Least squares adjustment of the coupling constants in nuclear beta-decay

Abstract

Assuming theV-A theory, fully polarized neutrinos, and lepton conservation, best values of the vector and axial vector coupling constants are deduced from all available data on neutron decay and from theft- values of¹⁴O,^26mAl and³⁴C1. Special consideration is given to the treatment of errors and to radiative corrections. For the determination of the coupling constantratio, radiative corrections are, at present, unimportant. We find ¦G_A/G_V¦=1.250 + 0.009 with a phase angle φ=(181.1±1.3)⁰. From the weighted mean ℱt-value, including charge dependent and “outer” radiative corrections, we find an effective coupling constant G′_V=(1.413±0.002)x 10⁴⁹erg cm³. The error is mainly due to the uncertainty of charge dependent corrections.