Search

We consider the possibilities of studying a supernova collapse neutrino burst at Baksan Neutrino Observatory (Institute for Nuclear Research, Russian Academy of Sciences) using the prposed 5-kt target-mass liquid scintillation spectrometer. Attention is given to the influence of mixing angle ${\theta}_{13}$ on the expected rates and spectra of neutrino events.

Considerable efforts that have been undertaken in the recent years in low energy antineutrino experiments require further systematic investigations in line of reactor antineutrino spectroscopy as a metrological basis of these experiments. We consider some effects associated with the non-equilibrium of reactor antineutrino radiation and residual antineutrino emission from spent reactor fuel in contemporary antineutrino experiments., Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures; Talk presented at International Conference NANP-2005, Dubna, Russia, Jun.-2005; Submitted to Phys. Atom. Nucl

Sensitive searches for antineutrino oscillations in atmospheric mass parameter region much discussed in recent years are based on accurate comparison of the inverse beta decay positron spectra measured in two (or more) detectors, far and near, stationed e.g. at ~1000 m and ~100 m from the reactor(s). We show that antineutrinos emitted from the stored irradiated fuel can differently distort the soft part of positron spectra measured in the far and near detector and thus mimic (or hide) the oscillation signal, Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, submitted to Phys. Atom. Nucl

Antineutrinos born in the U and Th decay chains inside the Earth (``Geoneutrinos'') carry out information on the amount and distribution of radiogenic heat sources, which is of fundamental importance for geophysics. Models of the Earth distribute U and Th masses mainly between the continental crust and the lower mantle. It has been much discussed recently that a number of detectors stationed at appropriate geographical sites can separate the crust and mantle contributions. In present work we analyze directional separation of antineutrino signals arriving from the crust and the lower mantle with only one detector. We find that with a ~30-kton liquid scintillation antineutrino spectrometer using $\bar{{\nu}_e}+p \to n + e^{+}$ detection reaction and positron and neutron coordinates reconstruction techniques the U and Th distribution model can roughly be tested. We also consider detector calibration using ~1 MCi commercially available Sr90-Y90 beta source which emits antineutrinos (Emax = 2.28 MeV) in the geoneutrino energy range., Comment: 9 pages in LaTeX file, 7 ps figures. Paper submitted to journal Physics of Atomic Nuclei

Deeper insight into the features of a reactor as a source of antineutrinos is required for making further advances in studying the fundamental properties of the neutrino. The relationship between the thermal power of a reactor and the rate of the chain fission reaction in its core is analyzed., Comment: 15 pages in LaTex and 4 ps figures

Antineutrinos born inside the Earth (``geoneutrinos'') carry out information of fundamental importance for understanding of the origin and evolution of our planet. We show that Baksan Neutrino Observatory is one of the best sites for detection and analysis of geoneutrinos using large liquid scintillation spectrometer. Also we present a short story of concept of Earth as antineutrino source (1960 - 2004 yy), Comment: 13 pages in LaTeX, 5 figures, submitted to Physics of Atomic Nuclei

Energy spectra of antineutrinos coming from $^{232}$Th and $^{233}$U neutron-induced fission are calculated, relevant inverse beta decay $\bar{{\nu}_e}+p \to n + e^{+}$ positron spectra and total cross sections are found. This study is stimulated by a hypothesis that a self-sustained nuclear chain reaction is burning at the center of the Earth ("Georeactor"). The Georeactor, according to the author of this idea, provides energy necessary to sustain the Earth's magnetic field. The Georeactor's nuclear fuel is $^{235}$U and, probably, $^{232}$Th and $^{233}$U. Results of present study may appear to be useful in future experiments aimed to test the Georector hypothesis and to estimate its fuel components as a part of developments in geophysics and astrophysics based on observations of low energy antineutrinos in Nature., Comment: 6 pages in LaTeX and 2 ps figures. Submitted to Physics of Atomic Nuclei

J.M. Herndon in 90-s proposed a natural nuclear fission georeactor at the center of the Earth with a power output of 3-10 TW as an energy source to sustain the Earth magnetic field. R.S. Raghavan in 2002 y. pointed out that under certain condition antineutrinos generated in georeactor can be detected using massive scintillation detectors. We consider the underground Baksan Neutrino Observatory (4800 m.w.e.) as a possible site for developments in Geoneutrino physics. Here the intrinsic background level of less than one event/year in a liquid scintillation ~1000 target ton detector can be achieved and the main source of background is the antineutrino flux from power reactors. We find that this flux is ~10 times lower than at KamLAND detector site and two times lower than at Gran Sasso laboratory and thus at Baksan the georeactor hypothesis can be conclusively tested. We also discuss possible search for composition of georector burning nuclear fuel by analysis of the antineutrino energy spectrum., Comment: 7 pages in LaTeX, 3 PS figures, Submitted to Physics of Atomic Nuclei

Searches for mass-3 component in the electron neutrino flavor state $\sin{\theta}_{13}$ and for sterile neutrinos can be carried out in the same small mixing angle antineutrino oscillation experiment at a reactor. As an example we consider a layout, which involves several movable antineutrino spectrometers, stationed at distances 1700 m $-$ 50 m from a reactor. The experiment can scan neutrino mass parameter interval $\sim$(0.5$-$0.001) eV$^{2}$ and have there typical sensitivity to $\sin^{2}2{\theta}$ at a level of 0.015$-$0.02. The signature for sterile neutrino is disappearance observed at mass parameter ${\Delta}m^{2}_{new}$ different from ${\Delta}m^{2}_{atm} \approx 2\times 10^{-3}$ eV$^{2}$. In any case existing constraints both on $\sin{\theta}_{13}$ and on sterile neutrinos can considerably be improved., Comment: 4 pages in LaTeX and 3 postscript figures

New ${\bar{\nu}_e},e$ scattering experiments aimed for sensitive searches of the ${\nu}_e$ magnetic moment and projects to explore small mixing angle oscillations at reactors call for a better understanding of the reactor antineutrino spectrum. Here we consider six components, which contribute to the total ${\bar{\nu}_e}$ spectrum generated in nuclear reactor. They are: beta decay of the fission fragments of $^{235}$U, $^{239}$Pu, $^{238}$U and $^{241}$Pu, decay of beta-emitters produced as a result of neutron capture in $^{238}$U and also due to neutron capture in accumulated fission fragments which perturbs the spectrum. For antineutrino energies less than 3.5 MeV we tabulate evolution of ${\bar{\nu}_e}$ spectra corresponding to each of the four fissile isotopes vs fuel irradiation time and their decay after the irradiation is stopped and also estimate relevant uncertainties. Small corrections to the ILL spectra are considered., Comment: LaTex 8 pages, 2 ps figures

Processes of the inelastic magnetic and weak scattering of tritium-beta-source antineutrinos on the bound electrons of a germanium atom are considered. The results obtained by calculating the spectra and cross sections are presented for the energy-transfer range between 1 eV and 18 keV., Comment: Latex, 7 pages, 8 ps figures

This final article about the CHOOZ experiment presents a complete description of the electron antineutrino source and detector, the calibration methods and stability checks, the event reconstruction procedures and the Monte Carlo simulation. The data analysis, systematic effects and the methods used to reach our conclusions are fully discussed. Some new remarks are presented on the deduction of the confidence limits and on the correct treatment of systematic errors., Comment: 41 pages, 59 figures, Latex file, accepted for publication by Eur.Phys.J.C

The main physical goal of the project is to search with reactor antineutrinos for small mixing angle oscillations in the atmospheric mass parameter region around {\Delta}m^{2}_{atm} ~ 2.5 10^{-3} eV^2 in order to find the element U_{e3} of the neutrino mixing matrix or to set a new more stringent constraint (U_{e3} is the contribution of mass-3 state to the electron neutrino flavor state). To achieve this we propose a "one reactor - two detector" experiment: two identical antineutrino spectrometers with $\sim$50 ton liquid scintillator targets located at ~100 m and ~1000 m from the Krasnoyarsk underground reactor (~600 mwe). In no-oscillation case ratio of measured positron spectra of the \bar{{\nu}_e} + p \to e^{+} + n reaction is energy independent. Deviation from a constant value of this ratio is the oscillation signature. In this scheme results do not depend on the exact knowledge of the reactor power, nu_e spectra, burn up effects, target volumes and, which is important, the backgrounds can periodically be measured during reactor OFF periods. In this letter we present the Krasnoyarsk reactor site, give a schematic description of the detectors, calculate the neutrino detection rates and estimate the backgrounds. We also outline the detector monitoring and calibration procedures, which are of a key importance. We hope that systematic uncertainties will not accede 0.5% and the sensitivity U^{2}_{e3} ~4 10^{-3} (at {\Delta}m^{2} = 2.5 10^{-3} eV^2) can be achieved., Comment: Latex 2e, 9 pages and 5 ps figures

This paper was submitted in Russian edition of Journal Physics of Atomic Nuclei in 2001. The present status of experiments that are being performed at nuclear reactors in order to seek the neutrino masses, mixing, and magnetic moments, whose discovery would be a signal of the existence of physics beyond the Standard Model, is considered, along with their future prospects., Comment: Latex2e, 18 pages, 13 figures, 3 tables

The evolution of the reactor antineutrino spectrum toward equilibrium above the inverse beta-decay threshold during the reactor operating period and the decay of residual antineutrino radiation after reactor shutdown are considered. It is found that, under certain conditions, these processes can play a significant role in experiments seeking neutrino oscillations., Comment: 8 pages including 5 ps figures

We consider status of the Kr2Det project aimed at sensitive searches for neutrino oscillations in the atmospheric neutrino mass parameter region around Dm2 ~ 3x10-3 eV2and at obtaining new information on the electron neutrino mass structure (Ue3)., Comment: 4 pages in pdf file. Talk presented at NANP-2001 International Conference in Dubna, Russia, June 2001

This is a report on recent progress and developments since the NANP'99 Conference in current and future long baseline (~1 km) and very long baseline (~100 - 800 km) oscillation experiments at reactors. These experiments, under certain assumptions, can fully reconstruct the internal mass structure of the electron neutrino and provide laboratory test of solar and atmospheric neutrino problems., Comment: LaTeX file, 8 pages and 6 ps figures. Talk given at NANPino Conference in Dubna, Russia, 2000

Recent studies of atmospheric neutrinos and the results from CHOOZ and Palo-Verde experiment call for new and more sensitive searches for neutrino oscillations at reactors. The main goal of the project considered here is to look for very small mixing angle oscillations of electron neutrinos in the atmospheric neutrino mass parameter region around \Delta m^2 ~3 10^-3 eV^2 and to define the element U_{e3} of the neutrino mixing matrix (U_{e3}is the contribution of the mass-3 state to the electron neutrino flavor state). The practical goal of the project is to decrease, relative to the CHOOZ, the statistic and systematic errors as much as possible. To achieve this we plan to use two identical antineutrino detectors each with a ~50-ton liquid scintillator target located at ~1100 m and ~250 m from the underground reactor (~600 mwe). Much attention is given to the detector calibration and monitoring procedures. As a first step we consider two much smaller pilot detectors each of ~ a 3 ton target mass stationed at ~20 m and 35-60 m from the reactor. The goals of this first stage are: (i) to accumulate necessary experience and (ii) to investigate with electron neutrinos the LSND mass parameter region., Comment: LaTeX file, 4 pages and 4 ps figures

Neutrino scattering on electrons is considered as a tool for laboratory searches of the neutrino magnetic moment. We study inelastic $\bar\nu_ee^-$-scattering on electrons bound in the germanium (Z=32) and iodine (Z=53) atoms for antineutrinos generated in a nuclear reactor core and also in the $^{90}$Sr-$^{90}$Y and $^{147}$Pm artificial sources. Using the relativistic Hartree-Fock-Dirac model, we calculate both the magnetic and weak scattering cross sections for the recoil electron energy range of 1 to 100 keV where a higher sensitivity to the neutrino magnetic moment could be achieved. Particular attention is paid to the approximate procedure which allows us to take into account the effects of atomic binding on the inelastic scattering spectra in a simple way., Comment: 7 pages in LaTeX, 10 figures in PS

This is a short review of the present ~ 1 km baseline oscillation experi-ments at nuclear reactors. An idea of a new search for very small mixing angle oscillations at Krasnoyarsk is also mentioned., Comment: 5 pages LaTeX 2.09. 4 PS figures. Talk given at TAUP'99, 6-10 September 1999 y

We shortly review past and future experiments at reactors aimed at searches for neutrino masses and mixing. We also consider new idea to search at Krasnoyarsk for small mixing angle oscillations in the atmosheric neutrino mass parameter region., Comment: 9 pages, LaTeX 2.09, 6 Postscript figures. Talk given at Non-Accelerator New Physics Conference, Dubna, 28.06-03.07.1999

We present new results based on the entire CHOOZ data sample. We find (at 90% confidence level) no evidence for neutrino oscillations in the anti_nue disappearance mode, for the parameter region given by approximately Delta m**2 > 7 x 10**-4 eV^2 for maximum mixing, and sin**2(2 theta) = 0.10 for large Delta m**2. Lower sensitivity results, based only on the comparison of the positron spectra from the two different-distance nuclear reactors, are also presented; these are independent of the absolute normalization of the anti_nue flux, the cross section, the number of target protons and the detector efficiencies., Comment: 19 pages, 11 figures, Latex file

The CHOOZ experiment measured the antineutrino flux at a distance of about 1 Km from two nuclear reactors in order to detect possible neutrino oscillations with squared mass differences as low as 10**-3 eV**2 for full mixing. We show that the data analysis of the electron antineutrino events, collected by our liquid scintillation detector, locates the antineutrino source within a cone of half-aperture of about 18 degrees at the 68% C.L.. We discuss the implications of this experimental result for tracking down a supernova explosion., Comment: Submitted to Physical Review D

We study the time evolution of the typical nuclear reactor antineutrino energy spectrum during reactor ON period and the decay of the residual antineutrino spectrum after reactor is stopped. We find that relevant variations of the soft recoil electron spectra produced via weak and magnetic ${\widetilde {\nu}}_{e},e$ scattering process can play a signigicant role in the current and planned searches for the neutrino magnetic moment at reactors., Comment: 4 pages LaTeX 2.09. 4 PS figures. Resume of seminar talks given at Kurchatov Institute, March 1999 y

We show that in a reactor disappearance oscillation experiment the sensitivity to the mixing parameter can be substantially improved for $(1 - 5\cdot10^{-4}) eV^{2}$ mass parameter range which includes both the LSND and the atmospheric neutrino oscillation regions. The objectives are: to search for the sterile neutrinos and to get a better understanding of the atmospheric neutrino oscillation mechanism. The parameters of the underground (600 m.w.e.) Krasnoyarsk reactor and data from the CHOOZ reactor oscillation experiment are used to estimate the effect and background rates., Comment: 8 pages, LaTeX 2.09, 3 Postscript figures. Talk presented at RAS Nuclear Physics Department Conference, Moscow, November, 1998