SU(3) Breaking in Hyperon Beta Decays: a Prediction for Xi^0 -> Sigma^+ e nu-bar

Abstract

On the basis of a previous analysis of hyperon semi-leptonic decay data, a prediction is presented for g_1/f_1 in the Xi^0 -> Sigma^+ e nu-bar beta-decay. The analysis takes into account SU(3) breaking in this sector via the inclusion of mass-driven corrections. A rather precise measurement of the above channel by the KTeV experiment at Fermilab will shortly be available. Since the dependence on the SU(3) parameters, F and D, is identical to that of the neutron beta-decay, such a measurement will provide a rather stringent test of SU(3) and the models used to describe its violation in these decays. The prediction given here for the above decay is g_1/f_1=1.17, which leads to a rate of 0.80 x 10^6 s^-1 and thus a branching fraction of 2.3 x 10^-4.