Beta Decay as Topological Fracture

Nuclear beta decay is formulated as a topological fracture of a discrete vacuum vorton lattice, governed by strict integer node conservation and the unlinking of a metastable Borromean structure. Integer Node Conservation: The total discrete node inventory of the vacuum is preserved without loss across the decay, distributing the neutron's initial capacity into the proton and electron, while the antineutrino traps zero lattice nodes. Topological Instability: Proves that neutron decay cannot arise from single-loop thermodynamic scaling, identifying the instability as a topological saddle point where an asymmetric fourth loop breaks the modular threefold symmetry of a stable Borromean core. Decay Endpoint Energy: Derives the experimental beta decay endpoint energy directly from the residual linking torsion released when the fourth loop detaches. Weak Scale and Lifetime: Identifies the intermediate vector boson mass as the physical vortex core reconnection barrier of the lattice. Semiclassical tunneling across this multi-gigaelectronvolt barrier yields the macroscopic fourteen-minute neutron lifetime through extreme phase-space suppression. Nature of the Antineutrino: Demonstrates that the antineutrino is not a bound lattice defect, but a propagating packet of chiral fluid helicity shed into the continuous substrate during topological unlinking surgery.