SU(3) symmetry breaking in hyperon semileptonic decays

Abstract

Flavor SU(3) symmetry breaking in the hyperon semileptonic decay form-factors is analyzed using the 1/N expansion. A detailed comparison with experimental data shows that corrections to f_1 are approximately 10%, which agrees with theoretical expectations. Corrections to g_1 are compatible with first-order symmetry breaking. A fit to the experimental data allows one to predict the g_1 form factor for Xi^0 -> Sigma^+ decay. The proton matrix element of the T^8 component of the axial current (which is equal to 3F-D in the SU(3) symmetry limit) is found to be approximately 0.34.

18 pages (revtex). Discussion of theory errors added. Two redundant parameters for symmetry breaking in f1 deleted. Central values for the fits remain unchanged, but some of the errors are modified