A general SU(2)sub(L) x SU(2)sub(R) x U(1)sub(B-L) gauge model and experimental constraints

Relevant low energy data are analyzed in the framework of a general SU(2)sub(L) x SU(2)sub(R) x U(1)sub(B-L) electroweak gauge model. The model is general in that it allows for a left-right asymmetric gauge coupling and introduces a most general mass term for the weak gauge bosons. It is shown that the recent μ-decay measurement, combined with neutral-current data, leads to the bound Msub(W2)> or approx.180 GeV on the mass of the second charged weak boson. It is also noted that the recent B-meson life-time measurement, combined with constraints from the Ksub(L)sup(O)-Ksub(S)0 mass difference, gives a weaker bound, i.e. Msub(W2)> or approx.140 GeV, independently of the structure of the leptonic sector. (orig.)