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Publication

Improved Limit on Tensor Currents in the Weak Interaction from {sup 8}Li Decay

Authors

Burkey, M.; Savard, G.; Gallant, A; Scielzo, N.; Clark, J.; Hirsh, T.; Varriano, L.; Sargsyan, G.; Launey, K.; Brodeur, M.; Burdette, D.; Klimes, J.; Levand, A.; Maa, B.; Mueller, P.; Orford, R.; Perez Galvan, A.; Pierce, J.; Ray, D.

Abstract

The electroweak interaction in the standard model is described by a pure vector-axial-vector structure, though any Lorentz-invariant component could contribute. In this Letter, we present the most precise measurement of tensor currents in the low-energy regime by examining the beta-(nu) over bar correlation of trapped Li-8 ions with the Beta-decay Paul Trap. We find a(beta nu) = -0.3325 +/- 0.0013(stat) +/- 0.0019(syst) at 1 sigma for the case of coupling to right-handed neutrinos (C-T = -C-T), which is consistent with the standard model prediction.