The Technical challenges of Beta-beams

Abstract

The beta-beam concept for the production of intense electron (anti-)neutrino beams is now well established. A first feasibility study, made at CERN in 2002, aimed to identify possible showstoppers. The results were very encouraging and the work is now continuing as an integral part of the EU-supported EURISOL Design Study. The first study at CERN is a good starting point for a conceptual design study, but that the annual rate of neutrinos even with a revised parameter list is insufficient. A number of technical challenges must be faced to improve on the annual rate, e.g. target technology for higher beam powers, space charge related limitations in the existing CERN accelerators and activation issues in the CERN PS.

Optmization of the beta-beam baseline

“…It has already been established that the increase of production rate of radioactive species translates linearly into an increase of the neutrino rate [10]. We have demonstrated that an increase of the duty cycle permits more particles to be stored in the decay ring and that accumulation can potentially be a powerful tool to make better use of the ions produced.…”

Physics of Neutrinos

“…20) The wide range of upper limit reflects uncertainties in the theoretical nuclear matrix elements. Although there is a claim of positive observation of neutrinoless double beta decay using 76 Ge, corresponding to hmi ¼ 0:1{ 0:9 eV, 21) the result has not been confirmed.…”

“…The resulting neutrino beam is strongly collimated, has wellknown energy spectrum and intensity, and contains a purely single neutrino flavor. For a recent review, see ref 7677).…”

Constraining sterile neutrinos with a low energy beta-beam

“…Helium, being a noble gas, easily escapes the Beryllium target. With this approach, production rates, p, of 2 • 10 13 ions s −1 are achievable [23].…”