Coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering detection with a CsI[Na] scintillator at the SNS spallation source

J. I. Collar; N. E. Fields; E. Fuller; M. Hai; T. W. Hossbach; J. L. Orrell; G. Perumpilly; B. Scholz

doi:10.1016/j.nima.2014.11.037

paper

Coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering detection with a CsI[Na] scintillator at the SNS spallation source

arXiv:1407.7524 · doi:10.1016/j.nima.2014.11.037

Abstract

We study the possibility of using CsI[Na] scintillators as an advantageous target for the detection of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CENNS), using the neutrino emissions from the SNS spallation source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The response of this material to low-energy nuclear recoils like those expected from this process is characterized. Backgrounds are studied using a 2 kg low-background prototype crystal in a dedicated radiation shield. The conclusion is that a planned 14 kg detector should measure approximately 550 CENNS events per year above a demonstrated $\sim 7$ keVnr low-energy threshold, with a signal-to-background ratio sufficient for a first measurement of the CENNS cross-section. The cross-section for the $^{208}$ Pb( $I^½_{e}, e^{-}$ ) $^{208}$ Bi reaction, of interest for future supernova neutrino detection, can be simultaneously obtained.

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