A precise measurement of the tau lifetime
The tau lepton lifetime has been measured with the e(+) e(-) --> tau(+) tau(-) events collected by the DELPHI detector at LEP in the years 1991 - 1995. Three different methods have been exploited, using both one-prong and three-prong tau decay channels. Two measurements have been made using events in which both taus decay to a single charged particle. Combining these measurements gave tau(tau) ( 1