Opportunities for Neutrino Physics at the Spallation Neutron Source: A White Paper

TL;DR

This white paper discusses the potential for neutrino physics research at the SNS, emphasizing its intense, pulsed neutrino flux and outlining possible experimental approaches for advancing the field.

Contribution

It introduces the SNS as a valuable neutrino source and outlines various experimental configurations for future neutrino physics research.

Findings

SNS provides a high-quality, pulsed neutrino source.

Multiple experimental configurations are feasible for neutrino studies.

The facility enables background rejection due to its timing structure.

Abstract

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee, provides an intense flux of neutrinos in the few tens-of-MeV range, with a sharply-pulsed timing structure that is beneficial for background rejection. In this document, the product of a workshop at the SNS in May 2012, we describe this free, high-quality stopped-pion neutrino source and outline various physics that could be done using it. We describe without prioritization some specific experimental configurations that could address these physics topics.