A New Precision Measurement of the Lifetime of ^19Ne
Abstract
The mixed 12^+->12^+ decay of ^19Ne is an important system for studies of the weak interaction. A measurement of the lifetime of this decay at the 10-4 level combined with the measured value of the β-asymmetry enables a determination of Vud that rivals the precision obtained from 0^+->0^+ superallowed Fermi beta decays. The lifetime is currently known to a precision of about 0.08%, and by utilizing the unique capabilities of the Trapped Radioactive Isotopes: μicro-laboratories for fundamental Physics (TRIμP) facility at the Kernfysich Versneller Instituut (KVI), we can improve this precision by up to a factor of three. We describe recent progress towards a high-precision lifetime measurement and present preliminary results.
- Publication:
-
APS April Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- April 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008APS..APRD15002B