A sample of Z0→τ+τ− events observed in the DELPHI detector at LEP in 1991 and 1992 is analysed to measure the τ polarisation in the exclusive decay channels\(ev\bar v\),\(\mu v\bar v\), πν, ρν and a1ν. The τ polarisation is also measured with an inclusive hadronic analysis which benefits from a higher efficiency and a better systematic precision than the use of the exclusive decay modes. The results have been combined with those published on the 1990 data. A measurement of the τ polarisation as a function of production angle yields the values for the mean τ polarisation 〈P〉τ=−0.148±0.022 and for the Z0 polarisationPZ=−0.136±0.027. These results are used to determine the ratio of vector to axial-vector effective couplings for taus\(\bar v_\tau/\bar a_\tau= 0.074 \pm 0.011\), and for electrons\(\bar v_e /\bar a_e= 0.068 \pm 0.014\), compatible with e-τ universality. With the assumption of lepton universality, the ratio of vector to axial-vector effective couplings for leptons\(\bar v_l /\bar a_l= 0.072 \pm 0.008\) is obtained, implying a value of the effective weak mixing angle sin2θefflept=0.2320±0.0021.
Results are for both TAU+ and TAU- decay.
The systematic error contains a systematic error of 0.003 common to all channels.
Errors are statistical only.
The reaction e + e − → τ + τ − has been measured using the high resolution spectrometer at PEP. The angular distribution shows a forward-backward asymmetry of −(6.1±2.3±0.5)%, corresponding to an axial-vector coupling if g a τ g a e = 0.28 ±0.11± 0.03, in good agreement with the standard model of electroweak interactions. The measured cross section yields ifR ττ = 1.10± 0.03±0.04, consistent with QED and giving QED cutoff parameters of Λ + >92 GeV and Λ − >246 GeV at 95% C.L.
Comparison of total tau pair cross section with O(alpha**3) QED prediction.
Corrected for acceptance backgraound, and O(alpha**3) radiative effects.
Forward-backward asymmetry based on fit to angular distributions.
Forum