Coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering -- First constraints/observations and future potential

TL;DR

This paper discusses recent advances and future potential in detecting coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CE$ u$NS), highlighting experimental progress, new physics opportunities, and the specific example of the CONUS reactor experiment.

Contribution

It provides an overview of CE$ u$NS experimental results and demonstrates the capabilities of recent and upcoming measurements, especially using the CONUS experiment.

Findings

Initial CE$ u$NS detection in 2017 confirmed the reaction.

CONUS uses ultra-low threshold germanium detectors near a reactor.

Future measurements can explore new neutrino interactions and properties.

Abstract

The detection of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CE$\nu$NS) opens new possibilities for neutrino physics within and beyond the Standard Model. Following the initial discovery in 2017, several experimental attempts have emerged allowing this reaction channel to be studied with the full repertoire of modern detection technologies. As one of several reactor experiments, CONUS aims for an observation with antineutrinos emitted from the powerful $3.9$ GW$_{th}$ reactor of the nuclear power plant in Brokdorf (Germany). In particular, the application of ultra-low threshold, high-purity germanium detectors within a sophisticated shield design in close proximity to a nuclear reactor core represents an important step towards high-statistics neutrino detection with small-scale detectors. In addition to the conventional interaction, typical extensions of the Standard Model neutrino sector can be investigated with data provided from different neutrino sources and several target materials. Among these, new neutrino interactions as well as electromagnetic neutrino properties are of particular interest. This talk gives an overview of existing CE$\nu$NS results and highlights the advantage of using different neutrino sources and target materials. The example of CONUS is used to demonstrate the various capabilities of recent and future CE$\nu$NS measurements.