Possibility of distinguishing the effect of neutral weak currents in e⁺e⁻ → μ⁻μ⁺ experiments with longitudinally polarized clashing beams

Abstract

The process e⁺e⁻ →μ ⁻ μ ⁺ for the case of longitudinal polarization of the initial and final particles is studied on the basis of several models: the Weinberg-Salam model, the Lee-Prentki-Zumino model, the vector model, the X model, and under the assumption of a V-A structure of the neutral weak currents. Polarization effects tn the differential and total cross sections for this process are analyzed in detail, and various possibilities for distinguishing the contribution of neutral weak currents are found. Calculations show that neutral weak currents lead to appreciable polarization effects at attainable energies and that these effects are very sensitive to the model. It is important to note that an experimental study of these effects can yield valuable information on not only the structure of the neutral weak currents but also the sign of the weak-interaction constant.