Atlas of Fundamental Concepts

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Canonical static concept record

CKM matrix

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Summary

The unitary matrix relating down-type quark weak-interaction eigenstates to mass eigenstates in charged-current interactions.

Record metadata

Canonical name
CKM matrix
Concept ID
ckm_matrix
Content version
2.3.0
Primary field
Physics
Fields
Physics
Primary domain
Particle physics
Domains
Particle physics
Alternate terminology
No alternate terminology is currently authored for this record.
Concept type
Mixing matrix

Concept sources

Incoming relations (arrows to this concept)

Each relation below ends at this concept.

Kaon CP-violation experimentCKM matrix

Permalink to relation

This is an authored directed relation from the source endpoint to the target endpoint.

Relation ID
hist_kaon_cp_violation_experiment_to_ckm_matrix
Relation type
Historically motivated historically-motivated
Direction
source → target
Endpoint roles
source: Historically motivated; target: Historically motivated by
Authored annotation
CP violation in weak decays

Authored explanation

The observed CP violation demanded a weak-interaction mechanism; the three-generation CKM framework supplied one within the Standard Model.

How to interpret this relation type

The source experiment, observation, anomaly, or problem materially motivated the development, revision, or acceptance of the target concept. Historical influence is not logical derivation; the edge detail states the documented role and avoids retrospective origin myths.

Relation sources

Outgoing relations (arrows from this concept)

Each relation below starts at this concept.

CKM matrixCP violation

Permalink to relation

This is an authored directed relation from the source endpoint to the target endpoint.

Relation ID
particle_ckm_to_cp_violation
Relation type
Describes / governs describes-governs
Direction
source → target
Endpoint roles
source: Describes / governs; target: Described / governed by
Authored annotation
supplies a physical quark-sector phase

Authored explanation

With three nondegenerate quark generations, a nonzero rephasing-invariant CKM phase permits CP-violating weak-interaction observables, while the measured magnitude remains process dependent.

How to interpret this relation type

A theory, law, or interaction describes the behavior of the target within a stated regime. The edge detail must state important limits or qualifications.

Relation sources

CKM matrixQuark flavor mixing

Permalink to relation

This is an authored directed relation from the source endpoint to the target endpoint.

Relation ID
ckm_to_mixing
Relation type
Describes / governs describes-governs
Direction
source → target
Endpoint roles
source: Describes / governs; target: Described / governed by
Authored annotation
charged-current mixing amplitudes

Authored explanation

The CKM matrix governs quark flavor mixing in charged-current weak interactions.

How to interpret this relation type

A theory, law, or interaction describes the behavior of the target within a stated regime. The edge detail must state important limits or qualifications.

Relation sources