Search

A new measurement of Bπe2, the π+→e+ν(γ) decay branching ratio, is currently under way at the Paul Scherrer Institute. The present experimental result on Bπe2 constitutes the most accurate test of lepton universality available. The accuracy, however, still lags behind the theoretical precision by over an order of magnitude. Because of the large helicity suppression of the πe2 decay, its branching ratio is susceptible to significant contributions from new physics, making this decay a particularly suitable subject of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on the rare pion and muon decay results of the PIBETA experiment, the PEN collaboration has undertaken a precise measurement of Bπe2≡Re/μπ, the π+ → e+ν(γ) decay branching ratio, at the Paul Scherrer Institute, to reduce the present 40× experimental precision lag behind theory to ∼6 - 7×. Because of large helicity suppression, Re/μπ is uniquely sensitive to contributions from non-(V - A) physics, making this decay a particularly suitable subject of study. Even at current precision, the experimental value of Bπe2 provides the most accurate test of lepton universality available. During runs in 2008-10, PEN has accumulated over 2 × 107 πe2 events; a comprehensive maximum-likelihood analysis is currently under way. The new data will also lead to improved precision of the earlier PIBETA results on radiative π and μ decays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]