Experiment 2.7 – Parity Violation in Beta Decay
The experimental physicist Wu verified the prediction by the theoreticians Lee and Yang of a parity violation occurring in processes mediated by the weak interaction. With simpler means this experiment follows the footsteps of these pioneers. Deeper insights in the concept of parity are gained and the correlation with the polarisation of both electrons and gamma rays is worked out. Beyond these abstract concepts experimental methods to measure them are introduced and experience with a Compton polarimeter available in the FP is gained.
