NOSTOS: a spherical TPC to detect low energy neutrinos

TL;DR

NOSTOS proposes a spherical TPC detector for low-energy neutrino oscillation studies, aiming to precisely measure oscillation parameters, neutrino magnetic moments, and detect supernova neutrinos with high sensitivity.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel spherical TPC design that enables in-situ neutrino oscillation measurements and multi-purpose neutrino detection with high sensitivity, including initial prototype results.

Findings

Prototype in Saclay shows promising initial performance.

Potential to measure $ heta_{13}$ for the first time.

High sensitivity to supernova neutrinos.

Abstract

A novel low-energy ($\sim$few keV) neutrino-oscillation experiment NOSTOS, combining a strong tritium source and a high pressure spherical Time Projection Chamber (TPC) detector 10 m in radius has been recently proposed. The oscillation of neutrinos of such energies occurs within the size of the detector itself, potentially allowing for a very precise (and rather systematics-free) measure of the oscillation parameters, in particular, of the smaller mixing angle $\theta_{13}$, which value could be determined for the first time. This detector could also be sensitive to the neutrino magnetic moment and be capable of accurately measure the Weinberg angle at low energy. The same apparatus, filled with high pressure Xenon, exhibits a high sensitivity as a Super Nova neutrino detector with extra galactic sensitivity. The outstanding benefits of the new concept of the spherical TPC will be presented, as well as the issues to be demonstrated in the near future by an ongoing R&D. The very first results of small prototype in operation in Saclay are shown.