Supernova Neutrinos as a Precise Probe of Nuclear Neutron Skin

Abstract

A precise and model-independent determination of the neutron distribution radius $R_{\mathrm{n}}$ and thus the neutron skin thickness $R_{\mathrm{skin}}$ of atomic nuclei is of fundamental importance in nuclear physics, particle physics and astrophysics but remains a big challenge in terrestrial labs. We argue that the nearby core-collapse supernova (CCSN) in our Galaxy may render a neutrino flux with unprecedentedly high luminosity, offering perfect opportunity to determine the $R_{\mathrm{n}}$ and $R_{\mathrm{skin}}$ through the coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CE$\hat{I}½$NS). We evaluate the potential of determining the $R_{\mathrm{n}}$ of lead (Pb) via CE$\hat{I}½$NS with the nearby CCSN neutrinos in the RES-NOVA project which is designed to hunt CCSN neutrinos using an array of archaeological Pb based cryogenic detectors. We find that an ultimate precision of $\sim 0.1\%$ for the $R_{\mathrm{n}}$ ($\sim 0.006$ fm for the $R_{\mathrm{skin}}$) of Pb can be achieved via RES-NOVA in the most optimistic case that the CCSN explosion were to occur at a distance of $\sim 1$ kpc from the Earth.

7 pages, 3 figures, 1 table. Discussions on nearby CCSN rate and neutrino detection added. Accepted version to appear in PRD