The e + e − → τ + τ − process has been measured using the CELLO detector at a mean total centre of mass energy of 34.2 GeV using essentially all the decay channels of the τ lepton. The measured cross section yields R τ =1.03±0.05 (stat)±0.07 (syst). Topological branching fraction are given for τ → 1, 3 or 5 charged tracks. The angular distribution shows a clear 1 + cos 2 θ dependance with a forward-backward asymmetry of -0.103 ± 0.052 corresponding to an axial-vector coupling a τ of the τ to the weak neutral current given by a τ =−1.12 ± 0.57.
Forward-backward asymmetry based on 1 + (cos(theta))**2 + bcos(theta) fit for angular distribution.