Radiative Corrections to Semileptonic Beta Decays: Progress and Challenges

We review some recent progress in the theory of electroweak radiative corrections in semileptonic decay processes. The resurrection of the so-called Sirlin's representation based on current algebra relations permits a clear separation between the perturbatively-calculable and incalculable pieces in the O(G(F) a ) radiative corrections. The latter are expressed as compact hadronic matrix elements that allow systematic non-perturbative analysis such as dispersion relation and lattice QCD. This brings substantial improvements to the precision of the electroweak radiative corrections in semileptonic decays of pion, kaon, free neutron and J(P)=0(+) nuclei that are important theory inputs in precision tests of the Standard Model. Unresolved issues and future prospects are discussed.

Automated summary

Recent progress has been made in the theory of electroweak radiative corrections in semileptonic decay processes, with the resurrection of Sirlin's representation allowing for a clear separation between calculable and incalculable pieces. This brings substantial improvements to the precision of electroweak radiative corrections in semileptonic decays and is important for precision tests of the Standard Model.