Charge Coupled Devices for detection of coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering

TL;DR

This paper explores using Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) with ultra-low energy thresholds to detect coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering, a process difficult to observe with traditional detectors due to low energy depositions.

Contribution

It demonstrates the feasibility of CCDs with ~30 eV thresholds for detecting low-energy neutrinos via coherent scattering, enabling new experimental possibilities.

Findings

Estimated 626 events/year near a nuclear reactor

Detection at 99% confidence in three months

Potential for observing standard model neutrino interactions

Abstract

This article details the potential for using Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) to detect low-energy neutrinos through their coherent scattering with nuclei. The detection of neutrinos through this standard model process has not been accessible because of the small energy deposited in such interactions with the detector nuclei. Typical particle detectors have thresholds of a few keV, and most of the energy deposition expected from coherent scattering is well below this level. The devices we discuss can be operated at a threshold of approximately 30 eV, making them ideal for observing this signal. For example, the number of coherent scattering events expected on a 52 gram CCD array located next to a power nuclear reactor is estimated as approximately 626 events/year. The results of our study show that detection at a confidence level of 99% can be reached within three months for this kind of detector array.