Equivalence Theorem and Probing the Electroweak Symmetry Breaking Sector

Abstract

We examine the Lorentz non-invariance ambiguity in longitudinal weak-boson scatterings and the precise conditions for the validity of the Equivalence Theorem (ET). {\it Safe} Lorentz frames for applying the ET are defined, and the intrinsic connection between the longitudinal weak-boson scatterings and probing the symmetry breaking sector is analyzed. A universal precise formulation of the ET is presented for both the Standard Model and the Chiral Lagrangian formulated Electro-Weak Theories. It is shown that in electroweak theories with strongly interacting symmetry breaking sector, the longitudinal weak-boson scattering amplitude {\it under proper conditions} can be replaced by the corresponding Goldstone-boson scattering amplitude in which all the internal weak-boson lines and fermion loops are ignored.

20 pages, in LaTeX, to appear in Phys. Rev. D (1995). A few minor corrections were made to clarify our viewpoint of the Equivalence Theorem and compare our conclusion with those in the literature