First test of Lorentz invariance in the weak decay of polarized nuclei

K. Jungmann, J. P. Noordmans, C. J. G. Onderwater, R. G. E. Timmermans, L. Willmann, H. W. Wilschut

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Abstract

A new test of Lorentz invariance in the weak interactions has been made by searching for variations in the decay rate of spin-polarized Na-20 nuclei. This test is unique to Gamow-Teller transitions, as was shown in the framework of a recently developed theory that assumes a Lorentz symmetry breaking background field of tensor nature. The nuclear spins were polarized in the up and down direction, putting a limit on the amplitude of sidereal variations of the form vertical bar(Gamma(up) - Gamma(down))vertical bar/(Gamma(up) + Gamma(down))
Original languageEnglish
JournalPhysical Review D
Volume88
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Oct 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ROTATIONAL INVARIANCE

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