Search for tensor couplings in the weak interaction

The existence of exotic couplings in the weak interaction can be tested by a precise measurement of the β-ν angular correlation parameter a in nuclear beta decay. In the case of ⁶He, the ratio of tensor and axial-vector couplings can be determined. The goal of the LPC Trap experiment is to improve the limits on the existence of tensor currents. The LPCTrap setup is installed on the low energy beam line LIRAT of the SPIRAL/GANIL facility. The ⁶He⁺ ions are confined in a novel transparent Paul trap allowing the detection in coincidence of both the β-particle and the recoil ion. The detection setup enables to detect the position and energy of these two particles. The a parameter can then be extracted from the time of flight spectrum of the recoil ions. The first ⁶He⁺ decay events were observed in May 2005 during a commissioning run. Over 10⁵ coincidence events have been recorded during a second run in July 2006.