Towards Low-Threshold, Real-Time Solar Neutrino Detectors

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new, low-threshold, real-time solar neutrino detection method using a coarsely segmented detector with inverse-beta decay on Gd or Yb, emphasizing lower background and current technology feasibility.

Contribution

It introduces a novel detector design that simplifies implementation while maintaining low-threshold, real-time solar neutrino detection capabilities with improved background rejection.

Findings

Feasible detector design with current technology.

Potential for lower background noise.

Real-time energy spectroscopy of solar neutrinos.

Abstract

We discuss an alternative approach to the detection of solar neutrinos using a coarsely segmented detector based on inverse-beta decay onto $^{160}$Gd or $^{176}$Yb. While it is know that similar approaches, already discussed in the literature, can in principle provide low-threshold, real-time energy spectroscopy with intrinsic background rejection features, the concepts presented here make this scheme possible with lower background and current technology.