1,721,062 research outputs found
Measurement of neutrino-induced neutral-current coherent production in the NOvA near detector
No full text© 2020 authors. Open access. Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article's title, journal citation, and DOI. Funded by SCOAP3..
WSU authors: Meyer, Holger; Muether, Mathew; Solomey, Nickolas. The complete list includes: Acero, M.A.; Adamson, P.; Aliaga, L.; Alion, T.; Allakhverdian, V.; Anfimov, N.; Antoshkin, A.; Arrieta-Diaz, E.; Aurisano, A.; Back, A.; Backhouse, C.; Baird, M.; Balashov, N.; Baldi, P.; Bambah, B.A.; Basher, S.; Bays, K.; Behera, B.; Bending, S.; Bernstein, R.; Bhatnagar, V.; Bhuyan, B.; Bian, J.; Blair, J.; Booth, A.C.; Bolshakova, A.; Bour, P.; Bromberg, C.; Buchanan, N.; Butkevich, A.; Campbell, M.; Carroll, T.J.; Catano-Mur, E.; Childress, S.; Choudhary, B.C.; Chowdhury, B.; Coan, T.E.; Colo, M.; Corwin, L.; Cremonesi, L.; Cronin-Hennessy, D.; Davies, G.S.; Derwent, P.F.; Ding, P.; Djurcic, Z.; Doyle, D.; Dukes, E.C.; Dung, P.; Duyang, H.; Edayath, S.; Ehrlich, R.; Feldman, G.J.; Flanagan, W.; Frank, M.J.; Gallagher, H.R.; Gandrajula, R.; Gao, F.; Germani, S.; Giri, A.; Gomes, R.A.; Goodman, M.C.; Grichine, V.; Groh, M.; Group, R.; Guo, B.; Habig, A.; Hakl, F.; Hartnell, J.; Hatcher, R.; Hatzikoutelis, A.; Heller, K.; Himmel, A.; Holin, A.; Howard, B.; Huang, J.; Hylen, J.; Jediny, F.; Johnson, C.; Judah, M.; Kakorin, I.; Kalra, D.; Kaplan, D.M.; Keloth, R.; Klimov, O.; Koerner, L.W.; Kolupaeva, L.; Kotelnikov, S.; Kreymer, A.; Kullenberg, C.; Kumar, A.; Kuruppu, C.D.; Kus, V.; Lackey, T.; Lang, K.; Lin, S.; Lokajicek, M.; Lozier, J.; Luchuk, S.; Maan, K.; Magill, S.; Mann, W.A.; Marshak, M.L.; Matveev, V.; Méndez, D.P.; Messier, M.D.; Meyer, H.; Miao, T.; Miller, W.H.; Mishra, S.R.; Mislivec, A.; Mohanta, R.; Moren, A.; Mualem, L.; Muether, M.; Mulder, K.; Mufson, S.; Murphy, R.; Musser, J.; Naples, D.; Nayak, N.; Nelson, J.K.; Nichol, R.; Niner, E.; Norman, A.; Nosek, T.; Oksuzian, Y.; Olshevskiy, A.; Olson, T.; Paley, J.; Patterson, R.B.; Pawloski, G.; Pershey, D.; Petrova, O.; Petti, R.; Plunkett, R.K.; Potukuchi, B.; Principato, C.; Psihas, F.; Raj, V.; Radovic, A.; Rameika, R.A.; Rebel, B.; Rojas, P.; Ryabov, V.; Sachdev, K.; Samoylov, O.; Sanchez, M.C.; Seong, I.S.; Shanahan, P.; Sheshukov, A.; Singh, P.; Singh, V.; Smith, E.; Smolik, J.; Snopok, P.; Solomey, N.; Song, E.; Sousa, A.; Soustruznik, K.; Strait, M.; Suter, L.; Talaga, R.L.; Tas, P.; Thayyullathil, R.B.; Thomas, J.; Tiras, E.; Torbunov, D.; Tripathi, J.; Tsaris, A.; Torun, Y.; Urheim, J.; Vahle, P.; Vasel, J.; Vinton, L.; Vokac, P.; Vrba, T.; Wang, B.; Warburton, T.K.; Wetstein, M.; While, M.; Whittington, D.; Wojcicki, S.G.; Wolcott, J.; Yadav, N.; Yallappa Dombara, A.; Yang, S.; Yonehara, K.; Yu, S.; Zalesak, J.; Zamorano, B.; Zwaska, R.l; NOvA Collaboration.The cross section of neutrino-induced neutral-current coherent production on a carbon-dominated target is measured in the NOvA near detector. This measurement uses a narrow-band neutrino beam with an average neutrino energy of 2.7\,GeV, which is of interest to ongoing and future long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments. The measured flux-averaged cross section is
, consistent with model prediction. This result is the most precise measurement of neutral-current coherent production in the few-GeV neutrino energy region.Document was prepared by the NOvA Collaboration using the resources of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), a U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, HEP user facility. Fermilab is managed by Fermi Research Alliance, LLC (FRA), acting under Contract No. DE-AC02-07CH11359. This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy; the U.S. National Science Foundation; the Department of Science and Technology, India; the European Research Council; the MSMT CR, GA UK, Czech Republic; the RAS, RFBR, RMES, RSF, and BASIS Foundation, Russia; CNPq and FAPEG, Brazil; STFC and the Royal Society, United Kingdom; and the state and University of Minnesota
Simulation of solar wind charged particle energy deposited and particle identification by ΔE-E discrimination in the SNAPPY Cubesat detector
No full textPoster project completed at the Wichita State University, Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics.
Presented at the Kansas Undergraduate Student Research Day at the Capitol, Topeka, KS, February 26, 2025.Sponsored by the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Hub, Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College.The Solar Neutrino and Astro-Particle Physics (SNAPPY) Cubesat will carry into polar orbit a prototype detector for solar neutrino background studies while over the Earth's poles for the neutrino Solar Orbiting Laboratory future project (SOL). During this flight it is possible to do other science measurements, such as an improved study of the solar wind particles through better particle identification measurements. This study aims to understand how well the solar wind particles can be identified using the planned detector. Instead of using the veto array for anti-coincidence, it will be used as a ΔE energy sampling of a phoswich particle identification system. The particles used in the simulation are the most abundant particles found in Solar Energetic Particle events, with energies corresponding to the most probable ranges. Simulations indicate that electrons, protons, and alpha particles separate into distinct regions of the ΔE-E plot, suggesting that these particles can be identified via this process. Solar wind particles from the Sun can be hazardous to both energy generation and transmission systems on the ground as well as to aviation flight. Identifying particles in solar wind can help our understanding of these hazards
Attenuation simulations and hardware design for the nuSol Space-based Neutrino Probe
No full textPresented to the 17th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held online, Wichita State University, April 2, 2021.Research completed in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and SciencesINTRODUCTION: The nuSol project aims to design, build, and launch a small payload which will perform several near-solar approaches in order to demonstrate the viability of a space-based neutrino detector and perform scientific measurements. Under the previous NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) grant work was performed to simulate basic measures of performance of the probe. Under the NIAC phase II grant, we are tasked to refine simulation and to begin measurements using prototype detectors. PURPOSE: To determine the viability of the neutrino probe, we have been performing tests in the lab at our test stand, and I have been creating monte-carlo simulations of a simplified flight path to find best case limits for evaluating the viability of the space-flight. The lab tests are to characterize the performance of the detector before and after the target doping. METHODS: To simulate performance, I have created a C++ code which applies the results of more detailed simulations to find the approximate neutrino counting rate during a simple elliptical flight near Venus and Mercury as well as the physical flight paths found by simulation from another member of the project. The hardware uses liquid scintillator from the NOvA experiment in a cylindrical container on our test stand to characterize the detector's performance in cosmic ray backgrounds and in radioactive decay signals that mimic our expected signals. RESULTS: The simulated performance is promising and gives us confidence that we can meet the standards of a technology demonstration mission. Hardware development has been stalled by COVID-related delays, but we hope to be taking the post-doping measurements within two weeks of writing. CONCLUSION: Work on the nuSol probe progresses well. The results are promising, and this contribution to the larger project to build a neutrino detector in space is on schedule for the next phases of the project.Graduate School, Academic Affairs, University Librarie
Monte Carlo simulations of a space-based dark matter detector
No full textThesis (M.S.)-- Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Mathematics, Statistics, and PhysicsIt has been well established that a large percentage of the material in the universe is in an
undiscovered form; Dark Matter. Most of this material is gravitationally condensed together as
galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Several terrestrial detectors focus on achieving direct detection
of dark matter but run into backgrounds from different particles showering the Earth every second.
This thesis provides an alternate method to direct dark matter detection by designing a cube-sat
particle detector orbiting around the Sun reaching the orbit of Jupiter. The space-based detector
incorporates several layers of veto-layer shielding along with a Bismuth-Germanate (BGO) crystal
in the center acting as the main detector. The veto-layer shielding made up of silicon, further
reduces other interactions seen by the BGO crystal. At the orbit of Jupiter, the neutrino background
decreases by several orders of magnitude giving the detector an opportunistic position to detect
Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) interactions. This thesis presents results from Monte
Carlo simulations of particle events visible to the detector. Geant4 is a geometry and tracking
platform which is used for detector construction and to conduct these simulations. The output of
these simulations is studied and analyzed to find detector sensitivity, rejection rates, background
signals along with a WIMP signal as the primary objective
Designing a low-background solar neutrino detector
No full textPresented to the 21st Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 11, 2025.Research completed in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.INTRODUCTION: Neutrinos are elusive, low-energy subatomic particles mostly produced in solar fusion. Because they have minimal mass and no electric charge, they rarely interact with matter, often necessitating large underground detectors to reduce backgrounds and detect their infrequent signals.
PURPOSE: This research aims to develop and test a novel detector capable of distinguishing neutrino interactions in high-background environments, such as those found in space or near nuclear reactors.
METHODS: We use the MARLEY simulation framework to estimate neutrino interactions on 71Ga and to characterize the particles emitted. These results are then fed into Geant4, which models realistic particle interactions within prospective detector geometries. By refining the geometry and materials, we optimize the detector for neutrino detection while rejecting uncorrelated backgrounds. To validate the simulations, we constrain them with experimental data from small, prototype GAGG (Gadolinium Aluminum Gallium Garnet) detector segments tested with various radioactive sources in our laboratory.
RESULTS: MARLEY predicts that half of the relevant neutrino signals feature a time-delayed signature of approximately 100 ns, while the remaining half can be reliably detected only if there is a clear spatial separation between particles. These findings indicate that a highly segmented detector with optically isolated volumes less than 10 mm in size is optimal. Tests with prototype GAGG segments yielded a 3.61 ± 0.07% energy resolution at 137Cs and confirmed reliable detection of 57Co double-pulse decays in the 80–1,150 ns range.
CONCLUSION: In summary, our preliminary results demonstrate that a finely segmented, GAGG-based detector design can effectively identify low-energy neutrino signals amidst complex backgrounds. Continued refinement of the geometry, materials, and data analysis techniques will further enhance detection efficiency and resolution, advancing our capabilities in low-energy neutrino physics.Graduate School, Academic Affairs, University Librarie
Simulating detector flights of the NASA NIAC νSOL solar orbiting neutrino detector to constrain solar models
No full textPoster project completed at the Wichita State University Department of Physics. Presented at the 21st Annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit, Topeka, KS, March 21, 2024.The νSOL project is working towards building a space-based neutrino detector orbiting close to the sun. Neutrinos are sub-atomic particles that are the product of fusion inside the sun. Unlike the helium, light, and other particles produced during fusion, neutrinos are very weakly-interacting. Neutrinos directly escape the sun without interacting, unlike photons which can take thousands of years to escape the sun's core. By studying neutrinos, we can explore fundamental physics and unanswered questions about the universe. The weakly-interacting nature of neutrinos provides a unique window into the sun's core. Through this window is the largest fusion reactor in the solar system. Studying the sun's fusion could provide insights into fusion reactors here. This work focuses on simulating the signals that the spacecraft might be able to measure during its solar orbit. I use the results from the Standard Solar Model (SSM), and from those I calculate the number of neutrinos from each of the neutrino-producing fusion processes in the sun. I put a simulated detector in an orbit around the sun, and at each time step I calculate the fraction of a neutrino that could be measured. Using random number generation to simulate real detection, I determine if a neutrino has been measured at that point in the orbit. I take the results from a simulated mission to calculate how many total neutrinos there were, and use that to calculate the luminosity of the sun. This luminosity constraint can then be input to a modified version of the SSM
Voxelated detectors for solar neutrino and reactor anti-neutrino detection
No full textPresented to the 20th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 26, 2024.Research completed in the Department of Physics, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.Our research focuses on detecting low-energy, subatomic particles known as neutrinos. These are emitted from the sun through solar fusion and from reactors undergoing nuclear fission. Neutrinos, having minimal mass and no charge, pose significant detection challenges. Typically, neutrino detection requires massive volumes of material buried deep underground which compensates for their low interaction rates and helps to minimize background events. The nuSOL collaboration seeks to address these challenges by positioning a much smaller detector closer to the sun, approximately 3 to 7 solar radii away. This proximity substantially increases the neutrino flux, enabling the use of a smaller detector, but introduces new challenges, particularly in differentiating neutrino-like signals from background particles interacting within the detector. To overcome this, we are exploring the possibility of identifying a characteristic double-pulse interaction between a neutrino and a gallium nucleus. Additional background reduction strategies include implementing an active veto array around the detector, shielding, and dividing the large detection volume into smaller three-dimensional detection voxels. These voxels assist in tracking particles through the detector, aiding in the differentiation of isotropically emitted neutrino-interaction particles from non-isotropic background events. Another advantage of this segmented detector design is the capability to insert alternative materials between the voxels. Introducing tungsten-183, for instance, makes the detector sensitive to anti-neutrinos. Similar to neutrino-gallium interactions, anti-neutrinos interacting with tungsten-183 can produce a double, and occasionally triple-pulse signal. This distinct signature extends the detection and tracking range for anti-neutrino sources like nuclear reactors, making it an ideal method for non-proliferation monitoring.Graduate School, Academic Affairs, University Librarie
A exploratory study to create an anti-neutrino directional and ranging sensitive detector (NUDAR)
No full textThesis (M.S.)-- Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Mathematics, Statistics, and PhysicsThis research project set out to do an exploratory study to find a novel way to detect for
small reactor powered vessels and to analyze the potential capabilities within the realm of
nuclear defense. A comprehensive study of the energy spectrum of particles produced as
byproducts of nuclear fission processes was performed. The study combines theoretical
calculations and experimental observations from other experiments, to understand the
complex dynamics of interactions.
In addition, this research explores the selection of isotopes with favorable __
cross-sections for detection purposes. The GENIE platform is used to analyze hundreds of
isotopes, leading to the identification of Ba, Gd, and W as potential candidates. These isotopes exhibit suitable cross-sections and threshold energies for detecting particles. Scintillator materials, such as and are assessed for their performance in detecting particles. As well, a comprehensive study was carried out to determine the total ranging capabilities of the detector, with the results indicating detection is possible at great lengths. Along with this a possible new detecton method was modeled with a double pulse indicator based off of the excitation state of Tantalum.
Furthermore, detector construction and simulations are conducted to study particle
tracking mechanisms. Crystal structures and segmented scintillator plates are evaluated for
their ability to track particles effectively. A proposed detector design involves assembling
scintillator structures using optical glue and utilizing fiber-optic lines for light collection.
Monte Carlo simulations using Geant4 provide insights into energy deposition, timing, and
the potential for detecting low-energy gamma rays.
This research paves the way for advancements in understanding of low energy physics and offers insights into the development of next-generation detectors. The findings contribute to fundamental physics and have implications for nuclear deterrence,
non-proliferation, and defense
Monte Carlo simulations of a near-solar orbit neutrino detector
Full text linkThesis (M.S.)-- Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Mathematics, Statistics, and PhysicsNeutrinos—weakly interacting subatomic particles often resultant of nuclear
processes, including hydrogen fusion—are the only direct insight into the core of the Sun.
Previously constructed neutrino detection experiments have successfully detected
solar-origin neutrinos, proving hydrogen fusion to be the Sun’s energy production
mechanism; however, these experiments’ large size and Earth-based location limit their
capabilities. A solar neutrino detection satellite orbiting the sun with a close approach
distance of 7 to 3 solar radii could revolutionize solar interior studies. At such proximity,
the neutrino flux increases by several orders of magnitude allowing for a much smaller
detector design than Earth-based devices. An off-ecliptic orbital location also allows for
fusion core geometry studies. To pursue these improvements, a scintillation detector using
gallium-doped liquid scintillator and veto array methods has been devised. Interactions
between neutrinos and gallium nuclei can result in a sequentially released electron and
gamma-ray/X-ray, giving distinct double-pulse signals in the detector. The veto array is a
secondary detection assembly to filter external-source charged particles. Presented here are
the methods and results from Monte Carlo simulations of particle events visible to the
detector. This code incorporates background event rates obtained from Geant4 simulations
of the detector assembly, and neutrino interaction rates based on scaling of similar,
Earth-based experiments’ performance to the detector’s parameters. The code output is
examined to find the number of true double-pulse signals versus those of false signals.
Establishing experiment parameters necessary for a false event detection rate less than 20%
is a primary goal of these simulations
Optimization of a fiducial volume for a 10 kiloton water Cerenkov detector for geo-neutrinos
No full textThesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of GeologyA fiducial volume is crucial in particle physics when trying to choose the shape and size of a particle detector. The fiducial volume is defined as the volume at which a specified number of energy events are to be accepted. Fiducial volumes are impacted by aspects such as size and geometry. The fiducial volume in this study is optimized to contain the highest number of events generated from geo-neutrinos for the Hawaii Anti-Neutrino Observatory Project (HANOHANO). Geo-neutrinos are defined as anti-neutrinos coming from the earth either through radioactive decay or from a hypothetical nuclear reactor (geo-reactor). Five different volume types were tested and each type was able to contain at least 98% of anti-neutrino events. This study will demonstrate that an elliptical-cylinder is the best fiducial volume geometry for the HANOHANO project
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