Why a splitting in the final state cannot explain the ''GSI oscillations'' measured at the GSI Experimental Storage Ring

Journal Article · Sun Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 2009 · Physical Review. C, Nuclear Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVC.80.054616· OSTI ID:21296510

Merle, Alexander ^[1]

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1. Max-Planck-Institut fuer Kernphysik, D-69029 Heidelberg (Germany)

In this article, I provide a pedagogical discussion of the GSI anomaly. Using two different formulations, namely the intuitive quantum-field-theory language of the second quantized picture as well as the language of amplitudes, I clear up the analogies and differences between the GSI anomaly and other processes (the double-slit experiment using photons, e{sup +}e{sup -}{yields}{mu}{sup +}{mu}{sup -} scattering, and charged-pion decay). In both formulations, the conclusion is reached that the decay rate measured at GSI cannot oscillate if only standard model physics is involved and the initial hydrogen-like ion is no coherent superposition of more than one state (in case there is no new, yet unknown, mechanism at work). Furthermore, a discussion of the quantum beat phenomenon will be given, which is often assumed to be able to cause the observed oscillations. This is, however, not possible for a splitting in the final state only.

• OSTI ID: 21296510
• Journal Information: Physical Review. C, Nuclear Physics, Journal Name: Physical Review. C, Nuclear Physics Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 80; ISSN 0556-2813; ISSN PRVCAN
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
AMPLITUDES
DECAY
ELECTRON-POSITRON INTERACTIONS
ELECTRONS
HYDROGEN
IONS
MUONS MINUS
MUONS PLUS
OSCILLATIONS
PHOTONS
PIONS
POSITRONS
QUANTUM FIELD THEORY
SCATTERING
STANDARD MODEL
STORAGE RINGS