Perturbative QCD and tau decay

Abstract

Sufficiently inclusive observables in the decay of the tau lepton can be calculated using the methods of perturbative QCD. These include the asymmetry parameter $A_\tau$ that determines that angular distribution of the total hadron momentum in the decay of a polarized tau. It should be possible to measure $A_\tau$ accurately using existing data from LEP. Reliable estimates of theoretical errors are essential in order to determine whether a given observable is sufficiently inclusive to be calculated using perturbative methods. The theoretical uncertainties due to higher orders in $\alpha_s$ can be estimated using recent calculations to all orders in the large-$(33-2N_f)$ limit. These estimates indicate that tau decay data can be used to determine $\alpha_s(M_Z)$ to a precision of 2% or better.