Measurement of the branching ratio for D/s- --> tau- anti-nu/tau decays.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 516 (2001) 236-248, 2001.
Inspire Record 553945 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49836

Using about 3.9 million hadronic Z decays from e+e- collisions recorded by the OPAL detector at LEP at centre-of-mass energies near MZ the branching ratio for the decay D_s -> tau nu_tau has been measured to be (7.0 +/- 2.1(stat) +/- 2.0 (syst))%. This result can be used to derive the decay constant of the D_s meson: f(D_s) = 286 +/- 44(stat) +/- 41(syst) MeV.

1 data table

FORMFACTOR(NAME=FP,C=DECAY CONSTANT) is pseudoscalar meson decay constant.


Precision neutral current asymmetry parameter measurements from the tau polarization at LEP.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 21 (2001) 1-21, 2001.
Inspire Record 554583 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49765

Measurements of the tau lepton polarization and forward-backward polarization asymmetry near the Z resonance using the OPAL detector are described. The measurements are based on analyses of tau -> e nu_e nu_tau, tau -> mu nu_mu nu_tau, tau -> pi nu_tau, tau -> rho nu_tau and tau -> a1 nu_tau decays from a sample of 144810 e+e- -> tau+ tau- candidates corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 151 pb-1. Assuming that the tau lepton decays according to V-A theory, we measure the average tau polarization near Ecm = MZ to be <Ptau> = (-14.10 +/- 0.73 +/- 0.55)% and the tau polarization forward-backward asymmetry to be Afb = (-10.55 +/- 0.76 +/- 0.25)%, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic. Taking into account the small effects of the photon propagator, photon-Z interference and photonic radiative corrections, these results can be expressed in terms of the lepton neutral current asymmetry parameters: Atau = 0.1456 +/- 0.0076 +/- 0.0057, Ae = 0.1454 +/- 0.0108 +/- 0.0036. These measurements are consistent with the hypothesis of lepton universality and combine to give Al = 0.1455 +/- 0.0073. Within the context of the Standard Model this combined result corresponds to sin^2(theta)(lept,effective) = 0.23172 +/- 0.00092. Combing these results with those from the other OPAL neutral current measurements yields a value of sin^2(theta)(lept,effective) = 0.23211 +/- 0.00068.

1 data table

No description provided.


A simultaneous measurement of the QCD colour factors and the strong coupling.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 20 (2001) 601-615, 2001.
Inspire Record 552446 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49851

Using data from e+e- annihilation into hadrons, taken with the OPAL detector at LEP at the Z pole between 1991 and 1995, we performed a simultaneous measurement of the colour factors of the underlying gauge group of the strong interaction, CF and CA, and the strong coupling, alpha(s). The measurement was carried out by fitting next-to-leading order perturbative predictions to measured angular correlations of 4-jet events together with multi-jet related variables. Our results, CA = 3.02 +/- 0.25 (stat.) +/- 0.49 (syst.), CF = 1.34 +/- 0.13 (stat.) +/- 0.22 (syst.), alpha(s)(M_Z) = 0.120 +/- 0.011 (stat.) +/- 0.020 (syst.), provide a test of perturbative QCD in which the only assumptions are non-abelian gauge symmetry and standard hadronization models. The measurements are in agreement with SU(3) expectations for CF and CA and the world average of alpha(s)(M_Z).

1 data table

CA, CF are the color factors for SU(N) group.


Precise determination of the Z resonance parameters at LEP: 'Zedometry'.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 19 (2001) 587-651, 2001.
Inspire Record 538108 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49855

This final analysis of hadronic and leptonic cross-sections and of leptonic forward-backward asymmetries in e+e- collisions with the OPAL detector makes use of the full LEP1 data sample comprising 161 pb^-1 of integrated luminosity and 4.5 x 10^6 selected Z decays. An interpretation of the data in terms of contributions from pure Z exchange and from Z-gamma interference allows the parameters of the Z resonance to be determined in a model-independent way. Our results are in good agreement with lepton universality and consistent with the vector and axial-vector couplings predicted in the Standard Model. A fit to the complete dataset yields the fundamental Z resonance parameters: mZ = 91.1852 +- 0.0030 GeV, GZ = 2.4948 +- 0.0041 GeV, s0h = 41.501 +- 0.055 nb, Rl = 20.823 +- 0.044, and Afb0l = 0.0145 +- 0.0017. Transforming these parameters gives a measurement of the ratio between the decay width into invisible particles and the width to a single species of charged lepton, Ginv/Gl = 5.942 +- 0.027. Attributing the entire invisible width to neutrino decays and assuming the Standard Model couplings for neutrinos, this translates into a measurement of the effective number of light neutrino species, N_nu = 2.984 +- 0.013. Interpreting the data within the context of the Standard Model allows the mass of the top quark, mt = 162 +29-16 GeV, to be determined through its influence on radiative corrections. Alternatively, utilising the direct external measurement of mt as an additional constraint leads to a measurement of the strong coupling constant and the mass of the Higgs boson: alfa_s(mZ) = 0.127 +- 0.005 and mH = 390 +750-280 GeV.

7 data tables

The cross section for hadron production corrected to the simple kinematic acceptance region defined by SPRIME/S > 0.01. Statistical errors only are shown. Also given is the cross section value corrected for the beam energy spread to correspond to the physical cross section at the central value of SQRT(S).

The cross section for E+ E- production corrected to the simple kinematic acceptance region defined by ABS(COS(THETA(C=E-))) < 0.7 and THETA(C=ACOL) < 10 degrees. Statistical errors only are shown. Also given is the cross section value corrected for the beam energy spread to correspond to the physical cross sectionat the central value of SQRT(S).

The cross section for mu+ mu- production corrected to the simple kinematic acceptance region defined by N = M(P=3_4)**2/S > 0.01. Statistical errors only are shown. Also given is the cross section value corrected for the beam energy spread to correspond to the physical cross section at the central value of SQRT(S).

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Charged multiplicities in Z decays into u, d, and s quarks.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ainsley, C. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 19 (2001) 257-268, 2001.
Inspire Record 536266 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49812

About 4.4 million hadronic decays of Z bosons, recorded by the OPAL detector at LEP at a centre-of-mass energy of around sqrt(s) = 91.2 GeV, are used to determine the mean charged particle multiplicities for the three light quark flavours. Events from primary u, d, and s quarks are tagged by selecting characteristic particles which carry a large fraction of the beam energy. The charged particle multiplicities are measured in the hemispheres opposite to these particles. An unfolding procedure is applied to obtain these multiplicities for each primary light quark flavour. This yields <n_u> = 17.77 +- 0.51 +0.86 -1.20, <n_d> = 21.44 +- 0.63 +1.46 -1.17, <n_s> = 20.02 +- 0.13 +0.39 -0.37, where statistical and systematic errors are given. The results for <n_u> and <n_d> are almost fully statistically anti-correlated. Within the errors the result is consistent with the flavour independence of the strong interaction for the particle multiplicities in events from the light up, down, and strange quarks.

2 data tables

No description provided.

No description provided.


Measurement of triple gauge boson couplings from W+ W- production at LEP energies up to 189-GeV

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Ainsley, C. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 19 (2001) 1-14, 2001.
Inspire Record 533113 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49847

A measurement of triple gauge boson couplings is presented, based on W-pair data recorded by the OPAL detector at LEP during 1998 at a centre-of-mass energy of 189 GeV with an integrated luminosity of 183 pb^-1. After combining with our previous measurements at centre-of-mass energies of 161-183 GeV we obtain k_g=0.97 +0.20 -0.16, g_1^z=0.991 +0.060 -0.057 and lambda_g=-0.110 +0.058 -0.055, where the errors include both statistical and systematic uncertainties and each coupling is determined by setting the other two couplings to their SM values. These results are consistent with the Standard Model expectations.

1 data table

Triple gauge boson couplings. All systematic errors are added in quadrature.


Measurement of W boson polarizations and CP violating triple gauge couplings from W+ W- production at LEP

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Ainsley, C. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 19 (2001) 229-240, 2001.
Inspire Record 533112 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49856

Measurements are presented of the polarisation of W+W- boson pairs produced in e+e- collisions, and of CP-violating WWZ and WWGamma trilinear gauge couplings. The data were recorded by the OPAL experiment at LEP during 1998, where a total integrated luminosity of 183 pb^-1 was obtained at a centre-of-mass energy of 189 GeV. The measurements are performed through a spin density matrix analysis of the W boson decay products. The fraction of W bosons produced with longitudinal polarisation was found to be sigma_L/sigma_total = (21.0 +- 3.3 +- 1.6)% where the first error is statistical and the second systematic. The joint W boson pair production fractions were found to be sigma_TT/sigma_total = (78.1 +- 9.0 +- 3.2) %, sigma_LL/sigma_total = (20.1 +- 7.2 +- 1.8) % and sigma_TL/sigma_total = (1.8 +- 14.7 +- 3.8) %. In the CP-violating trilinear gauge coupling sector we find kappa_z = -0.20 +0.10 -0.07, g^z_4 = -0.02 +0.32 -0.33 and lambda_z = -0.18 +0.24 -0.16, where errors include both statistical and systematic uncertainties. In each case the coupling is determined with all other couplings set to their Standard Model values except those related to the measured coupling via SU(2)_LxU(1)_Y symmetry. These results are consistent with Standard Model expectations.

4 data tables

Individual W-boson transverse polarised cross-sections.

Individual W-boson longitudinal polarised cross-sections.

W pair polarized cross-sections. (C=TT), (C=LL), and (C=TL) stand for both W transversely polarised, for both W longitudinally polarised, and for transversely and longitudinally polarisedW-bosons, respectively.

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W+ W- production cross section and W branching fractions in e+ e- collisions at 189-GeV.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Ainsley, C. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 493 (2000) 249-265, 2000.
Inspire Record 533110 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49910

From a data sample of 183 pb^-1 recorded at a center-of-mass energy of roots = 189 GeV with the OPAL detector at LEP, 3068 W-pair candidate events are selected. Assuming Standard Model W boson decay branching fractions, the W-pair production cross section is measured to be sigmaWW = 16.30 +- 0.34(stat.) +- 0.18(syst.) pb. When combined with previous OPAL measurements, the W boson branching fraction to hadrons is determined to be 68.32 +- 0.61(stat.) +- 0.28(syst.) % assuming lepton universality. These results are consistent with Standard Model expectations.

2 data tables

Total W+ W- pair production cross section.

Cross sections for the individual decay modes of the W+ W-.


Production rates of b anti-b quark pairs from gluons and b anti-b b anti-b events in hadronic Z0 decays.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Ainsley, C. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 18 (2001) 447-460, 2001.
Inspire Record 535059 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49875

The rates are measured per hadronic Z decay for gluon splitting to bb(bar) quark pairs, g_bb, and of events containing two bb(bar) quark pairs, g_4b, using a sample of four-jet events selected from data collected with the OPAL detector. Events with an enhanced signal of gluon splitting to bb(bar) quarks are selected if two of the jets are close in phase-space and contain detached secondary vertices. For the event sample containing two bb(bar) quark pairs, three of the four jets are required to have a significantly detached secondary vertex. Information from the event topology is combined in a likelihood fit to extract the values of g_bb and g_4b, namely g_bb = (3.07 +- 0.53(stat) +- 0.97(syst))x10^-3 g_4b = (0.36 +- 0.17(stat) +- 0.27(syst))x10^-3

1 data table

No description provided.


Measurement of the low-x behavior of the photon structure function F2(gamma).

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Ainsley, C. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 18 (2000) 15-39, 2000.
Inspire Record 529899 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49907

The photon structure function F2-gamma(x,Q**2) has been measured using data taken by the OPAL detector at centre-of-mass energies of 91Gev, 183Gev and 189Gev, in Q**2 ranges of 1.5 to 30.0 GeV**2 (LEP1), and 7.0 to 30.0 GeV**2 (LEP2), probing lower values of x than ever before. Since previous OPAL analyses, new Monte Carlo models and new methods, such as multi-variable unfolding, have been introduced, reducing significantly the model dependent systematic errors in the measurement.

12 data tables

Results of F2/ALPHAE for the LEP1 data using the SW for Q**2 = 1.9 GeV**2.

Results of F2/ALPHAE for the LEP1 data using the SW for Q**2 = 3.7 GeV**2.

Results of F2/ALPHAE for the LEP1 data using the FD for Q**2 = 8.9 GeV**2.

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Search for trilinear neutral gauge boson couplings in Z-gamma production at S**(1/2) = 189-GeV at LEP

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Ainsley, C. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 17 (2000) 553-566, 2000.
Inspire Record 529897 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49934

The data recorded at a centre-of-mass energy of 189GeV by the OPAL detector at LEP are used to search for trilinear couplings of the neutral gauge bosons in the process e+e- --> Z-gamma. The cross-sections are measured for multihadronic events with an energetic isolated photon and for events with a high energy photon accompanied by missing energy. These cross-sections and the photon energy, polar angle and isolation angle distributions are compared to the Standard Model predictions and to the theoretical expectations of a model allowing for Z-gamma-Z and Z-gamma-gamma vertices. Since no significant deviations with respect to the Standard Model expectations are found, constraints are derived on the strength of neutral trilinear gauge couplings.

2 data tables

Total sysytematic error for Q Qbar (NU NUbar) channel is 0.154 (0.048) pb.

See text for Z(GAMMA) anomalous coupling definitions. Statistical and systematic errors are combined in quadrature.


Multiplicities of pi0, eta, K0 and of charged particles in quark and gluon jets.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Ainsley, C. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 17 (2000) 373-387, 2000.
Inspire Record 529898 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49911

We compared the multiplicities of pizero, eta, Kzero and of charged particles in quark and gluon jets in 3-jet events, as measured by the OPAL experiment at LEP. The comparisons were performed for distributions unfolded to 100% pure quark and gluon jets, at an effective scale Qjet which took into account topological dependences of the 3-jet environment. The ratio of particle multiplicity in gluon jets to that in quark jets as a function of Qjet for pizero, eta and Kzero was found to be independent of the particle species. This is consistent with the QCD prediction that the observed enhancement in the mean particle rate in gluon jets with respect to quark jets should be independent of particle species. In contrast to some theoretical predictions and previous observations, we observed no evidence for an enhancement of eta meson production in gluon jets with respect to quark jets, beyond that observed for charged particles. We measured the ratio of the slope of the average charged particle multiplicity in gluon jets to that in quark jets, C, and we compared it to a next-to-next-to-next-to leading order calculation. Our result, C=2.27+-0.20(stat+syst),is about one standard deviation higher than the perturbative prediction.

3 data tables

No description provided.

Symmetric on energy jets.

No description provided.


Photonic events with missing energy in e+ e- collisions at s**(1/2) = 189-GeV.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Ainsley, C. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 18 (2000) 253-272, 2000.
Inspire Record 526776 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49967

Photonic events with large missing energy have been observed in e+e- collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 189GeV using the OPAL detector at LEP. Results are presented for event topologies consistent with a single photon or with an acoplanar photon pair. Cross-section measurements are performed within the kinematic acceptance of each selection, and the number of light neutrino species is measured. Cross-section results are compared with the expectations from the Standard Model process e+e- to nu nubar + photon(s). No evidence is observed for new physics contributions to these final states. Upper limits are derived on sigma(e+e- to XY).BR(X to Y gamma) and sigma(e+e- to XX).BR**2(X to Y gamma) for the case of stable and invisible Y. These limits apply to single and pair production of excited neutrinos (X=nu*, Y = nu), to neutralino production (X=neutralino_2, Y=neutralino_1) and to supersymmetric models in which X = neutralino_1 and Y = light gravitino. The case of macroscopic decay lengths of particle X is considered for e+e- to XX, X to Y gamma, when M_Y is of order zero. The single-photon results are also used to place upper limits on superlight gravitino pair production as well as graviton-photon production in the context of theories with additional space dimensions.

1 data table

No description provided.


Z boson pair production in e+ e- collisions at s**(1/2) = 183-GeV and 189-GeV.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 476 (2000) 256-272, 2000.
Inspire Record 524845 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.50015

A study of Z boson pair production in e+e- annihilation at center-of-mass energies near 183 GeV and 189 GeV is reported. Final states containing only leptons, (l+l-l+l- and l+l-nu nubar), quark and lepton pairs, (q qbar l+l-, q qbar nu nubar) and the all-hadronic final state (q qbar q qbar) are considered. In all states with at least one Z boson decaying hadronically, q qbar and b bbar final states are considered separately using lifetime and event-shape tags, thereby improving the cross-section measurement. At sqrt(s) = 189 GeV the Z-pair cross section was measured to be 0.80 (+0.14-0.13, stat.) (+0.06-0.05, syst.) pb, consistent with the Standard Model prediction. At sqrt(s) = 183 GeV the 95% C.L. upper limit is 0.55 pb. Limits on anomalous ZZgamma and ZZZ couplings are derived.

1 data table

Measured cross sections for Z0 pair production.


QCD studies with e+ e- annihilation data at 172-GeV to 189-GeV.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 16 (2000) 185-210, 2000.
Inspire Record 513476 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49000

We have studied hadronic events from e+e- annihilation data at centre-of-mass energies of sqrt{s}=172, 183 and 189 GeV. The total integrated luminosity of the three samples, measured with the OPAL detector, corresponds to 250 pb^-1. We present distributions of event shape variables, charged particle multiplicity and momentum, measured separately in the three data samples. From these we extract measurements of the strong coupling alpha_s, the mean charged particle multiplicity <nch> and the peak position xi_0 in the xi_p=ln(1/x_p) distribution. In general the data are described well by analytic QCD calculations and Monte Carlo models. Our measured values of alpha_s, <nch> and xi_0 are consistent with previous determinations at sqrt{s}=MZ.

20 data tables

Distribution of Thrust.

Distribution of Thrust Major.

Distribution of Thrust Minor.

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QCD analyses and determinations of alpha(s) in e+ e- annihilation at energies between 35-GeV and 189-GeV.

The JADE & OPAL collaborations Pfeifenschneider, P. ; Biebel, O. ; Movilla Fernandez, P.A. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 17 (2000) 19-51, 2000.
Inspire Record 513337 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.12882

We employ data taken by the JADE and OPAL experiments for an integrated QCD study in hadronic e+e- annihilations at c.m.s. energies ranging from 35 GeV through 189 GeV. The study is based on jet-multiplicity related observables. The observables are obtained to high jet resolution scales with the JADE, Durham, Cambridge and cone jet finders, and compared with the predictions of various QCD and Monte Carlo models. The strong coupling strength, alpha_s, is determined at each energy by fits of O(alpha_s^2) calculations, as well as matched O(alpha_s^2) and NLLA predictions, to the data. Matching schemes are compared, and the dependence of the results on the choice of the renormalization scale is investigated. The combination of the results using matched predictions gives alpha_s(MZ)=0.1187+{0.0034}-{0.0019}. The strong coupling is also obtained, at lower precision, from O(alpha_s^2) fits of the c.m.s. energy evolution of some of the observables. A qualitative comparison is made between the data and a recent MLLA prediction for mean jet multiplicities.

80 data tables

Overall result for ALPHAS at the Z0 mass from the combination of the ln R-matching results from the observables evolved using a three-loop running expression. The errors shown are total errors and contain all the statistics and systematics.

Weighted mean for ALPHAS at the Z0 mass determined from the energy evolutions of the mean values of the 2-jet cross sections obtained with the JADE and DURHAMschemes and the 3-jet fraction for the JADE, DURHAM and CAMBRIDGE schemes evaluted at a fixed YCUT.. The errors shown are total errors and contain all the statistics and systematics.

Combined results for ALPHA_S from fits of matched predicitions. The first systematic (DSYS) error is the experimental systematic, the second DSYS error isthe hadronization systematic and the third is the QCD scale error. The values of ALPHAS evolved to the Z0 mass using a three-loop evolution are also given.

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Inclusive production of D*+- mesons in photon photon collisions at s**(1/2)(ee) = 183-GeV and 189-GeV and a first measurement of F2(c)(gamma).

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 16 (2000) 579-596, 2000.
Inspire Record 510531 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.35045

The inclusive production of D*+- mesons in photon-photon collisions has been measured using the OPAL detector at LEP at e+e- centre-of-mass energies of 183 and 189GeV. The D* mesons are reconstructed in their decay to D0pi+ with the D0 observed in the two decay modes Kpi+ and Kpi+pi-pi+. After background subtraction, 100.4+-12.6(stat) D*+- mesons have been selected in events without observed scattered beam electron ("anti-tagged") and 29.8+-5.9 (stat) D*+- mesons in events where one beam electron is scattered into the detector ("single-tagged"). Direct and single-resolved events are studied separately. Differential cross-sections as functions of the D* transverse momentum p_t and pseudorapidity \eta are presented in the kinematic region 2<p_t<12GeV and \eta<1.5. They are compared to next-to-leading order (NLO) perturbative QCD calculations. The total cross-section for the process (e+e- to e+e-ccbar), where the charm quarks are produced in the collision of two quasi-real photons, is measured to be 842+-97(stat)+-75(syst)+-196(extrapolation)pb. A first measurement of the charm structure function F2 of the photon is performed in the kinematic range 0.0014<x<0.87 and 5<Q^2<100 GeV^2, and the result is compared to a NLO perturbative QCD calculation.

7 data tables

Differential PT distribution for anti-tagged events for both D* decay modesand combined.

Differential ETARAP distribution for anti-tagged events for both D* decay modes and combined.

Integrated cross section using the anti-tagged events for D* production in the kinematic range of the experiment.

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Measurement of the W+ W- gamma cross-section and first direct limits on anomalous electroweak quartic gauge couplings

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Akesson, P.F. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 471 (1999) 293-307, 1999.
Inspire Record 509394 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49088

A study of W+W- events accompanied by hard photon radiation produced in e+e- collisions at LEP is presented. Events consistent with two on-shell W-bosons and an isolated photon are selected from 183pb^-1 of data recorded at root{s}=189GeV. From these data, 17 W+W-gamma candidates are selected with photon energy greater than 10GeV, consistent with the Standard Model expectation. These events are used to measure the e+e- to W+W-gamma cross-section within a set of geometric and kinematic cuts; sigma{W+W-gamma} = 136+-37+-8 fb, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic. The photon energy spectrum is used to set the first direct, albeit weak, limits on possible anomalous contributions to the {W+ W- gamma gamma} and {W+ W- gamma Z0} vertices: -0.070GeV^{-2} < a_0/Lambda^2 < 0.070GeV^{-2}, -0.13GeV^{-2} < a_c/Lambda^2 < 0.19GeV^{-2}, -0.61GeV^{-2} < a_n/Lambda^2 < 0.57GeV^{-2}, where Lambda represents the energy scale for new physics.

2 data tables

Measured cross section within the kinematic and geometric cuts. THETA(C=GAMMA) is the angle between the photon and the closest jet, and THETA(C=LEPTON) is the angle between the photon and the lepton.

95 PCT confidence limits on possible anomalous contributions.


Tests of the standard model and constraints on new physics from measurements of fermion pair production at 189-GeV at LEP

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 13 (2000) 553-572, 2000.
Inspire Record 504989 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49123

Cross-sections and angular distributions for hadronic and lepton pair final states in e+e- collisions at a centre-of-mass energy near 189 GeV, measured with the OPAL detector at LEP, are presented and compared with the predictions of the Standard Model. 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 sneutrino in supersymmetric theories with R-parity violation. A search for the indirect effects of the gravitational interaction in extra dimensions on the mu+mu- and tau+tau- final states is also presented.

9 data tables

Hadronic cross section.

The cross sections for hadronic, and muon- and tau-pair production in the two sprime/s regions.

The cross sections for electron -pair production with various angular cuts.

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Total hadronic cross-section of photon photon interactions at LEP.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 14 (2000) 199-212, 2000.
Inspire Record 502548 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49107

The total hadronic cross-section sigma_gg(W) for the interaction of real photons, gg->hadrons, is measured for gg centre-of-mass energies 10<W<110 GeV. The cross-section is extracted from a measurement of the process e+e- -> e+e-g*g* -> e+e- hardrons, using a luminosity function for the photon flux together with form factors for extrapolating to real photons (Q^2=0 GeV^2). The data were taken with the OPAL detector at LEP at e+e- centre-of-mass energies 161, 172 and 183 GeV. The cross-section sigma_gg(W) is compared with Regge factorisation and with the energy dependence observed in gp and pp interactions. The data are also compared to models which predict a faster rise of sigma_gg(W) compared to gp and pp interactions due to additional hard gg interactions not present in hadronic collisions.

2 data tables

No description provided.

No description provided.


A study of spin alignment of rho(770)+- and omega(782) mesons in hadronic Z0 decays.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 16 (2000) 61-70, 2000.
Inspire Record 502750 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49099

The helicity density matrix elements rho[00] of rho(770)+- and omega(782) mesons produced in Z decays have been measured using the OPAL detector at LEP. Over the measured meson energy range, the values are compatible with 1/3, corresponding to a statistical mix of helicity -1, 0 and +1 states. For the highest accessible scaled energy range 0.3 < x_E < 0.6, the measured rho[00] values of the rho(770)+- and the omega are 0.373 +- 0.052 and 0.142 +- 0.114, respectively. These results are compared to measurements of other vector mesons.

2 data tables

The errors are statistical and systematic unceratinties added in quadrature. The statistical errors (STAT=...) are also given.

The errors are statistical and systematic unceratinties added in quadrature. The statistical errors (STAT=...) are also given.


Test of the flavour independence of alpha(s) using next-to-leading order calculations for heavy quarks.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 11 (1999) 643-659, 1999.
Inspire Record 498246 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49192

We present a test of the flavour independence of the strong coupling constant for charm and bottom quarks with respect to light (uds) quarks, based on a hadronic event sample obtained with the OPAL detector at LEP. Five observables related to global event shapes were used to measure alpha_s in three flavour tagged samples (uds, c and b). The event shape distributions were fitted by Order(alpha_s**2) calculations of jet production taking into account mass effects for the c and b quarks. We find: = 0.997 +- 0.038(stat.) +- 0.030(syst.) +- 0.012(theory) and = 0.993 +- 0.008(stat.) +- 0.006(syst.) +- 0.011(theory) for the ratios alpha_s(charm)/alpha_s(uds) and alpha_s(b)/alpha_s(uds) respectively.

1 data table

No description provided.


Experimental properties of gluon and quark jets from a point source.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 11 (1999) 217-238, 1999.
Inspire Record 496755 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49193

Gluon jets are identified in hadronic Z0 decays as all the particles in a hemisphere opposite to a hemisphere containing two tagged quark jets. Gluon jets defined in this manner are equivalent to gluon jets produced from a color singlet point source and thus correspond to the definition employed for most theoretical calculations. In a separate stage of the analysis, we select quark jets in a manner to correspond to calculations, as the particles in hemispheres of flavor tagged light quark (uds) events. We present the distributions of rapidity, scaled energy, the logarithm of the momentum, and transverse momentum with respect to the jet axes, for charged particles in these gluon and quark jets. We also examine the charged particle multiplicity distributions of the jets in restricted intervals of rapidity. For soft particles at large transverse momentum, we observe the charged particle multiplicity ratio of gluon to quark jets to be 2.29 +- 0.09 +- 0.15 in agreement with the prediction that this ratio should approximately equal the ratio of QCD color factors, CA/CF = 2.25. The intervals used to define soft particles and large transverse momentum for this result, p<4 GeV/c and 0.8<p_t<3.0 GeV/c, are motivated by the predictions of the Herwig Monte Carlo multihadronic event generator. Additionally, our gluon jet data allow a sensitive test of the phenomenon of non-leading QCD terms known as color reconnection. We test the model of color reconnection implemented in the Ariadne Monte Carlo multihadronic event generator and find it to be disfavored by our data.

9 data tables

(C=GLUON) and (C=QUARK) stand for jets originated from gluon and any light quark (Q=u, d, s), correspondingly. The ratio of gluon to quark jets are evaluated for 40.1 GeV jet energy.

(C=GLUON) and (C=QUARK) stand for jets originated from gluon and any light quark (Q=u, d, s), correspondingly. The ratio of gluon to quark jets are evaluated for 40.1 GeV jet energy.

(C=GLUON) and (C=QUARK) stand for jets originated from gluon and any light quark (Q=u, d, s), correspondingly. The ratio of gluon to quark jets are evaluated for 40.1 GeV jet energy.

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Measurements of the QED structure of the photon.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 11 (1999) 409-425, 1999.
Inspire Record 495378 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49315

The structure of both quasi-real and highly virtual photons is investigated using the reaction e+e- -> e+e-mu+mu-, proceeding via the exchange of two photons. The results are based on the complete OPAL dataset taken at e+e- centre-of-mass energies close to the mass of the Z boson. The QED structure function F_2^gamma and the differential cross-section dsigdx for quasi-real photons are obtained as functions of the fractional momentum x from the muon momentum which is carried by the struck muon in the quasi-real photon for values of Q**2 ranging from 1.5 to 400 GeV**2. The differential cross-section dsigdx for highly virtual photons is measured for 1.5< Q**2 < 30 GeV**2 and 1.5< P**2 < 20 GeV**2, where Q**2 and P**2 are the negative values of the four-momentum squared of the two photons such that Q**2 > P**2. Based on azimuthal correlations the QED structure functions F_A^gamma and F_B^gamma for quasi-real photons are determined for an average Q**2 of 5.4 GeV**2.

12 data tables

No description provided.

No description provided.

No description provided.

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Color reconnection studies in e+ e- --> W+ W- at s**(1/2) = 183-GeV.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 453 (1999) 153-168, 1999.
Inspire Record 482314 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.47315

The predicted effects of final state interactions such as colour reconnection are investigated by measuring properties of hadronic decays of W bosons, recorded at a centre-of-mass energy of sqrt(s)=182.7 GeV in the OPAL detector at LEP. Dependence on the modelling of hadronic W decays is avoided by comparing W+W- -> qqqq events with the non-leptonic component of W+W- -> qqlnu events. The scaled momentum distribution, its mean value, x_p, and that of the charged particle multiplicity, n_ch, are measured and found to be consistent in the two channels. The measured differences are: Diff(x_p) = +0.7 +- 0.8 +- 0.6 and Diff(n_ch) = (-0.09 +- 0.09 +-0.05)*10**-2. In addition, measurements of rapidity and thrust are performed for W+W- -> qqqq events. The data are described well by standard QCD models and disfavour one model of colour reconnection within the ARIADNE program. The current implementation of the ELLIS-GEIGER model of colour reconnection is excluded. At the current level of statistical precision no evidence for colour reconnection effects was found in the observables studied. The predicted effect of colour reconnection on OPAL measurements of M_W is also quantified in the context of models studied.

1 data table

Here Z is defined as Z = 2*P(C=HADRON)/SQRT(S).


W+ W- production and triple gauge boson couplings at LEP energies up to 183-GeV

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 8 (1999) 191-215, 1999.
Inspire Record 479051 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49338

A study of W-pair production in e+e- annihilations at Lep2 is presented, based on 877 W+W- candidates corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 57 pb-1 at sqrt(s) = 183 GeV. Assuming that the angular distributions of the W-pair production and decay, as well as their branching fractions, are described by the Standard Model, the W-pair production cross-section is measured to be 15.43 +- 0.61 (stat.) +- 0.26 (syst.) pb. Assuming lepton universality and combining with our results from lower centre-of-mass energies, the W branching fraction to hadrons is determined to be 67.9 +- 1.2 (stat.) +- 0.5 (syst.)%. The number of W-pair candidates and the angular distributions for each final state (qqlnu,qqqq,lnulnu) are used to determine the triple gauge boson couplings. After combining these values with our results from lower centre-of-mass energies we obtain D(kappa_g)=0.11+0.52-0.37, D(g^z_1)=0.01+0.13-0.12 and lambda=-0.10+0.13-0.12, where the errors include both statistical and systematic uncertainties and each coupling is determined setting the other two couplings to the Standard Model value. The fraction of W bosons produced with a longitudinal polarisation is measured to be 0.242+-0.091(stat.)+-0.023(syst.). All these measurements are consistent with the Standard Model expectations.

2 data tables

Total W+ W- cross section measurement. The DSYS error corresponds to the total systematic error.

Cross section for W+ W- production in different decay channels. The DSYS error corresponds to the total systematic error.


Search for anomalous photonic events with missing energy in e+ e- collisions at s**(1/2) = 130-GeV, 136-GeV and 183-GeV.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 8 (1999) 23-40, 1999.
Inspire Record 477626 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49342

Photonic events with large missing energy have been observed in $e^+ e^-$ collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 130, 136 and 183 GeV collected in 1997 using the OPAL detector at LEP. Results are presented for event topologies with a single photon and missing transverse energy or with an acoplanar photon pair. Cross-section measurements are performed within the kinematic acceptance of each selection. These results are compared with the expectations from the Standard Model process $e^+e^-$ $\rightarrow \nu \bar{\nu +}$ photon(s). No evidence is observed for new physics contributions to these final states. Using the data at $\sqrt{s} = 183$ GeV, upper limits on $\sigma$ ($e^+ e^-$ $\rightarrow$ X.Y)*BR(X $\to \textrm{Y}_{\gamma}$) and $\sigma$ ($e^+ e^-$ $\rightarrow$ X.X)*BR$^2$ (X $\to \textrm{Y}_{\gamma}$) are derived for the case of stable and invisible Y. These limits apply to single and pair production of excited neutrinos $(\textrm{X} = \nu^*, \textrm{Y} = \nu)$, to neutralino production $(\textrm{X} = \overline{\chi}^0_2, \textrm{Y} = \overline{\chi}^0_1)$ and to supersymmetric models in which $X = \overline{\chi}^0_1$ and $Y=\overline{\textrm{G}}$ is a light gravitino.

3 data tables

No description provided.

No description provided.

The data for sqrt(s) = 130 and 136 GeV are combination of present data and previous one (see EPJ C2, 607), the data for sqrt(s)=161 and 172 GeV is from thesame publication.


A measurement of R(b) using a double tagging method.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 8 (1999) 217-239, 1999.
Inspire Record 476786 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49348

The fraction of Z to bbbar events in hadronic Z decays has been measured by the OPAL experiment using the data collected at LEP between 1992 and 1995. The Z to bbbar decays were tagged using displaced secondary vertices, and high momentum electrons and muons. Systematic uncertainties were reduced by measuring the b-tagging efficiency using a double tagging technique. Efficiency correlations between opposite hemispheres of an event are small, and are well understood through comparisons between real and simulated data samples. A value of Rb = 0.2178 +- 0.0011 +- 0.0013 was obtained, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic. The uncertainty on Rc, the fraction of Z to ccbar events in hadronic Z decays, is not included in the errors. The dependence on Rc is Delta(Rb)/Rb = -0.056*Delta(Rc)/Rc where Delta(Rc) is the deviation of Rc from the value 0.172 predicted by the Standard Model. The result for Rb agrees with the value of 0.2155 +- 0.0003 predicted by the Standard Model.

1 data table

Second systematic error depends on Rc=Delta(R_c)/R_c ratio, where Delta(R_c) is the deviation of R_c from the value 0.172 predicted by the Standard Model.


Tests of the standard model and constraints on new physics from measurements of fermion pair production at 183-GeV at LEP

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 6 (1999) 1-18, 1999.
Inspire Record 473699 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49337

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.

21 data tables

No description provided.

The contribution of interference between initial- and final-state radiationhas been removed.

The contribution of interference between initial- and final-state radiationhas been removed.

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A study of parton fragmentation in hadronic Z0 decays using Lambda Antilambda correlations.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 13 (2000) 185-195, 2000.
Inspire Record 474010 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49312

The correlated production of Lambda and Lambdabar baryons has been studied using 4.3 million multihadronic Zo decays recorded with the OPAL detector at LEP. Di-lambda pairs were investigated in the full data sample and for the first time also in 2-jet and 3-jet events selected with the k_t algorithm. The distributions of rapidity differences from correlated Lambda-Lambdabar pairs exhibit short-range, local correlations and prove to be a sensitive tool to test models, particularly for 2-jet events. The JETSET model describes the data best but some extra parameter tuning is needed to improve agreement with the experimental results in the rates and the rapidity spectra simultaneously. The recently developed modification of JETSET, the MOdified Popcorn Scenarium (MOPS), and also HERWIG do not give satisfactory results. This study of di-lambda production in 2- and 3-jet events supports the short-range compensation of quantum numbers.

5 data tables

Average multipicity of LAMBDA pairs in hadronic events.

Average multipicity of LAMBDA pairs in 2-Jet events.

Average multipicity of LAMBDA pairs in 3-Jet events.

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Measurement of the average polarization of b baryons in hadronic Z0 decays.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 444 (1998) 539-554, 1998.
Inspire Record 474012 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49296

In the Standard Model, b quarks produced in e^+e^- annihilation at the Z^0 peak have a large average longitudinal polarization of -0.94. Some fraction of this polarization is expected to be transferred to b-flavored baryons during hadronization. The average longitudinal polarization of weakly decaying b baryons, <P_L^{\Lambda_b}>, is measured in approximately 4.3 million hadronic Z^0 decays collected with the OPAL detector between 1990 and 1995 at LEP. Those b baryons that decay semileptonically and produce a \Lambda baryon are identified through the correlation of the baryon number of the \Lambda and the electric charge of the lepton. In this semileptonic decay, the ratio of the neutrino energy to the lepton energy is a sensitive polarization observable. The neutrino energy is estimated using missing energy measurements. From a fit to the distribution of this ratio, the value <P_L^{\Lambda_b}> = -0.56^{+0.20}_{-0.13} +/- 0.09 is obtained, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic.

1 data table

Charge conjugate states are included.


First measurement of Z/gamma* production in Compton scattering of quasi-real photons.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 438 (1998) 391-404, 1998.
Inspire Record 474013 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49379

We report the first observation of Z/gamma* production in Compton scattering of quasi-real photons. This is a subprocess of the reaction e+e- to e+e-Z/gamma*, where one of the final state electrons is undetected. Approximately 55 pb-1 of data collected in the year 1997 at an e+e- centre-of-mass energy of 183 GeV with the OPAL detector at LEP have been analysed. The Z/gamma* from Compton scattering has been detected in the hadronic decay channel. Within well defined kinematic bounds, we measure the product of cross-section and Z/gamma* branching ratio to hadrons to be (0.9+-0.3+-0.1) pb for events with a hadronic mass larger than 60 GeV, dominated by (e)eZ production. In the hadronic mass region between 5 GeV and 60 GeV, dominated by (e)egamma* production, this product is found to be (4.1+-1.6+-0.6) pb. Our results agree with the predictions of two Monte Carlo event generators, grc4f and PYTHIA.

1 data table

No description provided.


Measurement of the longitudinal cross-section using the direction of the thrust axis in hadronic events at LEP.

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 440 (1998) 393-402, 1998.
Inspire Record 474666 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49354

In the process e+e- to hadrons, one of the effects of gluon emission is to modify the 1+cos(theta)**2 form of the angular distribution of the thrust axis, an effect which may be quantified by the longitudinal cross-section. Using the OPAL detector at LEP, we have determined the longitudinal to total cross-section ratio to be 0.0127+-0.0016+-0.0013 at the parton level, in good agreement with the expectation of QCD computed to Order(alpha_s**2) Comparisions at the hadron level with Monte Carlo models are presented. The dependence of the longitudinal cross-section on the value of thrust has also been studied, and provides a new test of QCD.

2 data tables

Values of SIG(C=L) integrated over all Thrust.

Measured values of the differential cross section, and the corresponding ratio of longitudinal to total cross sections, corrected to the hadron level.


Dijet production in photon-photon collisions at S**(1/2)(ee) = 161-GeV and 172-GeV

The OPAL collaboration Abbiendi, G. ; Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 10 (1999) 547-561, 1999.
Inspire Record 474009 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49386

Di-jet production is studied in collisions of quasi-real photons radiated by the LEP beams at e+e- centre-of-mass energies 161 and 172 GeV. The jets are reconstructed using a cone jet finding algorithm. The angular distributions of direct and double-resolved processes are measured and compared to the predictions of leading order and next-to-leading order perturbative QCD. The jet energy profiles are also studied. The inclusive two-jet cross-section is measured as a function of transverse energy and rapidity and compared to next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations. The inclusive two-jet cross-section as a function of rapidity is compared to the prediction of the leading order Monte Carlo generators PYTHIA and PHOJET. The Monte Carlo predictions are calculated with different parametrisations of the parton distributions of the photon. The influence of the `underlying event' has been studied to reduce the model dependence of the predicted jet cross-sections from the Monte Carlo generators.

14 data tables

Differential 2-jet cross section as a function of cos(theta*) for 'double-resolved' and 'direct' events.

No description provided.

No description provided.

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Inclusive production of charged hadrons and K0(S) mesons in photon photon collisions.

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 6 (1999) 253-264, 1999.
Inspire Record 472639 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49411

The production of charged hadrons and K_s mesons in the collisions of quasi-real photons has been measured using the OPAL detector at LEP. The data were taken at e+e- centre-of-mass energies of 161 and 172 GeV. The differential cross-sections as a function of the transverse momentum and the pseudorapidity of the charged hadrons and K_s mesons have been compared to the leading order Monte Carlo simulations of PHOJET and PYTHIA and to perturbative next-to-leading order (NLO) QCD calculations. The distributions have been measured in the range 10-125 GeV of the hadronic invariant mass W. By comparing the transverse momentum distribution of charged hadrons measured in gamma-gamma interactions with gamma-proton and meson-proton data we find evidence for hard photon interactions in addition to the purely hadronic photon interactions.

13 data tables

No description provided.

No description provided.

No description provided.

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Multi-photon production in e+ e- collisions at s**(1/2) = 183-GeV.

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 438 (1998) 379-390, 1998.
Inspire Record 472640 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49412

The process e+e- to gamma gamma (gamma) is studied using data recorded with the OPAL detector at LEP. The data sample corresponds to a total integrated luminosity of 56.2 pb-1 taken at a centre-of-mass energy of 183 GeV. The measured cross-section agrees well with the expectation from QED. A fit to the angular distribution is used to obtain improved limits at 95% CL on the QED cut-off parameters: Lambda+ > 233 GeV and Lambda- > 265 GeV as well as a mass limit for an excited electron, M(e*) > 227 GeV assuming equal e*egamma and eegamma couplings. No evidence for resonance production is found in the invariant mass spectrum of photon pairs. Limits are obtained for the cross-section times branching ratio for a resonance decaying into two photons.

1 data table

No description provided.


Measurements of flavour dependent fragmentation functions in Z0 --> q anti-q events.

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 7 (1999) 369-381, 1999.
Inspire Record 472637 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49410

Fragmentation functions for charged particles in Z -> qq(bar) events have been measured for bottom (b), charm (c) and light (uds) quarks as well as for all flavours together. The results are based on data recorded between 1990 and 1995 using the OPAL detector at LEP. Event samples with different flavour compositions were formed using reconstructed D* mesons and secondary vertices. The \xi_p = ln(1/x_E) distributions and the position of their maxima \xi_max are also presented separately for uds, c and b quark events. The fragmentation function for b quarks is significantly softer than for uds quarks.

9 data tables

Fragmentation function for 'uds-quark' events.

Fragmentation function for 'c-quark' events.

Fragmentation function for 'b-quark' events.

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Photon and light meson production in hadronic Z0 decays.

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 5 (1998) 411-437, 1998.
Inspire Record 470419 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49498

The inclusive production rates and differential cross-sections of photons and mesons with a final state containing photons have been measured with the OPAL detector at LEP. The light mesons covered by the measurements are the \pi^0, \eta, \rho(770)+-, \omega(782), \eta'(958) and a_0(980)+-. The particle multiplicities per hadronic Z^0 decay, extrapolated to the full energy range, are: <n_\gamma> = 20.97 +/- 0.02 +/- 1.15, <n_\pi^0> = 9.55 +/- 0.06 +/- 0.75, <n_\eta> = 0.97 +/- 0.03 +/- 0.11, <n_\rho^+-> = 2.40 +/- 0.06 +/- 0.43, <n_\omega> = 1.04 +/- 0.04 +/- 0.14, <n_\eta> = 0.14 +/- 0.01 +/- 0.02, <n_a_0+-> = 0.27 +/- 0.04 +/- 0.10. where the first errors are statistical and the second systematic. In general, the results are in agreement with the predictions of the JETSET and HERWIG Monte Carlo models.

15 data tables

Particle multiplicities per hadronic decay extrapolated to the full energy range.

Photon fragmentation function.

Photon fragmentation function.

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Production of K0(S) and Lambda in quark and gluon jets from Z0 decay.

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 8 (1999) 241-254, 1999.
Inspire Record 470732 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49497

The production of K^0_S mesons and Lambda baryons in quark and gluon jets has been investigated using two complementary techniques. In the first approach, which provides high statistical accuracy, jets were selected using different jet finding algorithms and ordered according to their energy. Production rates were determined taking into account the dependences of quark and gluon compositions as a function of jet energy as predicted by Monte Carlo models. Selecting three-jet events with the k_perp (Durham) jet finder (y_cut = 0.005), the ratios of K^0_S and Lambda production rates in gluon and quark jets relative to the mean charged particle multiplicity were found to be 1.10 +/- 0.02 +/- 0.02 and 1.41 +/- 0.04 +/- 0.04, respectively, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. In the second approach, a new method of identifying quark jets based on the collimation of energy flow around the jet axis is introduced and was used to anti-tag gluon jets in symmetric (Y-shaped) three-jet events. Using the cone jet finding algorithm with a cone size of 30 degrees, the ratios of relative production rates in gluon and quark jets were determined to be 0.94 +/- 0.07 +/- 0.07 for K^0_S and 1.18 +/- 0.10 +/- 0.17 for Lambda. The results of both analyses are compared to the predictions of Monte Carlo models.

2 data tables

Ratios of relative yields.

Ratios of absolute rates.


Production of f0(980), f2(1270) and Phi(1020) in hadronic Z0 decay.

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 4 (1998) 19-28, 1998.
Inspire Record 467092 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49558

Inclusive production of the f_0(980), f_2(1270) and \phi(1020) resonances has been studied in a sample of 4.3 million hadronic Z^0 decays from the OPAL experiment at LEP. A coupled channel analysis has been used for the f_0 in simultaneous fits to the resonances in inclusive \pi+\pi- and K+K- mass spectra. Fragmentation functions are reported for the three states. Total inclusive rates are measured to be 0.141 +/- 0.007 +/- 0.011 f_0, 0.155 +/- 0.011 +/- 0.018 f_2, and 0.091 +/- 0.002 +/- 0.003 \phi mesons per hadronic Z^0 decay. The production properties of the f_0, including those in three-jet events, are compared with those of the f_2 and \phi, and with the Lund string model of hadron production. All measurements are consistent with the hypothesis that the f_0 is a conventional qq(bar) scalar meson.

2 data tables

Total inclusive production rates.

Fragmentation functions. Additional systematic errors of 7.6 PCT for F0, 11.6 PCT for F2 and 3.5 PCT for PHI. The uncorrelated systematic errors for F0 and F2 are negligible in comparison to the other errors.


Measurement of the W boson mass and W+ W- production and decay properties in e+ e- collisions at s**(1/2) = 172-GeV

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 1 (1998) 395-424, 1998.
Inspire Record 448093 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.47403

This paper describes the measurement of the W boson mass, M_W, and decay width, Gamma_W, from the direct reconstruction of the invariant mass of its decay products in W pair events collected at a mean centre-of-mass energy of sqrt{s} = 172.12 GeV with the OPAL detector at LEP. Measurements of the W pair production cross-section, the W decay branching fractions and properties of the W decay final states are also described. A total of 120 candidate W^+W^- events has been selected for an integrated luminosity of 10.36 pb^-1. The W^+W^- production cross-section is measured to be sigma_WW = 12.3 +/- 1.3(stat.) +/- 0.3(syst.) pb, consistent with the Standard Model expectation. The W^+W^- -> qq(bar) l nu and W^+W^- -> qq(bar)qq(bar) final states are used to obtain a direct measurement of Gamma_W = 1.30^{+0.62}_{-0.55}(stat.) +/- 0.18(syst.) GeV. Assuming the Standard Model relation between M_W and Gamma_W, the W boson mass is measured to be M_W = 80.32 +/- 0.30(stat.) +/- 0.09(syst.) GeV. The event properties of the fully-hadronic decays of W^+W^- events are compared to those of the semi-leptonic decays. At the current level of precision there is no evidence for effects of colour reconnection in the observables studied. Combining data recorded by OPAL at sqrt{s} ~ 161-172 GeV, the W boson branching fraction to hadrons is determined to be 69.8^{+3.0}_{-3.2}(stat.) +/- 0.7(syst.)%, consistent with the prediction of the Standard Model. The combined mass measurement from direct reconstruction and from the W^+W^- production cross-sections measured at sqrt{s} ~ 161 and sqrt{s} ~ 172 GeV is M_W = 80.35 +/- 0.24(stat.) +/- 0.07(syst.) GeV.

1 data table

The fit assumptions are as follows: fitting branching ratios (C=BR-FIT), lepton universality is assumed (C=LEPT-UNIVERSALITY), and SM Br (C=BR-SM).


Measurement of f(c --> D*+ X), f(b --> D*+ X) and Gamma(c anti-c)/Gamma(had) using D*+- mesons.

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 1 (1998) 439-459, 1998.
Inspire Record 447145 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.47409

The production rates of D^*+/- mesons in charm and bottom events at centre-of-mass energies of about 91 GeV and the partial width of primary cc(bar) pairs in hadronic Z^0 decays have been measured at LEP using almost 4.4 million hadronic Z^0 decays collected with the OPAL detector between 1990 and 1995. Using a combination of several charm quark tagging methods based on fully and partially reconstructed D^*+/- mesons, and a bottom tag based on identified muons and electrons, the hadronisation fractions of charm and bottom quarks into D^*+/- mesons have been found to be: f(b -> D^*+ X) = 0.173 +/- 0.016 +/- 0.012 and f(c -> D^*+ X) = 0.222 +/- 0.014 +/- 0.014 The fraction of cc(bar) events in hadronic Z^0 decays, Gamma_cc(bar)/Gamma_had = Gamma(Z^0 -> cc(bar))/Gamma(Z^0 -> hadrons), is determined to be Gamma_cc(bar)/Gamma_had = 0.180 +/- 0.011 +/- 0.012 +/- 0.006 In all cases the first error is statistical, and the second one systematic. The last error quoted for Gamma_cc(bar)/Gamma_had is due to external branching ratios.

3 data tables

No description provided.

No description provided.

The second syst. errors results due to extranal branching ratios. Charge conjugated states are implied. FD is considered as a quark fragmentation fraction. Sqrt(s(E+ E-)) = 91.2 GeV.


Measurement of the Q**2 evolution of the photon structure function F2(gamma).

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 411 (1997) 387-401, 1997.
Inspire Record 446673 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.47450

New measurements are presented of the photon structure function F_2^gamma(Q) at four values of Q^2 between 9 and 59 GeV/c^2 based on data collected with the OPAL detector at centre-of-mass energies of 161-172 GeV, with a total integrated luminosity of 18.1 pb^-1. The evolution of F_2^gamma with Q^2 in bins of x is determined in the Q^2 range from 1.86 to 135 GeV/c^2 using data taken at centre-of-mass energies of 91 GeV and 161-172 GeV. F_2^gamma is observed to increase with Q^2 with a slope of 1/alpha_em dF_2^gamma/dln(Q^2) = 0.10 +0.05 -0.03 measured in the range 0.1 < x < 0.6.

5 data tables

Measured values of F2 for the SW sample.

Measured values of F2 for the FD sample.

F2 for the full X range (0.1 to 0.6) as a function of Q**2. The full SW andFD sample points are tabulated for completeness but are not in the plot or fits . The first three points are previous OPAL data at sqrt(s) = 91 GeV (ZP C74(1997)33).

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Tests of the standard model and constraints on new physics from measurements of fermion pair production at 130-GeV to 172-GeV at LEP

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Eur.Phys.J.C 2 (1998) 441-472, 1998.
Inspire Record 447186 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.47404

Production of events with hadronic and leptonic final states has been measured in e^+e^- collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 130-172 GeV, using the OPAL detector at LEP. Cross-sections and leptonic forward-backward asymmetries are presented, both including and excluding the dominant production of radiative Z \gamma events, and compared to Standard Model expectations. The ratio R_b of the cross-section for bb(bar) production to the hadronic cross-section has been measured. In a model-independent fit to the Z lineshape, the data have been used to obtain an improved precision on the measurement of \gamma-Z interference. The energy dependence of \alpha_em has been investigated. The measurements have also been used to obtain limits on extensions of the Standard Model described by effective four-fermion contact interactions, to search for t-channel contributions from new massive particles and to place limits on chargino pair production with subsequent decay of the chargino into a light gluino and a quark pair.

15 data tables

SIG(C=MEAS) and SIG(C=CORR) stand for measured values without (C=MEAS) and with (C=CORR) correction for interference between initial- and final-state radiation.

The angular distribution of the thrust axis. Errors include statistical and systematic effects combined, with the former dominant.

The measured values include the effect of interference between initial- andfinal-state radiation.

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Measurement of the photon structure function F2(gamma) at low x.

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 412 (1997) 225-234, 1997.
Inspire Record 447187 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.49560

Deep inelastic electron-photon scattering is studied using e+e- data collected by the OPAL detector at centre-of-mass energies sqrt{s_ee} ~ M_{Z^0}. The photon structure function F_2^gamma(x,Q^2) is explored in a Q^2 range of 1.1 to 6.6 GeV/c^2 at lower x values than ever before. To probe this kinematic region events are selected with a beam electron scattered into one of the OPAL luminosity calorimeters at scattering angles between 27 and 55 mrad. A measurement is presented of the photon structure function F_2^gamma(x,Q^2) at <Q^2> = 1.86 GeV^2 and 3.76 GeV^2 in five logarithmic x bins from 0.0025 to 0.2.

2 data tables

Measurement of the hadron photon structure function. Systematic errors do not contain any effects caused by the four momentum of the quasi-real photon being non zero.

Measurement of the hadron photon structure function. Systematic errors do not contain any effects caused by the four momentum of the quasi-real photon being non zero.


Spin alignment of leading K*(892)0 mesons in hadronic Z0 decays.

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 412 (1997) 210-224, 1997.
Inspire Record 447146 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.47440

Helicity density matrix elements for inclusive K*(892)^0 mesons from hadronic Z^0 decays have been measured over the full range of K^*0 momentum using data taken with the OPAL experiment at LEP. A preference for occupation of the helicity zero state is observed at all scaled momentum x_p values above 0.3, with the matrix element rho_00 rising to 0.66 +/- 0.11 for x_p > 0.7. The values of the real part of the off-diagonal element rho_1-1 are negative at large x_p, with a weighted average value of -0.09 +/- 0.03 for x_p > 0.3, in agreement with new theoretical predictions based on Standard Model parameters and coherent fragmentation of the qq(bar) system from the Z^0 decay. All other helicity density matrix elements measured are consistent with zero over the entire x_p range. The K^*0 fragmentation function has also been measured and the total rate determined to be 0.74 +/- 0.02 +/- 0.02 K*(892)^0 mesons per hadronic Z^0 decay.

4 data tables

Inclusive K*= cross section.

Helicity density matrices elemnts.

Ratios of helicity density matrices elements.

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QCD studies with e+ e- annihilation data at 161-GeV.

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Z.Phys.C 75 (1997) 193-207, 1997.
Inspire Record 440721 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.47487

We have studied hadronic events produced at LEP at a centre-of-mass energy of 161 GeV. We present distributions of event shape variables, jet rates, charged particle momentum spectra and multiplicities. We determine the strong coupling strength to be αs(161 GeV) = 0.101±0.005(stat.)±0.007(syst.), the mean charged particle multiplicity to be 〈nch〉(161 GeV) = 24.46 ± 0.45(stat.) ± 0.44(syst.) and the position of the peak in the ξp = ln(1/xp) distribution to be ξ0(161 GeV) = 4.00 ±0.03(stat.)±0.04(syst.). These results are compared to data taken at lower centre-of-mass energies and to analytic QCD or Monte Carlo predictions. Our measured value of αs(161 GeV) is consistent with other measurements of αs. Within the current statistical and systematic uncertainties, the PYTHIA, HERWIG and ARIADNE QCD Monte Carlo models and analytic calculations are in overall agreement with our measurements. The COJETS QCD Monte Carlo is in general agreement with the data for momentum weighted distributions like Thrust, but predicts a significantly larger charged particle multiplicity than is observed experimentally.

26 data tables

Determination of alpha_s.

Multiplicity and higher moments.

Thrust distribution.

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Study of Phi(1020), D*+- and B* spin alignment in hadronic Z0 decays.

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Z.Phys.C 74 (1997) 437-449, 1997.
Inspire Record 440103 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.47515

Measurements of helicity density matrix elements have been made for the φ(1020), D*± and B* vector mesons in multihadronic Z0 decays in the OPAL experiment at LEP. Results for inclusive φ produced with high energy show evidence for production preferentially in the helicity zero state, with ρ00 = 0.54 ± 0.08, compared to the value of 1/3 expected for no spin alignment. The corresponding element for the D*± has a value of 0.40 ± 0.02, also suggesting a deviation from 1/3. The B* result, with ρ00 = 0.36 ± 0.09, is consistent with no spin alignment. Off-diagonal elements have been measured for the f and D* mesons; for the D* the element Re ρ1−1 is non-zero, indicating non-independent fragmentation of the primary quarks.

4 data tables

Helicity density matrices elements. Helicity beam frame is used.

Charge conjugated states are understood.

Helicity density matrices elements. Charge conjugated states are understood.

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Measurement of the triple gauge boson coupling alpha (w phi) from W+ W- production in e+ e- collisions at s**(1/2) = 161-GeV

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 397 (1997) 147-157, 1997.
Inspire Record 440102 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.47516

This letter describes a measurement of one of the anomalous triple gauge boson couplings using the first data recorded by the OPAL detector at LEP2. A total of 28 W-pair candidates have been selected for an integrated luminosity of 9.89±0.06 pb −1 recorded at a centre-of-mass energy of 161 GeV. We use these data to place constraints upon the coupling parameter α W φ . We analyse the predicted variation of the total cross-section for all observed channels and the distribution of kinematic variables in the semileptonic decay channels. We measure α W φ to be −0.61 −0.61 0.73 ±0.35, which is consistent with the Standard Model expectation of zero.

1 data table

ALPHA-W-PHI is the triple gauge boson couplings (TGC). For definition see 'Physics at LEP2', Ed. G. Altarelli, CERN 96-01 (1996), vol. 1.


An Improved measurement of R(b) using a double tagging method

The OPAL collaboration Ackerstaff, K. ; Alexander, G. ; Allison, John ; et al.
Z.Phys.C 74 (1997) 1-17, 1997.
Inspire Record 427104 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.47645

This paper describes an update of the double tagging measurement of the fraction, Rb, of Z0 → bb̅ events in hadronic Z0 decays, with statistics improved by including the data collected in 1994. The presence of electrons or muons from semileptonic decays of bottom hadrons and the detection of bottom hadron decay vertices were used together to obtain an event sample enriched in Z0 → bb̅ decays. The efficiency of the bb̅ event tagging was obtained from the data by comparing the numbers of events having a bottom signature in either one or both thrust hemispheres. Efficiency correlations between opposite event hemispheres are small (< 0.5%) and well understood through comparisons between the real and simulated data samples. A value of Rb= 0.2175 ± 0.0014 ± 0.0017 was obtained, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic. The uncertainty on the decay width Γ(Z0 → cc̅) is not included in these errors. The result depends on Rc as follows: $${⩼ Delta R_{⤪ b}⩈er R_{⤪ b}}=-0.084{⩼ Delta R_{⤪ c}⩈er R_{⤪ c}},$$ where ΔRc is the deviation of Rc from the value 0.172 predicted by the Standard Model.

1 data table

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