About the parity-non-conserving asymmetry in (n)over-right-arrow+p→d+γ

The parity-non-conserving (pnc) asymmetry in (n) over right arrow + p --> d + gamma at thermal energies has recently been calculated using effective field-theory methods. A comparison of this calculation with much more elaborate calculations performed in the 70's is made. This allows one to assess the validity of this new approach as presently used. It is found to overshoot the almost exact calculations by a factor close to 1.6 (a factor 2 when only the contribution involving the S-3(1) component of both the initial and final states is retained). This discrepancy is analyzed and found to originate from the over-simplified description of the deuteron and capture states which underlies the new approach. The claim that earlier determinations of the sign would be in error is also examined. It is found that the sign discrepancy is most probably due, instead, to the fact that the pion-nucleon interaction referred to by the authors corresponds to a parity-non-conserving potential with a sign opposite to what is currently used in the field. Some estimates and constraints relative to the pnc pi NN coupling, h(pi)(1), which the above asymmetry is dependent on, are reviewed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.