L. Winslow

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.

Results from KamLAND-Zen

KamLAND-Zen reports on a preliminary search for neutrinoless double-beta decay with 136Xe based on 114.8 live-days after the purification of the xenon loaded liquid scintillator. In this data, the problematic 110mAg background peak identified in previous searches is reduced by more than a factor of 10. By combining the KamLAND-Zen pre- and post-purification data, we obtain a preliminary lower limit on the 0νββ decay half-life of T1/20ν>2.6×1025 yr at 90% C.L. The search sensitivity will be enhanced with additional low background data after the purification. Prospects for further improvements with future KamLAND-Zen upgrades are also presented.

Reactor Simulation for Antineutrino Experiments using DRAGON and MURE

Rising interest in nuclear reactors as a source of antineutrinos for experiments motivates validated, fast, and accessible simulations to predict reactor fission rates. Here we present results from the DRAGON and MURE simulation codes and compare them to other industry standards for reactor core modeling. We use published data from the Takahama-3 reactor to evaluate the quality of these simulations against the independently measured fuel isotopic composition. The propagation of the uncertainty in the reactor operating parameters to the resulting antineutrino flux predictions is also discussed.

7Be Solar Neutrino Measurement with KamLAND

We report a measurement of the neutrino-electron elastic scattering rate of 862 keV ^7Be solar neutrinos based on a 165.4 kt d exposure of KamLAND. The observed rate is 582±94(kt d)^(−1), which corresponds to an 862-keV Be7 solar neutrino flux of (3.26±0.52)×10^9cm^(−2)s^(−1), assuming a pure electron-flavor flux. Comparing this flux with the standard solar model prediction and further assuming three-flavor mixing, a ν_e survival probability of 0.66±0.15 is determined from the KamLAND data. Utilizing a global three-flavor oscillation analysis, we obtain a total ^7Be solar neutrino flux of (5.82±1.02)×10^9cm^(−2)s^(−1), which is consistent with the standard solar model predictions.

Characterizing quantum-dot-doped liquid scintillator for applications to neutrino detectors

Liquid scintillator detectors are widely used in modern neutrino studies. The unique optical properties of semiconducting nanocrystals, known as quantum dots, offer intriguing possibilities for improving standard liquid scintillator, especially when combined with new photodetection technology. Quantum dots also provide a means to dope scintillator with candidate isotopes for neutrinoless double beta decay searches. In this work, the first studies of the scintillation properties of quantum-dot-doped liquid scintillator using both UV light and radioactive sources are presented.

Characterization of the Catania VIS for H2+a)

The Catania VIS 2.46 GHz source has been installed on a test stand at the Best Cyclotron Systems, in Vancouver, Canada, as part of the DAEδALUS and IsoDAR R&D program. Studies to date include optimization for H2 (+)/p ratio and emittance measurements. Inflection, capture, and acceleration tests will be conducted when a small test cyclotron is completed.

A prototype detector for directional measurement of the cosmogenic neutron flux

This paper describes a novel directional neutron detector. The low pressure time projection chamber uses a mix of helium and CF4 gases. The detector reconstructs the energy and angular distribution of fast neutron recoils. This paper reports results of energy calibration using an source and angular reconstruction studies using a collimated neutron source. The best performance is obtained with a 12.5% CF4 { 87.5% He gas mixture. At low energies the target for fast neutrons transitions is primarily helium, while at higher energies, the uorine contributes as a target. The reconstruction eciency is both energy and target dependent. For neutrons with energies less than 20 MeV, the reconstruction eciency is 40% for uorine recoils and 60% for helium recoils.

Search for the proton decay mode p → ν ¯ K+ with KamLAND SEARCH for the PROTON DECAY MODE ⋯ K. ASAKURA et al

We present a search for the proton decay mode

Search for the proton decay mode p -> ¯νK+ with KamLAND

p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}{K}^{+}

Unfolding neutron spectrum with Markov Chain Monte Carlo at MIT research Reactor with He-3 Neutral Current Detectors

based on an exposure of 8.97 kton-years in the KamLAND experiment. The liquid scintillator detector is sensitive to successive signals from