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arXiv · 1109.6036

Search for Sterile Neutrinos with a Radioactive Source at Daya Bay

D. A. Dwyer·K. M. Heeger·B. R. Littlejohn·P. Vogel
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Abstract

The far site detector complex of the Daya Bay reactor experiment is proposed as a location to search for sterile neutrinos with > eV mass. Antineutrinos from a 500 kCi 144Ce-144Pr beta-decay source (DeltaQ=2.996 MeV) would be detected by four identical 20-ton antineutrino targets. The site layout allows flexible source placement; several specific source locations are discussed. In one year, the 3+1 sterile neutrino hypothesis can be tested at essentially the full suggested range of the parameters Delta m^2_{new} and sin^22theta_{new} (90% C.L.). The backgrounds from six nuclear reactors at >1.6 km distance are shown to be manageable. Advantages of performing the experiment at the Daya Bay far site are described.

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D. A. Dwyer, K. M. Heeger, B. R. Littlejohn, P. Vogel. 2011-09-27. Search for Sterile Neutrinos with a Radioactive Source at Daya Bay. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevd.87.093002

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