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Updated: Dec 7, 2025

Setting Limits on Supersymmetry Using Simplified Models
Published on: November 15, 2013
Limit on the Fierz Interference Term b from a Measurement of the Beta Asymmetry in Neutron Decay
H Saul1, C Roick1, H Abele1,2,3
1Physik-Department ENE, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching, Germany.
Abstract:
In the standard model of particle physics, the weak interaction is described by vector and axial-vector couplings only. Nonzero scalar or tensor interactions would imply an additional contribution to the differential decay rate of the neutron, the Fierz interference term. We derive a limit on this hypothetical term from a measurement using spin-polarized neutrons. This method is statistically less sensitive than the determination from the spectral shape but features much cleaner systematics. We obtain a limit of b=0.017(21) at 68.27% C.L., improving the previous best limit from neutron decay by a factor of four.
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