Voxelated detectors for solar neutrino and reactor anti-neutrino detection

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Authors
Hartsock, Brooks
Advisors
Solomey, Nickolas
Issue Date
2024-04-26
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Citation
Hartsock, B. 2024. Voxelated detectors for solar neutrino and reactor anti-neutrino detection. -- In Proceedings: 20th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects. Wichita, KS: Wichita State University
Abstract

Our research focuses on detecting low-energy, subatomic particles known as neutrinos. These are emitted from the sun through solar fusion and from reactors undergoing nuclear fission. Neutrinos, having minimal mass and no charge, pose significant detection challenges. Typically, neutrino detection requires massive volumes of material buried deep underground which compensates for their low interaction rates and helps to minimize background events. The nuSOL collaboration seeks to address these challenges by positioning a much smaller detector closer to the sun, approximately 3 to 7 solar radii away. This proximity substantially increases the neutrino flux, enabling the use of a smaller detector, but introduces new challenges, particularly in differentiating neutrino-like signals from background particles interacting within the detector. To overcome this, we are exploring the possibility of identifying a characteristic double-pulse interaction between a neutrino and a gallium nucleus. Additional background reduction strategies include implementing an active veto array around the detector, shielding, and dividing the large detection volume into smaller three-dimensional detection voxels. These voxels assist in tracking particles through the detector, aiding in the differentiation of isotropically emitted neutrino-interaction particles from non-isotropic background events. Another advantage of this segmented detector design is the capability to insert alternative materials between the voxels. Introducing tungsten-183, for instance, makes the detector sensitive to anti-neutrinos. Similar to neutrino-gallium interactions, anti-neutrinos interacting with tungsten-183 can produce a double, and occasionally triple-pulse signal. This distinct signature extends the detection and tracking range for anti-neutrino sources like nuclear reactors, making it an ideal method for non-proliferation monitoring.

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Description
Presented to the 20th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 26, 2024.
Research completed in the Department of Physics, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
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Wichita State University
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GRASP
v. 20
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