Gaseous detectors for neutrino physics at the European Spallation Source

Introduction

The recent detection of the coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEnNS) opens the possibility of using neutrinos to explore physics beyond the Standard Model deploying small detectors. However, the CEnNS process generates signals at the few keV level, requiring very sensitive detection technologies.

Opportunity at ESS

The European Spallation Source (ESS) has been identified as an optimal source of low energy neutrinos, offering an opportunity to explore in depth the physics of CEnNS, with large discovery potential.

Proposed Technology

In this project, I propose to apply the high-pressure noble gas TPC technology to the detection of the CEnNS process at the ESS. This will require:

1. Detection techniques sensitive to very low-energy depositions.
2. Improving the current knowledge of the quenching factor for nuclear recoils in xenon, argon, and neon gas at keV energies.

Detector Development

This project proposes the development of a novel detector able to hold 20 kg of xenon gas at high pressure. The device will operate at the ESS, providing more than 7,000 CEnNS events per year, potentially overtaking the sensitivities of much larger detectors in current spallation sources.

Exploration of New Physics

Operation with xenon will explore most of the possible new physics associated with the CEnNS process. Furthermore, the high-pressure technology offers the possibility to operate the same detector with different gases at minimal extra costs, thus providing a unique tool to further explore any signatures of new physics at the ESS.