For well over half a century, precision studies of neutron and nuclear β decays have been at the forefront of searches for exotic electroweak physics. Recent advances in nuclear ab initio theory and the widespread use of effective field theories mean that the modern understanding of β decay is going through a transitional phase. This has been propelled by current tensions in the global dataset leading to renewed scrutiny of the theoretical ingredients. In parallel, novel techniques and methods are being investigated that can sidestep many traditional systematic uncertainties and require a diverse palette of skills and collaboration with material science and condensed matter physics. This review highlights the current opportunities and open questions to facilitate the transition to a more modern understanding of β decay.

中文翻译：

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现代 Beta 衰变中的机会和悬而未决的问题


半个多世纪以来，对中子和核β衰变的精确研究一直是寻找奇异电弱物理学的前沿。核从头论的最新进展和有效场论的广泛使用意味着现代对β衰变的理解正在经历一个过渡阶段。当前全球数据集的紧张局势推动了这一趋势，导致对理论成分的重新审查。与此同时，正在研究新的技术和方法，这些技术和方法可以回避许多传统的系统不确定性，需要多样化的技能以及与材料科学和凝聚态物理学的合作。本综述重点介绍了当前的机会和悬而未决的问题，以促进过渡到对 β 衰变的更现代的理解。