The theory of weak interactions

Abstract

T h e weak interactions of leptons are defined by a few principles: lepton conservation, two-component neutrinos and the use of the 1 + y 5 components of electrons and muons. Baryons, pions and kaons interact with leptons through a current whose parity, isotopic spin and strangeness structure is to be determined by experiments on nuclear beta decay, muon capture and leptonic decay of hyperons and mesons. The weak interactions of baryons, pions and kaons among themselves are controlled by a Hamiltonian, whose quantum numbers are likewise to be determined from the pionic decays of kaons and hyperons.