Parametrization of the Kobayashi-Maskawa Matrix

The quark mixing matrix (Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix) is expanded in powers of a small parameter equal to sin₂=0. 22. The term of order ^2 is determined from the recently measured B lifetime. Two remaining parameters, including the CP-nonconservation effects, enter only the term of order ^3 and are poorly constrained. A significant reduction in the limit on {^'} possible in an ongoing experiment would tightly constrain the CP-nonconservation parameter and could rule out the hypothesis that the only source of CP nonconservation is the Kobayashi-Maskawa mechanism.