Towards Charge Conjugation Symmetry Test in Electromagnetic Interaction Using J-PET

Abstract

Charge conjugation symmetry (C-symmetry) is well-known to be maximally violated in weak interactions. However, its conservation is yet to be tested in electromagnetic and strong interactions. With the aim to test this symmetry in electromagnetic interactions, the forbidden decay channel of the triplet positronium state — the ortho-positronium — shall be explored. The C-symmetry forbids this state from decaying into anything other than an odd number of photons; henceforth, a search for four-photon decay extends the feasibility of testing the C-symmetry  in  electromagnetic  interaction  using the J-PET detector. Furthermore, the bosonic nature of photons hints at a distinct configuration in the event of a C-symmetry violation. Known for its outstanding timing and angular resolution, J-PET offers a viable and substantial platform to perform this symmetry test. In this article, the motivation behind the study, the theoretical assumptions, and recent advancements in testing C-symmetry using J-PET shall be discussed.