Constraints on Muon Decay Parameters from Neutrino Mass

Abstract

We derive model-independent constraints on chirality-changing terms in the muon decay Lagrangian using limits on neutrino mass. We consider all dimension-six operators invariant under the gauge symmetry of the Standard Model which contribute to either a Dirac neutrino mass or muon decay. Taking an upper limit on neutrino mass of 1 eV, we derive limits on the contributions of chirality-changing operators to the Michel parameters four orders of magnitude tighter than the current experimental constraints. We also identify two operators which, due to their flavor structure, are not constrained by neutrino mass. If near-future experiments find contributions to muon decay from these operators, it could indicate interesting flavor structure in physics beyond the SM.