Weak global symmetry

Abstract

The Feynman, Gell-Mann model of weak interactions is modified by the introduction of neutral « currents », both of the strangenesss preserving (J) and strangeness changing (S) variety. The various currents, neutral and charged, are chosen and coupled in such a manner as to guarantee the |ΔT|=1/2 selection rule. TheJ currents, charged and neutral, are taken together to form an isotopic vector. The chargedS currents are taken to satisfy ΔS/ΔQ=+1. These conditions automatically impose on theS currents the property that they transform like the components of an isotopic spinor. The arbitrariness in the currents which remains at this stage is now removed by a definite choice, patterned after and meant to exploit Gell-Mann’s model of global symmetry for strong baryon-pion interactions. In so far as the latter constitutes a useful first approximation to strong interaction physics, we can make certain fairly definite and verifiable predictions concerning leptonic decay of hyperons, and notably: the protons in Σ+→p+π0 decay should be polarized in an opposite sense from those produced in Λ0→p+π− decay; and Ξ and Λ decays should show the same polarization properties. Presently known properties of Σ, Λ, and Ξ decays are well correlated in the present model.