Cross-sections for hadronic, b-bbar and lepton pair final states in e+e- collisions at sqrt(s) = 183 GeV, measured with the OPAL detector at LEP, are presented and compared with the predictions of the Standard Model. Forward-backward asymmetries for the leptonic final states have also been measured. Cross-sections and asymmetries are also presented for data recorded in 1997 at sqrt(s) = 130 and 136 GeV. The results are used to measure the energy dependence of the electromagnetic coupling constant alpha_em, and to place limits on new physics as described by four-fermion contact interactions or by the exchange of a new heavy particle such as a leptoquark, or of a squark or sneutrino in supersymmetric theories with R-parity violation.
The asymmetries have been corrected for interference between initial- and final-state radiation. The errors shown are the combined statistical and systematic errors.
The asymmetries have been corrected for interference between initial- and final-state radiation. The errors shown are the combined statistical and systematic errors.
The asymmetries have been corrected for interference between initial- and final-state radiation. The errors shown are the combined statistical and systematic errors.
The differential cross sections for lepton pair production in e+e− annihilation at 29 GeV have been measured and found to be in good agreement with the standard model of the electroweak interaction. With the assumption of e−μ−τ universality, the weak neutral-current couplings are determined to be ga2=0.23±0.05 and gv2=0.03±0.04.
Extrapolated to full angular range.
Extrapolated to full angular range.
EXTRAPOLATION TO TOTAL SOLID ANGLE.