Testing CP, T and (V-A) Symmetry through Tau Leptons

Abstract

Model independent tests for symmetry violations in tau decays are important for determining whether the tau lepton is elementary or, instead, macroscopic. Such tests are also significant steps towards resolving the outstanding "e - mu - tau" puzzle. This talk reviews such tests in the context of a general treatment of two-body tau decays which only assumes Lorentz invariance and the tree-like structure of the tau-antitau production-decay sequence. Direct measurement of polarized-partial-widths and of associated ``longitudinal-transverse W-exchange" interference intensities will provide significant probes for distinguishing elementary/macroscopic theories of the Higgs and of the tau, and tau-neutrino. The analogous goals and techniques apply to top quark decays.