Effective field theory and weak non-leptonic interactions

Abstract

1978–1980 saw major advances in our understanding of the concept of an effective field theory and in particular with the calculational procedures involved in their construction. This report has a close look at the calculational methods involved. Effective field theories for accepted models are of great practical value. For this reason we work almost exclusively with realistic QCD and the standard model in describing the methods involved, although the fundamental ideas are readily extended to any model. We have placed particular emphasis upon the weak non-leptonic sector of the standard model and have evaluated essentially all the associated effective Hamiltonians. All results are presented on two levels, by general theoretical and numerically reduced expressions. The numerical reductions are performed with what we consider to be the most appropriate numerical input. The general expressions permit readers to choose their own input should they so wish. The report as such forms a compendium of effective weak non-leptonic Hamiltonians and should prove a useful reference source for the phenomenologist working in this area.