QCD Corrections to the Top Decay Mode $t \ra \tilde{t} χ^0$

Abstract

In supersymmetric theories, the top quark can decay into its scalar partner plus a neutralino, with an appreciable rate. We calculate the $O(α_s)$ QCD corrections to this decay mode in the minimal supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model. These corrections can be either positive or negative and increase logarithmically with the gluino mass. For gluino masses below 1 TeV, they are at most of the order of ten percent and therefore, well under control.

15 pages including 4 figs (using psfig.sty). A few typos have been corrected and some references added. The results for Figs. 3 and 4 are now presented in the dimensional reduction scheme. Version to appear in Phys. Rev. D