Global symmetry and the conservation of isobaric spin in non-leptonic hyperon decays

Abstract

The possible existence of a universal V–A interaction and of global symmetry in non-leptonic hyperon decay is discussed. Deviations from the expected symmetry, which occur in actual decays, are explained in terms of the meson structure of the hyperons. A new isobaric spin is defined, equal to 1/2 for all baryons and to 0 or 1 for K-mesons. It is closely connected with the idea of global symmetry, and is conserved in non-leptonic decays.