Weak-Interaction Tests via Precision Superallowed $β$-Decay Studies at TRIUMF

Abstract

Superallowed β-decay studies provide some of the best constraints on the possibility of additional quark generations, as well as limits on exotic currents in the weak interaction. The three experimental quantities that are required for performing these tests using 0 + → 0 + nuclear decays (branching ratio, half-life, and Q-value) can all be measured to high-precision with rare-isotope beams at the TRIUMF-ISAC facility in Vancouver, Canada. This proceeding presents a brief outline of the general experimental techniques used at TRIUMF over the past 15 years, as well as recent theoretical advances towards ab-initio isospin-symmetrybreaking corrections to superallowed nuclear decays.