A Water \v{C}erenkov Calorimeter as the Next Generation Neutrino Detector

TL;DR

This paper proposes a water-based Cherenkov calorimeter as a cost-effective, high-performance neutrino detector for future neutrino experiments, demonstrating excellent event identification and background rejection through simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel large homogeneous water calorimeter design utilizing Cherenkov light for neutrino detection, with detailed simulation results showing its effectiveness.

Findings

High energy resolution achieved through Cherenkov light detection

Effective pattern recognition with modular water tank design

Excellent background rejection demonstrated in simulations

Abstract

We propose here a large homogeneous calorimeter as the next generation neutrino detector for $\nu$ factories and/or conventional $\nu$ beams. The active media is chosen to be water for obvious economical reasons. The \v Cerenkov light produced in water is sufficient to have good energy resolution, and the pattern recognition is realized by a modular water tank structure. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate that the detector performance is excellent for identifying neutrino CC events while rejecting background events.