Researchers from various institutions, including Shanghai Jiao Tong University and several other collaborators, have developed a prototype detector for the RELICS experiment, which aims to detect coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering from reactor antineutrinos. This work was recently published in the journal Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A.
The RELICS experiment utilizes a dual-phase xenon time projection chamber (TPC) to detect neutrino interactions. To ensure the feasibility of this approach, the team designed, constructed, and operated a prototype detector. The prototype incorporates several key subsystems, including the TPC itself, cryogenic and xenon purification systems, slow control, and data acquisition systems. The successful operation of this prototype validates the detector concept and demonstrates the technical reliability necessary for the full-scale experiment.
During operation, the prototype achieved a sub-keV energy threshold, which is crucial for detecting the subtle signals expected in the RELICS physics program. The detector demonstrated a single electron gain of 34.30 ± 0.01 PE/e⁻ and successfully detected 0.27 keV L-shell decay events from 37Ar. These results confirm the detector’s capability to achieve the required sensitivity for neutrino detection.
In addition to the hardware development, the researchers also developed and validated essential data analysis techniques and simulation frameworks. These methodological advancements provide a solid foundation for the future operations of the RELICS experiment. The successful construction and operation of the prototype not only confirm the feasibility of the core technologies but also offer a crucial experimental basis for the final RELICS detector.
For the energy sector, advancements in neutrino detection technology can have significant implications. Neutrino detectors can be used to monitor nuclear reactors, ensuring their safe and efficient operation. By detecting neutrinos emitted by the reactor, operators can gain real-time information about the reactor’s status, including its power output and fuel composition. This information can be used to optimize reactor performance, reduce downtime, and enhance safety. Furthermore, neutrino detection technology can be employed in nuclear non-proliferation efforts, helping to monitor and verify the peaceful use of nuclear materials.
The research published in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A highlights the progress made in developing a prototype detector for the RELICS experiment. The successful demonstration of the prototype’s capabilities paves the way for the full-scale implementation of the RELICS detector, which will contribute to our understanding of neutrino interactions and have practical applications in the energy sector.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.