Precision Kaon and Hadron Physics with KLOE

• Published in: La rivista del Nuovo cimento 2008, Vol.31 (10), p.531-623
• Main Authors: Bossi, F., De Lucia, E., Lee-Franzini, J., Miscetti, S., Palutan, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Physics
• ISSN: 0393-697X; 1826-9850
• DOI: 10.1393/ncr/i2008-10037-9

Summary We describe the KLOE detector at DAϕNE, the Frascati ϕ , and its physics program. We begin with a brief description of the detector design and operation. Kaon physics is a major topic of investigation with KLOE thanks in part to the unique availability of pure K S , K L , K ± beams at a ϕ .We have measured all significant branching ratios of all kaon species, the K L and K ± lifetimes and the K → π form factor’s t dependence. From the measurements we verify the validity of Cabibbo unitarity and lepton universality. We have studied properties of light scalar and pseudoscalar mesons with unprecedented accuracy. We have measured the e + e - → π + π - cross-section necessary for computing the major part of the hadronic contribution to the muon anomaly. The methods employed in all the above measurements as well as the ϕ leptonic width, precision mass measurements and searches for forbidden or extremely rare decays of kaons and η -mesons are described. The impact of our results on flavor and hadron physics to date, as well as an outlook for further improvement in the near future, are discussed.