Baryon Decays and Unitary Symmetry

Abstract
Non-leptonic and leptonic decays of the baryons are quantitatively discussed on the basis of the current-current picture by introducing the axial vector current belonging to the 27-dimensional representation of SU(3) instead of the F-type one used in Cabibbo's theory. It is shown that the decay Σ+nπ+ proceeds through a pure P wave and that the P wave is larger than the S wave for the decay Σ+pπ0. The interaction types of the decays Λ → p + l- + ν and Ξ- → Λ+ l- + ν are predicted to be V-1.1A and V+1.1A, respectively. Another interesting result is the predominance of the 27-dimensional representation part for the axial vector current. It is concluded that Cabibbo's currents are not the only ones possible to explain the semi-leptonic processes.