TAO -- The Taishan Antineutrino Observatory

TL;DR

The TAO detector, a satellite to JUNO, aims to precisely measure reactor antineutrino spectra using advanced technology, enhancing neutrino research and impacting future detectors.

Contribution

This paper presents the design and R&D progress of TAO, focusing on calorimetry and cutting-edge photosensor and scintillator technologies.

Findings

Achieved unprecedented energy resolution in antineutrino detection.

Developed advanced photosensor and scintillator technologies.

Designed a detector with a 2000 events per day detection rate.

Abstract

The Taishan Antineutrino Observatory (TAO or JUNO-TAO) is a satellite detector for the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO). JUNO aims at simultaneously probing the two main frequencies of three-flavor neutrino oscillations, as well as their interference related to the mass ordering, at a distance of some 53 km from two powerful nuclear reactor complexes in China. Located near the Taishan-1 reactor, TAO independently measures the antineutrino energy spectrum of the reactor with unprecedented energy resolution. The TAO experiment will realize a neutrino detection rate of about 2000 per day. In order to achieve its goals, TAO is relying on cutting-edge technology, both in photosensor and liquid scintillator (LS) development which is expected to have an impact on future neutrino and Dark Matter detectors. In this paper, the design of the TAO detector with a special focus on calorimetry is discussed. In addition, an overview of the progress currently being made in the R&D for photosensor and LS technology in the frame of the TAO project will be presented.