Precision microwave detection of beta-decay electrons

In order to measure the electron neutrino mass via the tritium beta-decay endpoint, we require extremely precise energy measurements of mildly relativistic electrons. In a magnetic field, these electrons emit coherent cyclotron radiation. Detecting this radiation gives a repeatable, nondestructive measurement of single electron energies and velocities; this may make possible a novel high-precision, low-background tritium experiment, and may have applications in other areas of nuclear physics. In this talk, we outline such an experiment. We discuss some practical aspects of single-electron detection at microwave frequencies, and simulations of the ultimate energy resolution and neutrino-mass sensitivity.