OPE Constraints and the Leading Order Hadronic Contribution to (g-2)_mu

Abstract

OPE constraints are studied as a means of distinguishing between the versions of the I=1 vector spectral function extracted from (i) inclusive I=1 hadronic electroproduction cross-sections and (ii) inclusive I=1 hadronic tau decay data, with the goal of clarifying expectations for the leading order hadronic contribution to a_mu = (g-2)_mu /2 in the Standard Model. The constraints are shown to, at present, favor the tau decay data, and hence a Standard Model prediction for a_mu compatible with the BNL E821 experimental result. The relative role of the 2pi and 4pi contributions to the discrepancy between the integrated electroproduction results and the corresponding OPE constraints is also investigated, and the significance, in this context, of forthcoming re-measurements of the e^+e^- --> pi^+ pi^- pi^0 pi^0 cross-sections pointed out.