The Universal Fermi Interaction and the Conserved Vector Current in Beta Decay

Abstract

The theoretical formulation of the (V-- A) fermi interac tion is shown. The requirements of the continuity equatio of the electromagnetic current are discussed in order to lead to the formulation of the conserved vector current theory and the unique properties arising from it. The present status of the question of equality between the vector coupling constant g/sub v/ of beta decay and the Fermi constant g/sub u/ of mu decay is examined. Four types of experiments to test the CVC hypothesis are discussed. (auth) O H21308 A procedure was developed for measuring photoneutron yields from targets of grent thickness by the method of induced activity. The dependence of the photoneutron yields on the electron energy, on /sup 16/O nuclei over an energy range of 19 to 66 Mev, and on /sup 63/Cu nuclei over an energy range of 13 to 50 Mev was investigated. The electron beam from a linear accelerator was monitored by means of a secondary emission monitor. The measured values of the photoneutron yields agree with the data of others; they proved to be haif the calculated values obtained by means of the Belenky-Tamm equilibrium spectrum. (auth)