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If dark matter has mass lower than around 1 GeV, it will not impart enough energy to cause detectable nuclear recoils in many direct-detection experiments. However, if dark matter is upscattered to high energy by collisions with cosmic rays, it may be detectable in both direct-detection experiments and neutrino experiments. We report the results of a dedicated search for boosted dark matter upscattered by cosmic rays using the PROSPECT reactor antineutrino experiment. We show that such a flux of upscattered dark matter would display characteristic diurnal sidereal modulation, and use this to set new experimental constraints on sub-GeV dark matter exhibiting large interaction cross-sections., 11 pages, 8 figures

The precision reactor oscillation and spectrum experiment, PROSPECT, has made world-leading measurements of reactor antineutrinos at short baselines. In its first phase, conducted at the high flux isotope reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, PROSPECT produced some of the strongest limits on eV-scale sterile neutrinos, made a precision measurement of the reactor antineutrino spectrum from 235U, and demonstrated the observation of reactor antineutrinos in an aboveground detector with good energy resolution and well-controlled backgrounds. The PROSPECT collaboration is now preparing an upgraded detector, PROSPECT-II, to probe yet unexplored parameter space for sterile neutrinos and contribute to a full resolution of the reactor antineutrino anomaly, a longstanding puzzle in neutrino physics. By pressing forward on the world’s most precise measurement of the 235U antineutrino spectrum and measuring the absolute flux of antineutrinos from 235U, PROSPECT-II will sharpen a tool with potential value for basic neutrino science, nuclear data validation, and nuclear security applications. Following a two-year deployment at HFIR, an additional PROSPECT-II deployment at a low enriched uranium reactor could make complementary measurements of the neutrino yield from other fission isotopes. PROSPECT-II provides a unique opportunity to continue the study of reactor antineutrinos at short baselines, taking advantage of demonstrated elements of the original PROSPECT design and close access to a highly enriched uranium reactor core.

Reactor neutrino experiments have seen major improvements in precision in recent years. With the experimental uncertainties becoming lower than those from theory, carefully considering all sources of [Formula: see text] is important when making theoretical predictions. One source of [Formula: see text] that is often neglected arises from the irradiation of the nonfuel materials in reactors. The [Formula: see text] rates and energies from these sources vary widely based on the reactor type, configuration, and sampling stage during the reactor cycle and have to be carefully considered for each experiment independently. In this article, we present a formalism for selecting the possible [Formula: see text] sources arising from the neutron captures on reactor and target materials. We apply this formalism to the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the [Formula: see text] source for the the Precision Reactor Oscillation and Spectrum Measurement (PROSPECT) experiment. Overall, we observe that the nonfuel [Formula: see text] contributions from HFIR to PROSPECT amount to 1% above the inverse beta decay threshold with a maximum contribution of 9% in the 1.8–2.0 MeV range. Nonfuel contributions can be particularly high for research reactors like HFIR because of the choice of structural and reflector material in addition to the intentional irradiation of target material for isotope production. We show that typical commercial pressurized water reactors fueled with low-enriched uranium will have significantly smaller nonfuel [Formula: see text] contribution.

Reactor neutrino experiments have seen major improvements in precision in recent years. With the experimental uncertainties becoming lower than those from theory, carefully considering all sources of ν ¯ e is important when making theoretical predictions. One source of ν ¯ e that is often neglected arises from the irradiation of the nonfuel materials in reactors. The ν ¯ e rates and energies from these sources vary widely based on the reactor type, configuration, and sampling stage during the reactor cycle and have to be carefully considered for each experiment independently. In this article, we present a formalism for selecting the possible ν ¯ e sources arising from the neutron captures on reactor and target materials. We apply this formalism to the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the ν ¯ e source for the the Precision Reactor Oscillation and Spectrum Measurement (PROSPECT) experiment. Overall, we observe that the nonfuel ν ¯ e contributions from HFIR to PROSPECT amount to 1% above the inverse beta decay threshold with a maximum contribution of 9% in the 1.8-2.0 MeV range. Nonfuel contributions can be particularly high for research reactors like HFIR because of the choice of structural and reflector material in addition to the intentional irradiation of target material for isotope production. We show that typical commercial pressurized water reactors fueled with low-enriched uranium will have significantly smaller nonfuel ν ¯ e contribution.

This Letter reports the first measurement of the ^{235}U ν[over ¯]_{e} energy spectrum by PROSPECT, the Precision Reactor Oscillation and Spectrum experiment, operating 7.9 m from the 85 MW_{th} highly enriched uranium (HEU) High Flux Isotope Reactor. With a surface-based, segmented detector, PROSPECT has observed 31678±304(stat) ν[over ¯]_{e}-induced inverse beta decays, the largest sample from HEU fission to date, 99% of which are attributed to ^{235}U. Despite broad agreement, comparison of the Huber ^{235}U model to the measured spectrum produces a χ^{2}/ndf=51.4/31, driven primarily by deviations in two localized energy regions. The measured ^{235}U spectrum shape is consistent with a deviation relative to prediction equal in size to that observed at low-enriched uranium power reactors in the ν[over ¯]_{e} energy region of 5-7 MeV.

The Precision Reactor Oscillation and Spectrum (PROSPECT) Experiment is a reactor neutrino experiment designed to search for sterile neutrinos with a mass on the order of 1 eV/c$^2$ and to measure the spectrum of electron antineutrinos from a highly-enriched $^{235}$U nuclear reactor. The PROSPECT detector consists of an 11 by 14 array of optical segments in $^{6}$Li-loaded liquid scintillator at the High Flux Isotope Reactor in Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Antineutrino events are identified via inverse beta decay and read out by photomultiplier tubes located at the ends of each segment. The detector response is characterized using a radioactive source calibration system. This paper describes the design, operation, and performance of the PROSPECT source calibration system.

This Letter reports the first measurement of the ^{235}U ν[over ¯]_{e} energy spectrum by PROSPECT, the Precision Reactor Oscillation and Spectrum experiment, operating 7.9 m from the 85 MW_{th} highly enriched uranium (HEU) High Flux Isotope Reactor. With a surface-based, segmented detector, PROSPECT has observed 31678±304(stat) ν[over ¯]_{e}-induced inverse beta decays, the largest sample from HEU fission to date, 99% of which are attributed to ^{235}U. Despite broad agreement, comparison of the Huber ^{235}U model to the measured spectrum produces a χ^{2}/ndf=51.4/31, driven primarily by deviations in two localized energy regions. The measured ^{235}U spectrum shape is consistent with a deviation relative to prediction equal in size to that observed at low-enriched uranium power reactors in the ν[over ¯]_{e} energy region of 5-7 MeV.

Nondestructive microbeam X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) spectrometry has been used to investigate the elemental microheterogeneity in a nuclear forensics reference material (RM), NIST SRM 4600 Surrogate Post-detonation Urban Debris. Using a principal component analysis (PCA) model, results indicate the majority of elements appear homogeneous; however, zinc (Zn) exhibits microscale heterogeneity for this SRM. To minimize contributions to the measurement uncertainty from elemental microheterogeneity, a minimum sample mass of 24 mg is recommended for analysis.

Neutral particle detection in high-background environments is greatly aided by the ability to easily load 6Li into liquid scintillators. We describe a readily available and inexpensive liquid scintillation cocktail stably loaded with a Li mass fraction up to 1 %. Compositions that give thermodynamically stable microemulsions (reverse-micellar systems) were explored, using a Compton spectrum quenching technique to distinguish these from unstable emulsions. Scintillation light yield and transmittance were characterized. Pulse shape discrimination (PSD) was measured using a 252Cf source, showing that electron-like and proton-like recoil events are well-resolved even for Li loading up to 1 %, providing a means of background suppression in neutron/neutrino detectors. While samples in this work were prepared with nat Li (7.59 % 6Li), the neutron capture peak was clearly visible in the PSD spectrum; this implies that while extremely high capture efficiency could be achieved with 6Li-enriched material, a very inexpensive neutron-sensitive detector can be prepared with nat Li.

This paper describes the design and performance of a 50 liter, two-segment $^{6}$Li-loaded liquid scintillator detector that was designed and operated as prototype for the PROSPECT (Precision Reactor Oscillation and Spectrum) Experiment. The two-segment detector was constructed according to the design specifications of the experiment. It features low-mass optical separators, an integrated source and optical calibration system, and materials that are compatible with the $^{6}$Li-doped scintillator developed by PROSPECT. We demonstrate a high light collection of 850$\pm$20 PE/MeV, an energy resolution of $\sigma$ = 4.0$\pm$0.2% at 1 MeV, and efficient pulse-shape discrimination of low $dE/dx$ (electronic recoil) and high $dE/dx$ (nuclear recoil) energy depositions. An effective scintillation attenuation length of 85$\pm$3 cm is measured in each segment. The 0.1% by mass concentration of $^{6}$Li in the scintillator results in a measured neutron capture time of $\tau$ = 42.8$\pm$0.2 $\mu s$. The long-term stability of the scintillator is also discussed. The detector response meets the criteria necessary for achieving the PROSPECT physics goals and demonstrates features that may find application in fast neutron detection., Comment: 16 pages, 13 figures; minor edits to design detail and references

This Letter reports the first scientific results from the observation of antineutrinos emitted by fission products of $^{235}$U at the High Flux Isotope Reactor. PROSPECT, the Precision Reactor Oscillation and Spectrum Experiment, consists of a segmented 4 ton $^6$Li-doped liquid scintillator detector covering a baseline range of 7-9 m from the reactor and operating under less than 1 meter water equivalent overburden. Data collected during 33 live-days of reactor operation at a nominal power of 85 MW yields a detection of 25461 $\pm$ 283 (stat.) inverse beta decays. Observation of reactor antineutrinos can be achieved in PROSPECT at 5$\sigma$ statistical significance within two hours of on-surface reactor-on data-taking. A reactor-model independent analysis of the inverse beta decay prompt energy spectrum as a function of baseline constrains significant portions of the previously allowed sterile neutrino oscillation parameter space at 95% confidence level and disfavors the best fit of the Reactor Antineutrino Anomaly at 2.2$\sigma$ confidence level., Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures; v3: Added additional supplemental files

The Precision Reactor Oscillation and Spectrum Experiment, PROSPECT, is designed to make both a precise measurement of the antineutrino spectrum from a highly-enriched uranium reactor and to probe eV-scale sterile neutrinos by searching for neutrino oscillations over meter-long baselines. PROSPECT utilizes a segmented $^6$Li-doped liquid scintillator detector for both efficient detection of reactor antineutrinos through the inverse beta decay reaction and excellent background discrimination. PROSPECT is a movable 4-ton antineutrino detector covering distances of 7m to 13m from the High Flux Isotope Reactor core. It will probe the best-fit point of the $\bar\nu_e$ disappearance experiments at 4$\sigma$ in 1 year and the favored regions of the sterile neutrino parameter space at more than 3$\sigma$ in 3 years. PROSPECT will test the origin of spectral deviations observed in recent $\theta_{13}$ experiments, search for sterile neutrinos, and address the hypothesis of sterile neutrinos as an explanation of the reactor anomaly. This paper describes the design, construction, and commissioning of PROSPECT and reports first data characterizing the performance of the PROSPECT antineutrino detector., Comment: 30 pages, 33 figures; updated with journal revision and reference

PROSPECT, the Precision Reactor Oscillation and SPECTrum experiment, is a short-baseline reactor antineutrino experiment designed to provide precision measurements of the $^{235}$U product $\overline{\nu}_e$ spectrum of utilizing an optically segmented 4-ton liquid scintillator detector. PROSPECT's segmentation system, the optical grid, plays a central role in reconstructing the position and energy of $\overline{\nu}_e$ interactions in the detector. This paper is the technical reference for this PROSPECT subsystem, describing its design, fabrication, quality assurance, transportation and assembly in detail. In addition, the dimensional, optical and mechanical characterizations of optical grid components and the assembled PROSPECT target are also presented. The technical information and characterizations detailed here will inform geometry-related inputs for PROSPECT physics analysis, and can guide a variety of future particle detection development efforts, such as those using optically reflecting materials or filament-based 3D printing., Comment: 31 pages, 28 figures

This work reports the production and characterization of lithium-loaded liquid scintillator (LiLS) for the Precision Reactor Oscillation and Spectrum Experiment (PROSPECT). Fifty-nine 90 liter batches of LiLS (${}^6{\rm Li}$ mass fraction 0.082%$\pm$0.001%) were produced and samples from all batches were characterized by measuring their optical absorbance relative to air, light yield relative to a pure liquid scintillator reference, and pulse shape discrimination capability. Fifty-seven batches passed the quality assurance criteria and were used for the PROSPECT experiment., 16 pages, 15 figures

We have determined the O and C isotope compositions of dolomite grains and the C isotope compositions of calcite grains in the highly altered CM1 chondrite, ALH 84049, using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). Chemically-zoned dolomite constitutes 0.8 volume percent (vol%) of the sample and calcite 0.9 vol%. Thirteen separate dolomite grains have δ13C values that range from 37 to 60 (±2) ‰, δ^(18)O values from 25 to 32 (±3) ‰, and δ^(17)O values from 10 to 16 (±3) ‰ (VSMOW). Intragrain δ^(13)C values in dolomite vary up to 10‰. The δ^(13)C values of three calcite grains are distinct from those of dolomite and range from 10 to 13 (±2) ‰ (PDB). Calcite and dolomite appear to record different precipitation episodes. Carbon isotope values of both dolomite and calcite in this single sample encompass much of the reported range for CM chondrites; our results imply that bulk carbonate C and O isotope analyses may oversimplify the history of carbonate precipitation. Multiple generations of carbonates with variable isotope compositions exist in ALH 84049 and, perhaps, in many CM chondrites. This work shows that one should exercise caution when using a clumped isotope approach to determine the original temperature and the isotopic compositions of water for CM chondrite carbonates. Less altered CM meteorites with more-homogeneous C isotope compositions, however, may be suitable for bulk-carbonate analyses, but detailed carbonate petrologic and isotopic characterization of individual samples is advised.

We present petrologic and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) oxygen isotope analyses of Ca-carbonate within a group of paired Antarctic CM2 chondrites. The carbonates can be grouped into two isotopically and morphologically distinct populations. Type 1 grains (small matrix grains) possess average δ 18 O of 33.7 ± 2.3‰ (1 σ ) and average Δ 17 O of −0.81‰ ± 0.90‰ (1 σ ). Type 2 grains (calcite aggregates) possess distinct oxygen isotopic compositions, average δ 18 O of 19.4‰ ± 1.5‰ (1 σ ) and average Δ 17 O of −1.98 ± 0.9‰ (1 σ ). These differences are interpreted to indicate that the two populations of calcite formed under different conditions at different times. The carbonates have textural features that suggest an extraterrestrial origin. The data presented here fall within error of a previously measured array for carbonates from CM falls ( Benedix et al., 2003 ). The presence of two generations of carbonate suggests carbonate formation in two discrete events on the parent body of these meteorites. The oxygen isotopic data presented here deviate from prior bulk carbonate measurements undertaken for these meteorites. Most likely, this deviation is because bulk carbonate analyses included vein carbonate which formed during terrestrial weathering.

The oxygen (δ18O, δ17O) and carbon (δ13C, FMOD14C-the fraction of modern 14C) isotopic compositions of carbonate were measured for a set of paired Antarctic CM chondrites (EET 96006, EET 96016, EET 96017, and EET 96019). While the oxygen isotopic compositions do not plot on the terrestrial fractionation line and indicate that a component of the carbonate minerals has an extraterrestrial origin, they also do not fall on the array defined for carbonates by CM falls and are thus consistent with the presence of a terrestrial carbonate component. The δ13C and FMOD14C measurements of carbonate suggest the presence of at least two carbon sources: carbonate derived from atmospheric CO2 that is inferred to have been produced as a result of silicate weathering reactions and carbonate derived from another carbon source that is either old or non-atmospheric. The relationships between oxygen and carbon isotope data provide additional constraints on the weathering process, and allow the possibility that rock-dominated weathering of the meteorite caused the oxygen isotopic composition of Antarctic water added to the meteorite to evolve away from the terrestrial mass-fractionation array, leading to formation of low temperature terrestrial alteration products that do not lie on the terrestrial fractionation line.

Coal-fired power plants produce energy and many by-products (unburned carbon, fly ash, and bottom ash) that are normally stored in permitted ponds and landfills. When the storage facility fills to capacity, it is necessary to haul material off-site for disposal, construct a new storage facility, or find a use for some of the material. Because certain criteria must be met to successfully beneficiate the ash, mapping the ash reserve provides data that shows where the most promising recovery sites will be. The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) in conjunction with Western Kentucky Energy (WKE) and the US Department of Energy are constructing an ash beneficiation plant to recover high quality fuel and lightweight aggregate from the ash ponds at WKE's Coleman Station in Hawesville, KY. To determine the locations of the most productive areas, an extensive sampling and mapping project is underway. An amphibious ATV-mounted hydraulic drill has been employed to take core samples throughout the pond. These samples are then evaluated for particle size distribution, carbon content, chemical and leaching properties. With this information as well as each drill-hole's GPS coordinates and aerial photographs of the plant site, digital maps have been produced showing trends of deposition of material in the pond. Using a Geographical Information System to compile the data, the feasibility of removing ash for beneficial re-use can assessed.