QCD Predictions for the Tau Hadronic Width: Determination of alpha_s(M_\tau^2)

Abstract

The total $\tau$ hadronic width can be accurately calculated using analyticity and the operator product expansion. The theoretical analysis of this observable is updated to include all available perturbative and non-perturbative corrections. The experimental determination of ${\alpha }_s(M_{\tau }^2)$ and its actual uncertainties are discussed.

Comments: 15 pages, LaTex: uses epsfig, twoside, fleqn, espcrc2 (included at end, find % CUT HERE %), 1 figure (included in separate uu file). Proc. QCD94