Experiment for search for sterile neutrino at SM-3 reactor

Abstract

In connection with the question of possible existence of sterile neutrino, the laboratory on the basis of SM-3 reactor was created to search for oscillations of reactor antineutrino. A prototype of a neutrino detector with scintillator volume of 400 l can be moved at the distance of 6Ä11 m from the reactor core. The measurements of background conditions have been made. It is shown that the main experimental problem is associated with cosmic radiation background. Test measurements of dependence of a reactor antineutrino ux on the distance from a reactor core have been made. The prospects of search for oscillations of reactor antineutrino at short distances are discussed.