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Published on: May 3, 2019
Muon to electron conversion: how to find an electron in a muon haystack
1High Energy Physics Group, The Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BW, UK. a.kurup@imperial.ac.uk
Summary
This study explores muon to electron conversion, a process beyond the standard model. It reviews current experiments like COMET and Mu2e, and the novel PRISM experiment using FFAG accelerators.
Area of Science:
- Particle Physics
- Beyond Standard Model Physics
Background:
- The Standard Model (SM) is a successful but incomplete theory of fundamental particles and forces.
- Theories beyond the SM predict processes forbidden by it, such as muon to electron conversion.
- Muon to electron conversion offers a unique window into new physics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history and experimental search for muon to electron conversion.
- To focus on proposed high-precision experiments: COMET, Mu2e, and the next-generation PRISM experiment.
- To discuss the novel fixed-field alternating-gradient (FFAG) accelerator technology for PRISM.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical experimental approaches to searching for muon to electron conversion.
- Description of the experimental designs and sensitivities of COMET and Mu2e.
- Introduction to the PRISM experiment and its proposed use of FFAG accelerators.
Main Results:
- The paper does not present new experimental results but focuses on proposed experiments.
- Highlights the potential of COMET, Mu2e, and PRISM to significantly improve sensitivity to muon to electron conversion.
- Discusses the technological advancements, particularly FFAGs, enabling these next-generation searches.
Conclusions:
- Muon to electron conversion searches are crucial for probing physics beyond the Standard Model.
- Proposed experiments like COMET, Mu2e, and PRISM are poised to make significant advances.
- FFAG accelerators offer promising technology for future particle physics experiments and other applications.
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