First Test of Lorentz Invariance in the Weak Decay of Polarized Nuclei

Abstract

A new test of Lorentz invariance in the weak interactions has been made by searching for variations in the decay rate of spin-polarized 20Na nuclei. This test is unique to Gamow-Teller transitions, as was shown in the framework of a recently developed theory that assumes a Lorentz symmetry breaking background field of tensor nature. The nuclear spins were polarized in the up and down direction, putting a limit on the amplitude of sidereal variations of the form |(Γ_{up} - Γ_{down})| / (Γ_{up} + Γ_{down}) < 3 * 10^{-3}. This measurement shows a possible route toward a more detailed testing of Lorentz symmetry in weak interactions.

11 pages, 6 figures

References in corpus (4)

• CPT violation and B-meson oscillations
• Lorentz violation in neutron and allowed nuclear beta decay
• Production of Radioactive Nuclides in Inverse Reaction Kinematics
• A new approach to test Lorentz invariance

Cited by in corpus (13)

• Symmetry violations in nuclear and neutron $\beta$ decay
• Limits on Lorentz and CPT violation from double beta decay
• Limits on Lorentz violation from forbidden beta decays
• Neutrinos as probes of Lorentz invariance
• Limits on Lorentz violation from charged-pion decay
• Testing Lorentz invariance in orbital electron capture
• Question of Lorentz invariance in muon decay
• Concurrent tests of Lorentz invariance in $\beta$-decay experiments
• Exploration of Lorentz violation in neutral-kaon decay
• Testing Lorentz-symmetry violation via electroweak decays
• Defining of three-dimensional acceleration and inertial mass leading to the simple form F=MA of relativistic motion equation
• Test of Lorentz invariance in $\beta$ decay of polarized ${}^{20}\text{Na}$
• A gas cell for stopping, storing and polarizing radioactive particles