Fierz Interference results and analysis from most-recent UCNA data

ORAL

Abstract

The Fierz Interference term, $b$ in the Standard Model expression of the neutron beta decay rate, acts as a probe of beyond Standard Model physics due to its sensitivity to scalar and tensor couplings. Experimentally, $b$ manifests as an energy distortion in the neutron beta decay energy spectrum. Furthermore, in the beta decay asymmetry parameter, the presence of a non-zero $b$ introduces an energy-dependent distortion in $A_0$, yielding $A_{0,b} (E)$. Using the most recent $A_0$ data from the Ultracold Neutron Asymmetry experiment (UCNA), located at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), we extend the previous results on direct $b$ extraction via the energy dependence of $A_{0,b} (E)$. Furthermore, we present a supplementary analysis of the direct spectral measurements of the neutron beta decay and extract a $b$ value from that as well. Finally, we compare and contrast the advantages and limitations of these two methods of $b$ extraction.

*This work is supported in part by the US Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Physics (DE-FG02-08ER41557, DE-SC0014622, DE-FG02-97ER41042) and the National Science Foundation (1002814, 1005233, 1205977, 1306997, 1307426, 1506459, 1615153, 1812340, 1914133), the LDRD program (20110043DR) and the AOT division of Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Authors

  • Xuan Sun

    • Caltech