All JournalsPhysics Magazine

Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation
  • Access by Xinjiang University

On the Spin of the μ-Meson

E. R. Caianiello

  • University of Rochester, Rochester, New York

Phys. Rev. 83, 735 – Published 15 August, 1951

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.83.735

Abstract

The behavior of a μ-meson of spin 32 is investigated for the processes μe+2ν, πμ+ν, μ+p''n''+ν. These processes have been chosen because they give direct information on the nature of the μ-meson and do not require second quantization of the μ-meson field, which is not feasible for spin values greater than 1 when electromagnetic interactions are present. The theory used to describe the μ-meson is due to Rarita and Schwinger. The spectra for the μe+2ν decay are obtained for the same modes of decay considered by Tiomno and Wheeler for μ-mesons of spin ½. Their most relevant feature is that none of them goes to zero at maximum electron energy. It is to be hoped that more careful measurements of this spectrum will permit a decision on the spin value of the μ-meson. The μ-capture is studied by assuming the process to happen via an intermediate scalar or pseudoscalar π-meson. Comparison with the lifetime for πμ-decay and use of experimental data allow an evaluation of the constant coupling the π-meson to nucleons. The plausibility of this value is taken as a test for the plausibility of the assumed spin value of the μ-meson. The results do not appear to contradict present-day evidence, due to the uncertainty of the nuclear matrix elements. The formulas obtained apply of course to any spin 32 particle undergoing similar processes.

References (12)

  1. Tiomno, Wheeler, and Rau, Revs. Modern Phys. 21, 144 (1949)
  2. J. Tiomno, Phys. Rev. 76, 856 (1949)
  3. R. F. Christy and S. Kusaka, Phys. Rev. 59, 414 (1941)
  4. O. Klein, Nature 161, 897 (1948)
  5. H. J. Bhabha, Revs. Modern Phys. 21, 451 (1949)
  6. W. Rarita and J. Schwinger, Phys. Rev. 60, 61 (1940)
  7. S. Kusaka and J. W. Weinberg, thesis (University of California, June, 1943)
  8. P. A. M. Dirac, Proc. Cambridge Phil. Soc. 26, 361 (1930)
  9. H. J. Bhabha, Proc. Roy. Soc. (London) 152, 559 (1935)
  10. S. Kusaka, Phys. Rev. 60, 61 (1940)
  11. R. Latter, thesis (California Institute of Technology, 1949)
  12. J. Tiomno and J. A. Wheeler, Revs. Modern Phys. 21, 153 (1949)

Outline

Information

Sign In to Your Journals Account

Filter

Filter

Article Lookup

Enter a citation