The Standard Model Theory of Neutron Beta Decay

Abstract

We review the status of the Standard Model theory of neutron beta decay. Particular emphasis is put on the recent developments in the electroweak radiative corrections. Given that some existing approaches give slightly different results, we thoroughly review the origin of discrepancies, and provide our recommended value for the radiative correction to the neutron and nuclear decay rates. The use of dispersion relation, lattice Quantum Chromodynamics, and an effective field theory framework allows for high-precision theory calculations at the level of 10−4, turning neutron beta decay into a powerful tool to search for new physics, complementary to high-energy collider experiments. We offer an outlook to the future improvements.

Keywords

• electroweak interaction
• CKM matrix
• neutron beta decay
• radiative corrections