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

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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
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Hi!

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

Does the e+e- form a [itex]Z^0[/itex] which decays to [itex]W^- W^+[/itex] ?

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 [itex]W^- W^+[/itex] to be created from an intermediate photon?

Thank you for your time and help :-)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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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?
 

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