New Results from the MEG Experiment

Note: Refreshments will be served at 2:15PM: Talk starts at 2:30 PM
Speaker: Ben Golden, University of California, Irvine

When: May 5, 2011 (Thu), 02:30PM to 03:30PM (add to my calendar)
Location: PRB 595
Hosted by: Lee Roberts

This event is part of the High Energy Experiment Seminar Series.

Abstract: I will report results of a new search for µ → eγ decay from the MEG experi- ment at PSI based on a two month data-taking period during 2009. The current best experimental limit  of BR(µ+  → e+ γ) < 1.2 × 10−11 (90%C.L.) is from the MEGA experiment. MEG aims to detect this process if its branching fraction is at the 10−13  level or larger. An observation of this decay would constitute the first evidence of muon and electron lepton number violation in the charged sec- tor.  With  non-zero neutrino masses and mixing, it occurs within the Standard Model, but not at a measurable rate. In contrast, it can occur at rates near the current limit in many scenarios for new physics.