Kaon Decays in the Standard Model

TL;DR

This paper provides a detailed review of kaon decays within the Standard Model, discussing theoretical predictions, decay modes, and experimental status, emphasizing the interplay of electroweak and QCD effects.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive analysis of all allowed kaon decay modes, integrating chiral perturbation theory with Standard Model predictions and experimental data.

Findings

Analysis of decay modes with branching ratios ≥10^(-11)

Discussion of rare and radiative decay predictions

Review of current experimental status and future prospects

Abstract

A comprehensive overview of kaon decays is presented. The Standard Model predictions are discussed in detail, covering both the underlying short-distance electroweak dynamics and the important interplay of QCD at long distances. Chiral perturbation theory provides a universal framework for treating leptonic, semileptonic and nonleptonic decays including rare and radiative modes. All allowed decay modes with branching ratios of at least 10^(-11) are analyzed. Some decays with even smaller rates are also included. Decays that are strictly forbidden in the Standard Model are not considered in this review. The present experimental status and the prospects for future improvements are reviewed.