Testing the weak interaction using St. Benedict at the University of Notre Dame

Abstract The Standard Model of physics provides a description of matter in the universe, but fails to reproduce many unexplained features, such as neutrino oscillations and the matter-antimatter asymmetry. One avenue to constrain physics beyond the Standard Model is via the precise determination of the V ud matrix element of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix from the ft -value of superallowed mixed beta-decay transitions. Such tests however require the determination of the Fermi to Gamow-Teller mixing ratio, which is currently unknown for all but five mixed mirror transition nuclei. At the University of Notre Dame a project is underway to develop a Paul trap devoted to the measurement of this elusive quantity. The design and goals will be presented.