Weak Polarized Electron Scattering
Abstract
Scattering polarized electrons provides an important probe of the weak interactions. Precisely measuring the parity-violating left-right cross section asymmetry is the goal of a number of experiments recently completed or in progress. The experiments are challenging, since A_{LR} is small, typically between 10^(-4) and 10^(-8). By carefully choosing appropriate targets and kinematics, various pieces of the weak Lagrangian can be isolated, providing a search for physics beyond the Standard Model. For other choices, unique features of the strong interaction are studied, including the radius of the neutron density in heavy nuclei, charge symmetry violation, and higher twist terms. This article reviews the theory behind the experiments, as well as the general techniques used in the experimental program.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1401.6199,
title = {Weak Polarized Electron Scattering},
author = {Jens Erler and Charles J. Horowitz and Sonny Mantry and Paul A. Souder},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1401.6199},
year = {2014}
}
Comments
Review article, 57 pages, 4 figures, typos fixed, reference added, version accepted for publication in the Annual Review of Nuclear and Particle Science, Volume 64