Precision Measurement of $a$ and $b$ in Neutron Beta Decay

ORAL

Abstract

Using a novel $4\pi$ detector the Nab collaboration intends to measure $a$, the electron-neutrino correlation parameter, and $b$, the Fierz interference term, in neutron beta decay. Our target accuracy is $10^{-3}$ for $\Delta a/a$ and $10^{-3}$ for $\Delta b$. The Nab experiment will be conducted in the Fundamental Neutron Physics Beamline at the Spallation Neutron Source in Oak Ridge, TN. The ultimate goal is to combine the results of the Nab experiment with measurements of the neutron lifetime to resolve discrepancies regarding $\lambda =G_{A}/G_{V}$ and the CKM matrix element $V_{ud}$. We will present a design of the Electro-Magnetic Spectrometer which will be used to confine the decay products and guide them to the detector.

Authors

  • L. Peter Alonzi III

    The University of Virginia