Scalar interaction limits from the beta-nu correlation of trapped radioactive atoms.
We have set limits on contributions of scalar interactions to nuclear beta decay. A magneto-optical trap provides a localized source of atoms suspended in space, so the low-energy recoiling nuclei can freely escape and be detected in coincidence with the beta. This allows reconstruction of the neutrino momentum, and the measurement of the beta-nu correlation, in a more direct fashion than previously possible. The beta-nu correlation parameter of the 0(+)-->0(+) pure Fermi decay of (38)K(m) is a =0.9981+/-0.0030+0.0032 / -0.0037, consistent with the standard model prediction a =1.
Gorelov
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Department of Physics, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
Melconian
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Alford
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Ashery
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Ball
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Behr
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Bricault
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D'Auria
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Deutsch
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Dilling
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Dombsky
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Dubé
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Fingler
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Giesen
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Glück
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Häusser
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Jackson
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Jennings
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Pearson
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Stocki
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Swanson
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Trinczek
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