Conceptual design of a scalable multi-kton superconducting magnetized liquid Argon TPC

We discuss the possibility of new generation neutrino and astroparticle physics experiments exploiting a superconducting magnetized liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LAr TPC). The possibility to complement the features of the LAr TPC with those provided by a magnetic field has been considered in the past and has been shown to open new physics opportunities, in particular in the context of a neutrino factory. The experimental operation of a magnetized 10 lt LAr TPC prototype has been recently demonstrated. From basic proof of principle, the main challenge to be addressed is the possibility to magnetize a very large volume of Argon, corresponding to 10 kton or more, for future neutrino physics applications. In this paper we present one such conceptual design.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, invited talk at 7th International Workshop on Neutrino Factories and Superbeams (NUFACT05), LNF, Frascati (Rome

Memorandum from the OPERA Collaboration to the CERN SPSC

Future plans of the OPERA experimen

Present and future of neutrino oscillation experiments

The possibility of a non-vanishing neutrino mass is an intriguing question in the present scenario of particle physics. On the one hand, there are no fundamental principles for the neutrino to be massless; on the other hand, a massive neutrino would indicate the existence of physics beyond the Standard Model of the elementary particles, hence representing a fundamental milestone in particle physics. In this paper a picture of the present experimental situation of massive neutrino physics is outlined focusing on the strong experimental indications for neutrino oscillation. Emphasis is given to the future project aiming at the clarification of the scenario and to the assessment of the oscillation hypothesis. Future experiments will make use of neutrinos from astrophysics sources, from the Sun, from the atmosphere and from nuclear reactors and particle accelerators: it would be very hard to make an exhaustive review of these many experimental attempts. Therefore, I will only concentrate on (some!) solar, atmospheric and long baseline (LBL) accelerator neutrino projects and to their impact on the understanding of the neutrino mixing matrix

The liquid Argon TPC: a powerful detector for future neutrino experiments and proton decay searches

We discuss the possibility of new generation neutrino and astroparticle physics experiments exploiting the liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LAr TPC) technique, following a graded strategy that envisions applications with increasing detector masses (from 100 ton to 100 kton). The ICARUS R&D program has already demonstrated that the technology is mature with the test of the T600 detector at surface. Since 2003 we have been working with the conceptual design of a very large LAr TPC with a mass of 50-100 kton to be built by employing a monolithic technology based on the use of industrial, large volume, cryogenic tankers developed by the petro-chemical industry. Such a detector, if realized, would be an ideal match for a Super Beam, Beta Beam or Neutrino Factory, covering a broad physics program that includes the detection of atmospheric, solar and supernova neutrinos, and searches for proton decay, in addition to the rich accelerator neutrino physics program. A "test module" with a mass of the order of 10 kton operated underground or at shallow depth would represent a necessary milestone towards the realization of the 100 kton detector, with an interesting physics program on its own. In parallel, physics is calling for a shorter scale application of the LAr TPC technique at the level of 100 ton mass, for low energy neutrino physics and for use as a near station setup in future long baseline neutrino facilities. We outline here the main physics objectives and the design of such a detector for operation in the upcoming T2K neutrino beam. We finally present the result of a series of R&D studies conducted with the aim of validating the design of the proposed detectors.Comment: 16 pages, 18 figures, Invited talk at High Intensity Physics HIF05, La Biodola, Isola d'Elba (Italy), June 200

An adjustable focusing system for a 2 MeV H- ion beam line based on permanent magnet quadrupoles

A compact adjustable focusing system for a 2 MeV H- RFQ Linac is designed, constructed and tested based on four permanent magnet quadrupoles (PMQ). A PMQ model is realised using finite element simulations, providing an integrated field gradient of 2.35 T with a maximal field gradient of 57 T/m. A prototype is constructed and the magnetic field is measured, demonstrating good agreement with the simulation. Particle track simulations provide initial values for the quadrupole positions. Accordingly, four PMQs are constructed and assembled on the beam line, their positions are then tuned to obtain a minimal beam spot size of (1.2 x 2.2) mm^2 on target. This paper describes an adjustable PMQ beam line for an external ion beam. The novel compact design based on commercially available NdFeB magnets allows high flexibility for ion beam applications.Comment: published in JINST (4th Feb 2013

Accelerator studies of neutrino oscillations

The question of whether the neutrino has a non-vanishing mass plays acrucial role in particle physics. A massive neutrino would unambiguously reveal the existence of new physics beyond the Standard Model. In addition, it could have profound implications on astrophysics and cosmology, with effects on the evolution of the Universe. Experiments aiming at direct neutrino-mass measurements based on kinematics have not been able, so far, to measure the very small neutrino mass. Indirect measurements can be performed by exploiting reactions which may only occur for massive neutrinos. Neutrino oscillation is one of those processes. The mass difference between neutrino mass-eigenstates can be inferred from a phase measurement. This feature allows for high sensitivity experiments. Neutrinos from different sources can be used to search for oscillations: solar neutrinos, neutrinos produced in the interaction of cosmic rays with the atmosphere and artificially produced neutrinos from nuclear reactors and particle accelerators. The latter offer the possibility of choosing the relevant experimental features such as the flux flavour composition, the energy and the baseline distance from the source to the detector.This paper attempts to review the main accelerator experiments whichhave been performed and to outline the future projects. A brief introduction to the theory and phenomenology of neutrino oscillationsis given to help in understanding the scope, the design and the performance of the different experiments

A system for online beam emittance measurements and proton beam characterization

A system for online measurement of the transverse beam emittance was developed. It is named $^{4}$PrOB$\varepsilon$aM (4-Profiler Online Beam Emittance Measurement) and was conceived to measure the emittance in a fast and efficient way using the multiple beam profiler method. The core of the system is constituted by four consecutive UniBEaM profilers, which are based on silica fibers passing across the beam. The $^{4}$PrOB$\varepsilon$aM system was deployed for characterization studies of the 18~MeV proton beam produced by the IBA Cyclone 18 MeV cyclotron at Bern University Hospital (Inselspital). The machine serves daily radioisotope production and multi-disciplinary research, which is carried out with a specifically conceived Beam Transport Line (BTL). The transverse RMS beam emittance of the cyclotron was measured as a function of several machine parameters, such as the magnetic field, RF peak voltage, and azimuthal angle of the stripper. The beam emittance was also measured using the method based on the quadrupole strength variation. The results obtained with both techniques were compared and a good agreement was found. In order to characterize the longitudinal dynamics, the proton energy distribution was measured. For this purpose, a method was developed based on aluminum absorbers of different thicknesses, a UniBEaM detector, and a Faraday cup. The results were an input for a simulation of the BTL developed in the MAD-X software. This tool allows machine parameters to be tuned online and the beam characteristics to be optimized for specific applications.Comment: published in Journal of Instrumentatio

Measurement of the two-photon absorption cross-section of liquid argon with a time projection chamber

This paper reports on laser-induced multiphoton ionization at 266 nm of liquid argon in a time projection chamber (LAr TPC) detector. The electron signal produced by the laser beam is a formidable tool for the calibration and monitoring of next-generation large-mass LAr TPCs. The detector that we designed and tested allowed us to measure the two-photon absorption cross-section of LAr with unprecedented accuracy and precision: sigma_ex=(1.24\pm 0.10stat \pm 0.30syst) 10^{-56} cm^4s{-1}.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figure