High-accuracy calculation of the 6${\mathit{s}}_{1/2}$→7${\mathit{s}}_{1/2}$ parity-nonconserving transition in atomic cesium and implications for the standard model

A many-body calculation of the parity-nonconserving amplitude for the 6${\mathit{s}}_{1/2}$→7${\mathit{s}}_{1/2}$ transition in atomic cesium with an error of order 1% is presented, ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{PNC}}$=-0.906[9] (${\mathit{Q}}_{\mathit{W}}$/-N)i‖e‖${\mathit{a}}_0$×${10}^{\mathrm{-}11}$. Using this result to determine ${\mathit{Q}}_{\mathit{W}}$ from high-precision measurements of the transition leads to a quantitative test of the standard model. The various sources contributing to this transition are discussed and their uncertainties estimated. A discussion of radiative corrections with emphasis on the role of the top-quark mass is given.