The D coefficient in neutron beta decay in effective field theory

Abstract

In this paper we explore the time-reversal-odd triple-correlation coefficient in neutron beta decay, the so-called "D coefficient", using heavy-baryon effective field theory with photon degrees of freedom. We find that this framework allows us to reproduce the known results for the contribution which comes from final-state interactions, and also to discuss higher-order corrections. In particular we are able to show that in the heavy-baryon limit all electromagnetic contributions vanish. By calculating the leading correction to the known result, we give a final expression which is accurate to better than 1%. Hence we extend downwards the range over which the D coefficient could be used to explore time-violation from new physics.