Phenomenology of Σ+→pℓ+ℓ− and the structure of the weak non-leptonic Hamiltonian

The problem of the radiative non-leptonic weak baryon decays is reviewed in light of the new experimental findings. With the aim of exploring the structure of the weak non-leptonic Hamiltonian, we present a detailed phenomenological analysis of Σ⁺→p?⁺?^? transitions. Lower and upper limits for rates derivable with standard physics are determined as Γ(Σ⁺→pe ⁺ e ^?)/Σ⁺→pγ)≧7.2×10^?3 and 1/1210? Γ(Σ⁺→pe ⁺ e ⁺)/Γ(Σ⁺→pe ⁺ e ^?)?1/120. From existing data on Σ⁺→pe ⁺ e ^? we obtain limits on the values of the charge radius form factors |c ₁/b ₁|?5;|c ₂/b ₁|? 10, where the magnetic form factor is given by the Σ⁺→dγ, decay asb ₁(0)= 6.9±0.9 MeV. The short distance contribution of the QCD corrected single quarks→dλ transition is shown not to play a dominant role in these decays.