Physics Colloquium -Prof. Grayson Rich

The world’s smallest neutrino detector and the first observation of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering

ABSTRACT:

More than 40 years after its theoretical description, the process of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEvNS) has been observed for the first time by the COHERENT Collaboration, using the world’s smallest functional neutrino detector: a 14.6-kg CsI[Na] crystal at the Spallation Neutron Source of Oak Ridge National Lab. COHERENT and other groups continue to work towards additional CEvNS measurements because of the breadth of physics sensitivity shown by the process, including connections to nuclear structure, astrophysics, dark sector physics, and other physics beyond the Standard Model.

This talk will discuss the initial observation of the CEvNS process along with the myriad physics connections, and even potential applications, of the process. The complementarity of additional CEvNS measurements will also be explored, emphasizing the importance of the additional, diverse experimental efforts within the large community of researchers seeking to utilize this exciting new tool in neutrino physics.

 

Event Details

Date/Time:

  • Date: 
    Monday, August 27, 2018 - 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Location:
Marcus Nano Room 116-118

For More Information Contact

Prof. Ignacio Taboada