Expectations for a new calorimetric neutrino mass experiment

TL;DR

This paper compares two methods for estimating the sensitivity of calorimetric neutrino mass experiments, emphasizing the importance of systematic uncertainties and optimizing experimental configurations.

Contribution

It introduces and compares an analytic and a Monte Carlo approach for sensitivity estimation, providing a detailed analysis of systematic uncertainties and optimization strategies.

Findings

Monte Carlo method offers more precise sensitivity estimates.

Systematic uncertainties significantly impact experimental sensitivity.

Optimal detector configuration enhances measurement accuracy.

Abstract

A large calorimetric neutrino mass experiment using thermal detectors is expected to play a crucial role in the challenge for directly assessing the neutrino mass. We discuss and compare here two approaches to the estimation of the experimental sensitivity of such an experiment. The first method uses an analytic formulation and allows to readily obtain a sensible estimate over a wide range of experimental configurations. The second method is based on a frequentist Montecarlo technique and is more precise and reliable. The Montecarlo approach is then exploited to study the main sources of systematic uncertainties peculiar to calorimetric experiments. Finally, the tools are applied to investigate the optimal experimental configuration for a calorimetric experiment with Rhenium based thermal detectors.