Precise Measurement ofτ-Decay Charged-Particle Multiplicity Distribution

Abstract

The charged-particle multiplicity distribution in $\tau$ decays is determined from data collected at the $e^{+}{e}^{-}$ storage ring PEP. The one-, three-, and five-charged-particle inclusive branching fractions are (86 ± 2)%, (14 ± 2)%, and < 0.5%, respectively.