Precision measurements and CKM unitarity

Abstract
Determinations of |Vud| and |Vus| along with their implications for the unitarity test |Vud|2+|Vus|2+|Vub|2=1 are discussed. The leading two-loop radiative corrections to neutron β decay are evaluated and used to derive a refined relationship |Vud|2τn(1+3gA2)=4908(4)   s. Employing |Vud|=0.9740(5) from superallowed nuclear decays and the measured neutron lifetime τn=885.7(7)   s leads to the precise prediction gA=1.2703(8) which is compared with current direct experimental values. Various extractions of |Vus| are described and updated. The long accepted Particle Data Group value of |Vus| from fitted Ke3 decay rates suggests a deviation from CKM unitarity but it is contradicted by more recent experimental results which confirm unitarity with good precision. An outlook for possible future advances is given.