Alessandra Calanna

Proposal for an electron antineutrino disappearance search using high-rate 8Li production and decay.

This paper introduces an experimental probe of the sterile neutrino with a novel, high-intensity source of electron antineutrinos from the production and subsequent decay of 8Li. When paired with an existing ∼1 kton scintillator-based detector, this = 6.4 MeV source opens a wide range of possible searches for beyond standard model physics via studies of the inverse beta decay interaction ν(e) + p → e+ + n. In particular, the experimental design described here has unprecedented sensitivity to ν(e) disappearance at Δm2 ∼ 1  eV2 and features the ability to distinguish between the existence of zero, one, and two sterile neutrinos.

Design of a Superconducting Magnet for the LNS Cyclotron

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has been collaborating with the Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), in Catania, Sicily, on the conceptual design of a replacement magnet for the existing LNS cyclotron used by INFN. The existing magnet was built in the early 1980s. Future nuclear physics experiments require an upgrade of the superconducting cyclotron to increase the intensity of beams by a factor of 10-100. To achieve this goal, the extraction channel through the superconducting magnet needs to be larger than the present one in both the radial and axial directions. It is for these reasons that a new superconducting magnet fitting the new requirements must be built to replace the present one. Magnetic analyses succeeded in defining a coil set satisfying the specified field form factors. Several design options were considered, including a cryostable liquid-helium-pool-cooled design, as well as several epoxy impregnated (potted) designs. The potted and helium-pooled magnet design was developed at the conceptual level. The proposed design is viable and will be used as the baseline for the next stages of the design work.

Upgrade of the LNS Superconducting Cyclotron for Beam Power Higher than 2-5 kW

The LNS Superconducting Cyclotron has been in operation for more than 20 years. A wide range of ion species from Hydrogen to Lead, with energy in the range 10 to 80 AMeV, have been delivered to users. Up to now the maximum beam power has been limited to 100 W due to the beam dissipation on the electrostatic deflectors. To fulfil the demand of users aiming to study rare processes in Nuclear Physics, the beam power has to be increased up to 2÷10 kW for ions with mass lower than 40 a.m.u., and extracted by stripping. This development has to maintain the present performances of the machine, i.e. the existing extraction mode for all the ion species allowed by the operating diagram. To perform the extraction by stripping, a significant refurbishing operation of the Cyclotron is needed, including a new cryostat with new superconducting coils, a new extraction channel with a 60 mm vertical gap, additional penetrations to host new magnetic channels and new compensation bars. Moreover, the vertical gap of the acceleration chamber is planned to be increased from the present 24 mm up to 30 mm by renewing the existing liners and trim coils. A general description of the refurbishing project is presented.

Engineering Study of the Sector Magnet for the Dae

The Daeδalus experiment seeks to evaluate neutrino scattering effects that go beyond the standard model. Modular accelerators are employed to produce 800 MeV proton beams at the megawatt power level directed toward a target, producing neutrinos. The Superconducting Ring Cyclotron consists of identical sectors (currently 6) of superconducting dipole magnets with iron return frames. The Daeδalus Collaboration has produced a conceptual design for the magnet, which, after several iterations, is the current best design that achieves the physics requirements of the experiment. The main purpose of the analytical effort, results of which are presented here, is to develop a viable engineering design satisfying requirements to the superconductor, as well as structural and cryogenic requirements. The work includes proposed conceptual approaches, solid modeling and analyses for the conductor and winding pack design, high-temperature superconductor and copper current leads for the magnet, structural design of the magnet cold mass, cryostat and warm-to-cold supports, cryogenic design of the magnet cooling system, and magnet power supply sizing. A description of the winding pack design, structural analysis, and cryogenic system is reported.