SU(3) analysis of four-quark operators: K → ππ and vacuum matrix elements

Hadronic matrix elements of local four-quark operators play a central role in non-leptonic kaon decays, while vacuum matrix elements involving the same kind of operators appear in inclusive dispersion relations, such as those relevant in τ-decay analyses. Using an SU(3)L ⊗ SU(3)R decomposition of the operators, we derive generic relations between these matrix elements, extending well-known results that link observables in the two different sectors. Two relevant phenomenological applications are presented. First, we determine the electroweak-penguin contribution to the kaon CP-violating ratio ε′/ε, using the measured hadronic spectral functions in τ decay. Second, we fit our SU(3) dynamical parameters to the most recent lattice data on K → ππ matrix elements. The comparison of this numerical fit with results from previous analytical approaches provides an interesting anatomy of the ∆I = $$ \frac{1}{2} $$ 1 2 enhancement, confirming old suggestions about its underlying dynamical origin.