Simple Formulae for Sin^2 theta_eff^lept, M_W, Gamma_l, and their Physical Applications

Abstract

The calculation of the partial widths of the Z boson in the effective scheme is discussed. Simple formulae for Sin^2 theta_eff^lept, M_W, and Gamma_l in the on-shell, MS, and effective renormalization schemes are presented. Their domain of validity extends to low M_H values probed by current experiments, and to the range of Delta alpha_hadr results from recent calculations. Physical applications of these formulae are illustrated. A comparative analysis of the above mentioned schemes is presented. The paper includes a discussion of the discrepancy of the Sin^2 theta_eff^lept values derived from the leptonic and hadronic sectors and of the shortcomings of theoretical error estimates of Sin^2 theta_eff^lept based solely on those affecting M_W.