Final-state interactions and time-reversal tests in nuclear β-decay

Abstract

Time-reversal-invariance tests in β-decay require an accurate determination of the final-state effects which imitate the T-violating signal. We present expressions for the coefficient of the transverse electron polarization R, including the corrections due to second forbidden and radiative terms. Numerical calculations for finite nuclear size and electron screening effects are also included. These corrections may be determined to within a few percent. We demonstrate that a measurement of both R and the electron asymmetry coefficient A allows a model-independent test of T-violation.

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