How Do You Calculate Cross Sections in Electron-Neutrino Scattering?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating cross sections in electron-neutrino scattering, specifically addressing the ratio of cross sections and the relevant factors involved. The ratio of cross sections for electron-neutrino scattering is determined to be R = 2, based on the neutral current scattering processes. The propagator factor is defined as ##\frac{1}{P \cdot P - m_w^2}##, simplifying to ##\approx \frac{1}{m_w^2}## in the zero-momentum frame. The amplitude is calculated as ##\frac{g_w^2}{m_w^2}##, leading to the cross section formula ##d\sigma = \frac{\Gamma}{v_e}##, where ##\Gamma## is derived from Fermi's golden rule.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Feynman diagrams and their application in particle physics.
  • Knowledge of Fermi's golden rule and its role in scattering processes.
  • Familiarity with propagator factors in quantum field theory, specifically for weak interactions.
  • Basic concepts of cross sections and their calculation in particle physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Fermi's golden rule in the context of particle scattering.
  • Learn about the role of coupling constants in Feynman diagrams for weak interactions.
  • Explore the integration techniques used in calculating cross sections at tree level.
  • Review the lecture notes on quantum field theory provided in the discussion for deeper insights.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in particle physics, particularly those focusing on neutrino interactions and scattering theory, will find this discussion beneficial for understanding the calculation of cross sections in electron-neutrino scattering.

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Homework Statement


[/B]
(a) Find the ratio of cross sections.
(b) Find the cross section for electron-neutrino scattering by first writing down relevant factors.
2011_B4_Q8.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Part (a)[/B]
These represent the neutral current scattering for the muon-neutrino and neutral/charged scattering for electron-neutrino. Feynman diagrams are given by
2011_B4_Q8_2.png


Given that there are 2 possibilities for the electronic case, I say ##R = 2##?

Part (b)

Propagator factor is given by ##\frac{1}{P \cdot P - m_w^2}## which in the zero-momentum frame is ##\approx \frac{1}{m_w^2}##.
There are two vertices, so another factor of ##g_w^2##.
Thus amplitude is ##\frac{g_w^2}{m_w^2}##.
By fermi's golden rule, ##\Gamma = 2\pi |M_{fi}|^2 \frac{dN}{dE_0}##.
Cross section is ##d\sigma = \frac{\Gamma}{v_e}##.

How do I proceed?
 
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Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems the course asks you to do things you haven't seen in class. If that's the case, these lecture notes might help http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic521209.files/QFT-Schwartz.pdf
It's been a while since I've computed cross-sections. If I see something better I'll let you know.
 
thierrykauf said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems the course asks you to do things you haven't seen in class. If that's the case, these lecture notes might help http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic521209.files/QFT-Schwartz.pdf
It's been a while since I've computed cross-sections. If I see something better I'll let you know.
I'm looking for a hand-wavy approach in the sense we avoid explicitly calculating the feynman probabilities.

I think the density of states is something like: ##\frac{dN}{dE_0} = \frac{dN_e}{dp_e} \frac{dp_e}{dE_0} = \frac{1}{(2\pi)^6} p_e^2 dp_e \frac{dp_e}{dE_0} ##. How do I proceed?
 
bumpp
 
Sorry I've been busy! Didn't find time to reply more. I know better what kind of answer is needed. I'll try to post later today.
 
bumpp
 
As I remember you integrate over angle but not over momenta at tree level.
 
thierrykauf said:
As I remember you integrate over angle but not over momenta at tree level.

So How do I find the cross section at tree level feynman diagrams?
 
For each tree diagram you have a coupling constant at each vertex, a delta function that says momentum is conserved so inner momentum, that of the Z or W is fixed, because in and out particles are on-shell. So the integration over d3p, 3d momentum. becomes integral over solid angle omega. Let me know if this helps. http://www.iop.vast.ac.vn/theor/conferences/vsop/18/files/QFT-6.pdf
 

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