Neutrino physics with an intense \nuc{51}{Cr}source and an array of low-energy threshold HPGe detectors

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of using an intense 1Cr source with the Majorana Demonstrator's low-threshold germanium detectors to improve limits on neutrino magnetic moments and study neutrino interactions.

Contribution

It proposes a novel experimental setup combining a 1Cr source with the Majorana Detectors to enhance neutrino physics measurements and discusses the feasibility of detecting specific neutrino interactions.

Findings

Potential to improve current limits on neutrino magnetic dipole moment.

Feasibility of detecting charged-current reactions with 3Ge.

Tritium source rates are below detection thresholds.

Abstract

We study some of the physics potential of an intense $1\,\mathrm{MCi}$ $^{51}\mathrm{Cr}$ source combined with the {\sc Majorana Demonstrator} enriched germanium detector array. The {\sc Demonstrator} will consist of detectors with ultra-low radioactive backgrounds and extremely low energy thresholds of~$\sim 400\,\mathrm{eV}$. We show that it can improve the current limit on the neutrino magnetic dipole moment. We briefly discuss physics applications of the charged-current reaction of the $^{51}\mathrm{Cr} neutrino with the $^{73}\mathrm{Ge} isotope. Finally, we argue that the rate from a realistic, intense tritium source is below the detectable limit of even a tonne-scale HPGe experiment