Weak interaction studies with laser-trapped ${^6}$He

$^6$He beta decay is an excellent case to test the nature of the weak interaction through a precise measurement of the $\beta-\overline{\nu}$ angular correlation parameter $a$. The pure Gamow-Teller decay of $^6$He should be ruled by an axial-vector interaction only, which leads to $a=-1/3$. Any deviation due to tensor coupling contributions would indicate new physics beyond the Standard Model. The high precision goal of this experiment, $\Delta{}a/a=0.1\%$, requires a large statistical sample along with small and well known systematic uncertainties. To satisfy these constraints, neutral $^6$He atoms are captured with laser light in a magneto-optical trap (MOT). $^6$He ($t_{1/2}=807$~ms) is produced on-line through the $^7$Li(d,$^3$He)$^6$He nuclear reaction by impinging a molten lithium target with an intense 18~MeV deuteron beam. Up to 10$^{10}$ $^6$He atoms per second are extracted from the target and trapped in a two stage MOT. The angular correlation parameter is obtained by detecting the $^6$Li+ recoil ions in coincidence with the beta particle. Details of the setup and first results will be presented.