The decay K+→π+νν¯ is highly suppressed in the Standard Model (SM), while its rate can be predicted with minimal theoretical uncertainty. The branching ratio (BR) for this decay is thus a sensitive probe of the flavor sector of the SM; its measurement, however, is a significant experimental challenge. The primary goal of the NA62 experiment is to measure BR(K+→π+νν¯) with ∼10% precision. This will require the observation of 1013 K+ decays in the experiment's fiducial volume, as well as the use of high-performance systems for precision tracking, particle identification, and photon vetoing. These aspects of the experiment will also allow NA62 to carry out a rich program of searches for lepton flavor and/or number violating K+ decays. Part of the experimental apparatus was commissioned during a technical run in 2012; installation continues and data taking is expected to begin in late 2014. The physics prospects and the status of the NA62 experiment are reviewed.
Aglieri Rinella, G., Ambrosino, F., Angelucci, B., Antonelli, A., Anzivino, G., Arcidiacono, R., et al. (2013). Searches for rare and forbidden kaon decays at the NA62 experiment at CERN. In Proceedings of the Meeting of the American Physical Society Division of Particles and Fields (DPF 2013).
Searches for rare and forbidden kaon decays at the NA62 experiment at CERN
BONAIUTO, VINCENZO;SANTOVETTI, EMANUELE;SARGENI, FAUSTO;
2013-01-01
Abstract
The decay K+→π+νν¯ is highly suppressed in the Standard Model (SM), while its rate can be predicted with minimal theoretical uncertainty. The branching ratio (BR) for this decay is thus a sensitive probe of the flavor sector of the SM; its measurement, however, is a significant experimental challenge. The primary goal of the NA62 experiment is to measure BR(K+→π+νν¯) with ∼10% precision. This will require the observation of 1013 K+ decays in the experiment's fiducial volume, as well as the use of high-performance systems for precision tracking, particle identification, and photon vetoing. These aspects of the experiment will also allow NA62 to carry out a rich program of searches for lepton flavor and/or number violating K+ decays. Part of the experimental apparatus was commissioned during a technical run in 2012; installation continues and data taking is expected to begin in late 2014. The physics prospects and the status of the NA62 experiment are reviewed.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
