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Neutrino physics at ESS using coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering.

Project description

Chargeless, nearly massless and super-evasive neutrinos do the craziest things

Neutrinos are the subject of intensive research with exciting potential to shed light on some of the most interesting questions in physics. Revelations have implications for new physics, the imbalance of observed matter and antimatter, supernovas, the origin and evolution of our universe and so much more. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the vPESS project is studying an exotic and recently demonstrated type of neutrino interaction via simulations and measurements. The interaction will provide not only fundamental understanding but possibly also a route to miniaturisation of neutrino detectors, spurring discovery and innovation.

Objective

Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering (CEνNS) is a recently demonstrated novel process of neutrino interaction. It provides numerous avenues to advance our sensitivity to new nuclear and particle physics beyond the Standard Model while simultaneously allowing a dramatic miniaturization of otherwise massive neutrino detectors, opening up the possibility of technological applications.

Both the supervisor and the partner organization host, along a number of collaborators, recently proposed to use the neutrino flux from the upcoming European Spallation Source (ESS) for a definitive exploration of all phenomenological opportunities provided by CEνNS.

The proposal includes a variety of detection techniques to evaluate such a process including the use high-pressure gaseous xenon (HPGXe) chambers and cryogenic undoped CsI scintillator crystals. For reasons of nuclear structure, CsI and Xe detectors are identical in their response to CEνNS. However, the technologies and their expected systematics are fully different. Simultaneous use at the ESS will therefore provide robust confirmation for any possible signatures of new physics.

During the outgoing phase (OP) the researcher will take part in the development and characterization of a 31.5 Kg cryogenic undoped CsI array which will be later deployed in ESS. While HPGXe detectors are a mature technology, their response to nuclear recoils in the energy range of CEνNS is unknown. Characterizing the response in such range is one of the main goals of this proposal and the methodology to do so will be developed during the OP. In the incoming phase, the researcher will implement the techniques developed during the OP in a small HPGXe chamber currently being built in DIPC. The studies will be repeated in a larger demonstrator in which he'll take a leading role in the design and deployment.

Finally, the researcher will evaluate, through simulation and on-site measurements, the neutron background for CEνNS searches at ESS.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2020

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Coordinator

FUNDACION DONOSTIA INTERNATIONAL PHYSICS CENTER
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 163 099,20
Address
PASEO MANUEL LARDIZABAL 4
20018 Donostia San Sebastian
Spain

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Region
Noreste País Vasco Gipuzkoa
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 163 099,20

Partners (1)

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