Double Chooz: Searching for theta13 with reactor neutrinos

TL;DR

The Double Chooz experiment aims to measure the neutrino mixing angle theta13 using reactor neutrinos at Chooz, with initial results expected soon from the far detector to improve existing limits.

Contribution

This paper reports on the status and initial results of the Double Chooz experiment, a novel setup using two detectors to measure neutrino oscillations.

Findings

Commissioning of the far detector began in January 2011

First results are expected by summer 2011

The experiment aims to improve the limit on theta13

Abstract

The Double Chooz experiment is meant to search for the neutrino mixing angle theta13 taking advantage of the neutrinos generated at the nuclear power plant of Chooz. Double Chooz relies on neutrino flux measurements at two different locations, the so-called far and near detectors, although the first phase runs only with the far detector. The commissioning of the far detector started in January 2011 and first results improving the current limit on theta13 are expected by the summer 2011. The status of the Double Chooz experiment is presented.