Multiple Detectors for a Short-Baseline Neutrino Oscillation Search Near Reactors

TL;DR

This paper explores how multiple detectors in short-baseline reactor neutrino experiments can enhance sensitivity to neutrino oscillations and help distinguish between different theoretical models.

Contribution

It analyzes the sensitivity improvements from using more than one detector and discusses optimizing a second, far detector for better oscillation detection.

Findings

Extended baseline range improves oscillation sensitivity.

Multiple detectors help differentiate between 3+1 mixing and other models.

Optimization strategies for detector placement enhance experimental effectiveness.

Abstract

Reactor antineutrino experiments have the ability to search for neutrino oscillations independent of reactor flux predictions using a relative measurement of the neutrino flux and spectrum across a range of baselines. The range of accessible oscillation parameters are determined by the baselines of the detector arrangement. We examine the sensitivity of short-baseline experiments with more than one detector and discuss the optimization of a second, far detector. The extended reach in baselines of a 2-detector experiment will improve sensitivity to short-baseline neutrino oscillations while also increasing the ability to distinguish between 3+1 mixing and other non-standard models.