title: Width and partial widths of unstable particles.
abstract: In the gauge theory context, a definition of branching ratios and partial widths of unstable particles is proposed that satisfies the basic principles of additivity and gauge independence. A simpler definition, similar to the conventional one, is examined in the Z0-boson case. In order to establish contact with experiment, we show that it leads to a peak cross section that justifies the expression used by the LEP Electroweak Working Group through next-to-next-to-leading order, provided that the pole rather than the on-shell mass and width of the Z0 boson is employed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, New York University, New York 1003, USA.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Grassi
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Kniehl
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sirlin