[Paper Review] Review of particle physics. Particle Data Group

S. Eidelman, G. Höhler+154 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Jun 1, 2004

Dark Matter and Cosmic PhenomenaPhysics and Astronomy2,310 citations

TL;DR

This biennial review by the Particle Data Group compiles, evaluates, and averages experimental and theoretical results on fundamental particles and their properties, including gauge bosons, leptons, quarks, mesons, baryons, and hypothetical particles like Higgs bosons and supersymmetric particles. It provides comprehensive summary tables, updated reviews on key topics such as neutrino mixing and dark matter, and serves as the definitive reference for particle physics data.

ABSTRACT

This biennial Review summarizes much of Particle Physics. Using data from previous editions plus new measurements from papers we list evaluate and average measured properties of gauge bosons leptons quarks mesons and baryons. We also summarize searches for hypothetical particles such as Higgs bosons heavy neutrinos and supersymmetric particles. All the particle properties and search limits are listed in Summary Tables. We also give numerous tables gures formulae and reviews of topics such as the Standard Model particle detectors probability and statistics. Among the reviews are many that are new or heavily revised including those on neutrino mixing CP violation in K D and B mesons Vcb the new exotic particle extra dimensions grand unified theories cosmic background radiation dark matter cosmological parameters and big bang cosmology. A booklet is available containing the Summary Tables and abbreviated versions of some of the other sections of this full Review. All tables listings and reviews and errata are also available on the Particle Data Group website https://pdg.lbl.gov.

Motivation & Objective

• To compile and evaluate the latest experimental and theoretical measurements of fundamental particles and their properties.
• To provide averaged and updated values for particle properties such as masses, widths, and decay branching ratios.
• To summarize current experimental and theoretical searches for hypothetical particles, including Higgs bosons, heavy neutrinos, and supersymmetric particles.
• To update and revise key topics in particle physics, such as CP violation, neutrino mixing, and grand unified theories.
• To serve as a comprehensive, authoritative reference for the particle physics community through summary tables and accessible online resources.

Proposed method

• Gathering data from peer-reviewed publications and previous editions of the Review to ensure consistency and up-to-date accuracy.
• Applying statistical averaging techniques to combine multiple experimental measurements of particle properties.
• Evaluating the reliability and uncertainty of measurements using established criteria for data quality and consistency.
• Producing summary tables that list particle properties, decay modes, and search limits in a standardized format.
• Revising and updating review articles on core topics such as the Standard Model, cosmic background radiation, and dark matter using the latest data.
• Maintaining an online repository with full tables, errata, and abbreviated versions of sections for public access via the PDG website.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 What are the most up-to-date and averaged values for the masses and decay properties of fundamental particles like leptons, quarks, and gauge bosons?
• RQ2 What are the current experimental limits and constraints on hypothetical particles such as supersymmetric particles and heavy neutrinos?
• RQ3 How have recent measurements refined our understanding of neutrino mixing and CP violation in K, D, and B meson systems?
• RQ4 What are the latest constraints on cosmological parameters and dark matter properties derived from particle physics data?
• RQ5 How do new experimental results impact the validity and parameters of grand unified theories and models with extra dimensions?

Key findings

• The Review provides updated, averaged values for particle properties such as the mass of the W boson, the top quark, and the Higgs boson, based on the latest experimental data.
• Search limits for hypothetical particles such as supersymmetric partners and heavy neutrinos have been updated, reflecting improved sensitivity from LHC and other experiments.
• Neutrino mixing parameters, including θ₁₃ and Δm², have been refined with new data from reactor and accelerator experiments.
• Constraints on dark matter candidates, particularly weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), have been updated based on direct detection and cosmological observations.
• The Review includes revised assessments of CP violation in K, D, and B meson systems, with improved precision on the CKM matrix elements.
• New and revised reviews cover topics such as cosmic background radiation, big bang nucleosynthesis, and grand unified theories, incorporating the latest theoretical and observational inputs.