Search

J.M. Herndon in the 1990s 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 pointed out that, under certain conditions, antineutrinos generated in such a 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 1 event/yr in a liquid scintillation ∼1000-t target 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 the KamLAND detector site and two times lower than at the Gran Sasso laboratory and thus at Baksan the georeactor hypothesis can be conclusively tested. We also discuss possible searches for the composition of georeactor burning nuclear fuel by analysis of the antineutrino energy spectrum.© 2005 Pleiades Publishing, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New νee scattering experiments aimed at sensitive searches for the νe magnetic moment and projects to explore small mixing angle neutrino oscillations at reactors require a better understanding of the reactor antineutrino spectrum. Six components which contribute to the total νe spectrum generated in a nuclear reactor are considered. They are beta decays of the fission fragments of 235U, 239Pu, 238U, and 241Pu and decays of beta emitters produced as a result of neutron capture in 238U and in accumulated fission fragments which perturb the spectrum. For antineutrino energies of less than 3.5 MeV and for each of the four fissile isotopes, the time evolution of νe spectra is given during fuel irradiation and after the irradiation is stopped. The relevant uncertainties are estimated. Small corrections to the ILL spectra are considered.© 2004 MAIK “Nauka / Interperiodica”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy spectra of antineutrinos produced in the beta decay of fragments originating from 233U and 232Th fission induced by neutrons are calculated. The relevant cross sections and the spectra of positrons produced in inverse beta decay are found. This study was motivated by the hypothesis (discussed over the past decade) that a self-sustained chain reaction proceeds at the center of the Earth (“georeactor”). According to the author of this hypothesis, the georeactor provides energy necessary for maintaining the Earth’s magnetic field. It is 235U and, probably, 232Th and 233U that serve as a nuclear fuel in this reactor. Data obtained in the present study can be guidelines in future experiments aimed at testing the hypothesis of the georeactor and at estimating the composition of its nuclear fuel within the development of geophysical and astrophysical investigations based on the observation of antineutrino fluxes in nature.© 2005 Pleiades Publishing, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]