SMI-2023: 14th International Conference on Stopping and Manipulation of Ions and Related Topics

The Standard Model is known to be incomplete. One such area where it falls short is evidenced by the most precise evaluation of the V$_{ud}$ element of the CKM matrix, which currently yields a $\sim$2.4$\sigma$ tension with unitarity. In an effort to further study this, the Superallowed Beta-Neutrino Decay Ion Coincidence Trap (St. Benedict), in construction at the University of Notre Dame Nuclear Science Laboratory (NSL), aims to precisely measure the beta-neutrino angular correlation parameter in superallowed mixed $\beta$ decay transitions between mirror nuclei in order to improve the accuracy on the determination of V$_{ud}$. St. Benedict will consist of a gas catcher to stop the radioactive ion beams produced by the NSL’s TwinSol RIB facility; a radio-frequency (RF) carpet and radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) ion guide to transport the ions through a differentially pumped region; an RFQ cooler and buncher to cool and bunch the beam; and a linear Paul trap where the measurement will take place. The off-line commissioning of the gas catcher and the RF carpet will be presented. This work is supported by the NSF under grant number PHY-1725711.