17–19 Dec 2007
CERN
Europe/Zurich timezone

Beta-asymmetry measurements as a probe for non standard model physics

19 Dec 2007, 10:20
20m
503/1-001 - Council Chamber (CERN)

503/1-001 - Council Chamber

CERN

162
Show room on map

Speaker

Mr Frederik Wauters (katholieke universiteit leuven)

Description

The status of the beta-asymmetry measurements project will be presented. In these experiments we measure the beta-asymmetry parameter which is sensitive to deviations from the V – A character of the weak interaction, more precisely to tensor currents. The experimental technique we use to create a polarized ensemble of nuclei is low temperature nuclear orientation (LTNO). The first (preliminary) results for the beta-asymmetry parameter will be presented for 60Co and 114In. These measurements were performed in Leuven and Louvain-la-Neuve preceding the on-line measurements with 67Cu at ISOLDE in the summer of 2006 and 2007. The first run 67Cu was successful but had a lack of statistics due to the low yield. This year the statistics was increased with a factor of 4 to 5. The data analysis is ongoing. 67Cu has a high sensitivity to possible tensor contributions in the weak interaction. We aim to improve the limits for tensor couplings which are currently of the order of 8 % in the amplitudes. To reach the required precision we are using extensively GEANT4 Monte-Carlo simulations to get control of systematic effects such as scattering and magnetic field effects. A part of our research is therefore focussing on the performance of GEANT4 for beta decay measurements.

Primary author

Mr Frederik Wauters (katholieke universiteit leuven)

Co-author

Prof. Nathal Severijns (katholieke universiteit leuven)

Presentation materials