First Order QED Corrections to the Parity-Violating Asymmetry in Moller Scattering

Abstract

We compute a full set of the first order QED corrections to the parity-violating observables in polarized Moller scattering. We employ a covariant method of removing infrared divergences, computing corrections without introducing any unphysical parameters. When applied to the kinematics of the SLAC E158 experiment, the QED corrections reduce the parity violating asymmetry by 4.5%. We combine our results with the previous calculations of the first-order electroweak corrections and obtain the complete O(alpha) prescription for relating the experimental asymmetry A_LR to the low-energy value of the weak mixing angle. Our results are applicable to the recent measurement of A_LR by the SLAC E158 collaboration, as well as to the future parity violation experiments.