Why is 3 pion decay of eta (η) strong forbidden?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Smithf
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Decay Pion
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the decay of the eta meson (η) into three pions, exploring the reasons why this decay is considered strongly forbidden and how it may proceed through electromagnetic interactions instead. The conversation delves into concepts of G parity, isospin conservation, and the implications of different angular momentum states in particle decay processes.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the three-pion decay of the eta is forbidden as a strong interaction due to G parity considerations, noting that one or three pions have negative G parity while the eta has positive G parity.
  • There is a discussion on how to calculate the result of the I2 rotation operation, with references to Wigner D-matrices and their application to isospin.
  • One participant explains that the combined wavefunction of pions must be symmetric, and that the isospin of three pions cannot yield a total isospin of zero, which is necessary for the decay to occur via strong interaction.
  • Another participant proposes that if two of the pions have p-wave wavefunctions, the decay could potentially occur without violating isospin conservation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions under which the eta can decay into three pions, with some arguing it is strictly forbidden under strong interactions while others suggest that it may be possible under certain conditions involving p-wave states. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact mechanisms and conditions for the decay.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves complex concepts of particle physics, including G parity, isospin, and angular momentum, with participants referencing various mathematical frameworks and assumptions that may not be universally accepted or fully resolved.

Smithf
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
I have read that 3 pion decay of the eta is not allowed as a strong reaction, but proceeds as an electromagnetic interaction. I do not see why it is strong forbidden.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That is easiest to see using G parity, which is [tex]C e^{i\pi I_y}[/tex].
One or three pions have negative G, while the eta has positive G.
 
How do you find the result of the I2 rotation operation?
 
Put "G Parity" into google.
 
From G-parity - Wikipedia

In general, P(G) = P(C)*(-1)^I
For fermion-antifermion systems, P(G) = (-1)^(L+S+I)
For boson-antiboson systems, P(G) = (-1)^(L+I)

To calculate exp(-i*pi*I2), use Wigner D-matrix - Wikipedia for rotation matrices between quantum-mechanical angular-momentum states. One can carry angular-momentum features over to isospin without much trouble.

For angular momentum j and state m to state m', find D(j,m,m',0,-pi,0) = d(j,m,m',-pi)

It is only nonzero if m' = - m: d(j,m,-m,-pi) = (-1)^(j+m)


One can do the calculation more directly, by using isospin conservation and pion spin-statistics. Pions have spin 0, making them bosons, with their combined wavefunction always being symmetric. It also simplifies the treatment of their spins, since their combined spin is always 0, with a symmetric combined wave function. Orbital angular momentum is usually handled by setting it to 0 (s-wave), giving the same simplification and symmetry.

Pions have isospin 1, while eta and eta' mesons have isospin 0. To find the total isospin of 3 pions, let's start with finding it for 2 pions. One gets these isospins and wavefunction symmetries:

Symmetric: 0, 2
Antisymmetric: 1

One can prove this alternation of symmetry more generally, I think.

Since their combined wavefunction must be symmetric, 2 s-wave pions must have isospin 0 or 2. Combining the isospin of the third pion gives possibilities 3, 1, and 1.

Using my SemisimpleLieAlgebras package, I find:
Symmetric: 3, 1
Mixed: 2, 1
Antisymmetric: 0

Thus, 3 s-wave pions cannot have zero isospin, and thus, an eta cannot decay into them without violating isospin. That can be done with the electromagnetic interaction, however.


Let's depart from the s-wave hypothesis, while using the smallest possible orbital angular momenta. The sum of these values must always be even from parity conservation, and we have two possibilities: 1 d-wave and 2 s-wave, and 1 s-wave and 2 p-wave.

The first one cannot have zero isospin, while the second one can, if the 2 p-wave pions have total angular momentum 1. That makes antisymmetry, and that can be compensated for with isospin antisymmetry and total isospin 1. The third pion's isospin can then combine with it to make isospin 0.

Thus, an eta can decay into 3 pions without violating isospin if 2 of them have p-wave wavefunctions.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K