Top quark properties and interactions

Abstract

This review describes the properties and interactions of the top quark, to date the most massive fundamental particle discovered by experiment. We describe the measurements of the rate of pair production via the strong interaction and the techniques used to elucidate evidence for single production via the electroweak interaction. We also discuss investigations of the properties of the top quark, including potential beyond the standard model production and decay mechanisms. We pay particular attention to the explanation of the recent advances in the precision measurement of the top quark mass. Copyright © 2008 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved.