Novel method for the direct measurement of the tau lepton dipole moments

Abstract

A novel method for the direct measurement of the elusive magnetic and electric dipole moments of the tau lepton is presented. The experimental approach relies on the production of tau+ leptons from Ds+ -> tau+ nu_tau decays, originated in fixed-target collisions at the LHC. A sample of polarized tau+ leptons is kinematically selected and subsequently channeled in a bent crystal. The magnetic and electric dipole moments of the tau+ lepton are measured by determining the rotation of the spin-polarization vector induced by the intense electromagnetic field between crystal atomic planes. The experimental technique is discussed along with the expected sensitivities.

Comments: 4 pages, 4 figures, 2 pages supplemental material. Accepted by Phys.Rev.Lett