CPT- and B-Violation: The p-pbar Sector

Abstract

The CPT symmetry of relativistic quantum field theory requires the total lifetimes of particles and antiparticles be equal. Detection of pbar lifetime shorter than tau_p > O(10^32) yr would signal breakdown of CPT invariance, in combination with B-violation. The best current limit on tau_pbar, inferred from cosmic ray measurements, is about one Myr, placing lower limits on CPT-violating scales that depend on the exact mechanism. Paths to CPT breakdown within and outside ordinary quantum mechanics are sketched. Many of the limiting CPT-violating scales in pbar decay lie within the weak-to-Planck range.

Comments: 6 pages, LaTeX, .sty file included; based on contribution to CPT98 Conference; minor changes, accepted by Mod. Phys. Lett. A