Determining Absolute Neutrino Mass using Quantum Technologies

TL;DR

This paper proposes a quantum technology-enhanced method to measure absolute neutrino mass by detecting cyclotron radiation from beta decay electrons with high precision, aiming for 10 meV sensitivity.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach combining quantum technologies with cyclotron radiation emission spectroscopy for neutrino mass measurement.

Findings

Potential to achieve 10 meV neutrino mass sensitivity

Integration of quantum sensors for improved measurement accuracy

Development of a new experimental apparatus for neutrino mass determination

Abstract

Next generation tritium decay experiments to determine the absolute neutrino mass require high-precision measurements of $\beta$-decay electron energies close to the kinematic end point. To achieve this, the development of high phase-space density sources of atomic tritium is required, along with the implementation of methods to control the motion of these atoms to allow extended observation times. A promising approach to efficiently and accurately measure the kinetic energies of individual $\beta$-decay electrons generated in these dilute atomic gases, is to determine the frequency of the cyclotron radiation they emit in a precisely characterised magnetic field. This cyclotron radiation emission spectroscopy technique can benefit from recent developments in quantum technologies. Absolute static-field magnetometry and electrometry, which is essential for the precise determination of the electron kinetic energies from the frequency of their emitted cyclotron radiation, can be performed using atoms in superpositions of circular Rydberg states. Quantum-limited microwave amplifiers will allow precise cyclotron frequency measurements to be made with maximal signal-to-noise ratios and minimal observation times. Exploiting the opportunities offered by quantum technologies in these key areas, represents the core activity of the Quantum Technologies for Neutrino Mass project. Its goal is to develop a new experimental apparatus that can enable a determination of the absolute neutrino mass with a sensitivity on the order of 10~meV/$c^2$.