W and Z boson production and decay at e-e+ collider

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the production of W+/- boson pairs in electron-positron (e+e-) colliders. It confirms that e+e- collisions can produce Z^0 bosons, which subsequently decay into W^- W^+ pairs. Additionally, the conversation explores the possibility of W bosons being created via an intermediate photon in s-channel interactions, as well as through t-channel processes involving neutrinos. The mediating particles in these interactions are clarified, emphasizing the roles of the Z boson and neutrinos.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics concepts, particularly W and Z bosons.
  • Familiarity with electron-positron collider mechanisms.
  • Knowledge of Feynman diagrams and their interpretation.
  • Basic grasp of particle interactions, including s-channel and t-channel processes.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of Z bosons in particle decay processes.
  • Study the Feynman diagrams related to W and Z boson production.
  • Learn about the implications of t-channel interactions in particle physics.
  • Explore the properties and interactions of neutrinos in high-energy physics.
USEFUL FOR

Particle physicists, students of high-energy physics, and researchers interested in boson interactions and collider experiments will benefit from this discussion.

malawi_glenn
Science Advisor
Messages
6,735
Reaction score
2,434
Hi!

I was wondering how W+/- pairs can be created in an electron/positron collider.

Does the e+e- form a Z^0 which decays to W^- W^+ ?

http://www.particle.kth.se/zlab/project/Elep.gif

I have found this picture, but there is no info about the mediating particle (in the small feynman diagram to the right) and I have looked in my two books about particle physics, and on wikipedia. and have not found any information at all

The books I have considered are "particle physics" by Martin & Shaw, and "Particles and nuclei" by Povh et. al.

EDIT: Is it also possible for the W^- W^+ to be created from an intermediate photon?

Thank you for your time and help :-)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
There are the two cases you mention, with an s-channel photon or Z. There's also the case where you have a t-channel neutrino and W's radiating off each vertex.
 
ah, ok I see. So a neutrino is the "mediator" in the t-channel?
 

Similar threads

Undergrad How Does Beta Decay Relate to the Role of W Bosons in Weak Nuclear Force?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Undergrad New Constraints On The Higgs Boson Width
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Graduate W+/W- bosons ratio in proton-proton collision
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad Why Does the Higgs Boson Prefer to Decay into W Bosons Over Z Bosons?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate CDF measures W mass higher than predicted
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
6K
Undergrad How do the collider experiments measure the mass of the W boson?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Undergrad Association between W Boson Decay and Leptons
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Annihilation and production of bosons
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate Simple question on W boson decay products
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Graduate How can e-e+ possibly go to ZZ?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K