appears between t- and u- channels...
 
Last edited:
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@spaghetti3451 Could you explain why you think there should be a relative minus in the first place for this process? There is no u channel process here in the case of a Z mediator.
 

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