The sudbury neutrino observatory
- Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, CA (United States)
The solar neutrino problem has been the focus of four major experiments during the past several decades. The Homestake Mine, SAGE and GALLEX experiments rely on radiochemical observation of a small number of neutrino generated atoms. Kamiokande revolutionized the observation of solar neutrinos by developing a real-time water Cerenkov detector. Recently, the calibration of the GALLEX experiment by a man-made neutrino source has invigorated interest in this long standing discrepancy between observed neutrino flux and solar models. The next generation of detectors is now under construction. The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) is 1000 tonne heavy water Cerenkov detector. The siting of the experiment more than 2000 meters below ground, its enhanced event rate, and the unique neutral current sensitivity of its heavy water target provide SNO with an excellent opportunity to detect neutrino flavor changes. Observation of the spectral shape of the charge current reaction may provide crucial information regarding matter-enhanced neutrino oscillations. The construction of SNO is now well underway. First signals are anticipated in 1996. The solar neutrino problem is reviewed and the outlook for SNO is presented.
- OSTI ID:
- 374957
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9304297--
- Journal Information:
- Bulletin of the American Physical Society, Journal Name: Bulletin of the American Physical Society Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 40; ISSN 0003-0503; ISSN BAPSA6
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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