Weak Interaction Studies at SARAF

This talk will review the current status of the radioisotopes program at the Soreq Applied Research Accelerator Facility (SARAF), in collaboration with the Hebrew University and the Weizmann Institute of Science.

Our research utilizes established methods from atomic physics for measurements pertaining to nuclear and particle physics observables. Whereas high energy collider experiments are sensitive to new particles produced on-shell, precision experiments search for minute deviations in low-energy observables resulting from exotic interactions [1]. By measuring particles emerging from the nuclear β-decay of different trapped radioactive isotopes, one can search for, or constrain, physics beyond the standard model in the weak sector [2].

Our new lab complex resides atop the new SARAF target room. It houses an Electrostatic Ion Beam Trap in which isotopes are ionized, collimated and caught between two electrostatic mirrors; and a Magneto-Optical-Trap, where neon isotopes are excited to the metastable state, and cooled and trapped by resonant laser beams. The inherently different nature of the trapping mechanisms allows for trapping of different isotopes and utilizing different measurement techniques.

SARAF is currently being constructed at the Soreq Nuclear Research Center. It is designated as a user facility that will be based on protons and deuterons. Phase-I, which provides 4 MeV, 2 mA CW protons, is already in operation. Phase-II, which is under construction, is a medium energy (40 MeV) high CW current (5 mA) accelerator. These specifications, with the proper targets, will make it one of the world’s most powerful deuteron, proton and fast neutron sources, and so it is our choice for producing copious amounts of light radioactive isotopes. For a recent and thorough overview see [3].

[1] Vincenzo Cirigliano, Susan Gardner, and Barry R. Holstein. Beta decays and non-standard interactions in the lhc era (2013).

[2] J A Behr and G Gwinner. Standard model tests with trapped radioactive atoms (2009).

[3] I. Mardor et. al. The Soreq Applied Research Accelerator Facility (SARAF) – Overview, Research Programs and Future Plans (2018).