β-decay angular correlations with neutral atom traps

Abstract

We review the use of laser cooling and trapping techniques for nuclear beta-decay angular correlations. Coincidences between the beta (β) and recoiling nucleus allow the determination of the neutrino (ν) momentum more directly than previously possible. Highly spin-polarized samples are also possible, with polarization known from atomic observables, and the nuclear recoils both in singles and in coincidence with the β add interesting observables. Ongoing experiments are trapping elements that provide pure Fermi, pure Gamow–Teller, and mixed Gamow–Teller transitions to distinguish sources of new physics. To compete with the next generation of neutron β-decay experiments, cases are being carefully chosen to minimize or at least know recoil-order corrections.