Physics and optimization of beta-beams: From low to very high gamma

The physics potential of beta beams is investigated from low to very high gamma values and it is compared to superbeams and neutrino factories. The gamma factor and the baseline are treated as continuous variables in the optimization of the beta beam, while a fixed mass water Cherenkov detector or a totally active scintillator detector is assumed. We include in our discussion also the gamma dependence of the number of ion decays per year. For low gamma, we find that a beta beam could be a very interesting alternative to a superbeam upgrade, especially if it is operated at the second oscillation maximum to reduce correlations and degeneracies. For high gamma, we find that a beta beam could have a potential similar to a neutrino factory. In all cases, the sensitivity of the beta beams to CP violation is very impressive if similar neutrino and anti-neutrino event rates can be achieved.Comment: 34 pages, 16 figures, Fig. 2 modified, discussion improved, refs. added, version to appear in PR

From Double Chooz to Triple Chooz - Neutrino Physics at the Chooz Reactor Complex

We discuss the potential of the proposed Double Chooz reactor experiment to measure the neutrino mixing angle $\sin^2 2\theta_{13}$. We especially consider systematical uncertainties and their partial cancellation in a near and far detector operation, and we discuss implications of a delayed near detector startup. Furthermore, we introduce Triple Chooz, which is a possible upgrade scenario assuming a second, larger far detector, which could start data taking in an existing cavern five years after the first far detector. We review the role of the Chooz reactor experiments in the global context of future neutrino beam experiments. We find that both Double Chooz and Triple Chooz can play a leading role in the search for a finite value of $\sin^2 2\theta_{13}$. Double Chooz could achieve a sensitivity limit of $\sim 2 \cdot 10^{-2}$ at the 90%~confidence level after 5~years while the Triple Chooz setup could give a sensitivity below $10^{-2}$.Comment: 18 pages, 6 figure

New features in the simulation of neutrino oscillation experiments with GLoBES 3.0

We present Version 3.0 of the GLoBES (``General Long Baseline Experiment Simulator'') software, which is a simulation tool for short- and long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments. As a new feature, GLoBES 3.0 allows for user-defined systematical errors, which can also be used to simulate experiments with multiple discrete sources and detectors. In addition, the combination with external information, such as from different experiment classes, is simplified. As far as the probability calculation is concerned, GLoBES now provides an interface for the inclusion of non-standard physics without re-compilation of the software. The set of experiment prototypes coming with GLoBES has been updated. For example, built-in fluxes are now provided for the simulation of beta beams.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figures, 1 table. Definition of chi2 refined, version to appear in Comput. Phys. Commun. GLoBES software available at http://www.mpi-hd.mpg.de/lin/globes

Neutrino Beams From Electron Capture at High Gamma

We investigate the potential of a flavor pure high gamma electron capture electron neutrino beam directed towards a large water cherenkov detector with 500 kt fiducial mass. The energy of the neutrinos is reconstructed by the position measurement within the detector and superb energy resolution capabilities could be achieved. We estimate the requirements for such a scenario to be competitive to a neutrino/anti-neutrino running at a neutrino factory with less accurate energy resolution. Although the requirements turn out to be extreme, in principle such a scenario could achieve as good abilities to resolve correlations and degeneracies in the search for sin^2(2 theta_13) and delta_CP as a standard neutrino factory experiment.Comment: 21 pages, 7 figures, revised version, to appear in JHEP, Fig.7 extended, minnor changes, results unchange

Reactor Neutrino Experiments with a Large Liquid Scintillator Detector

We discuss several new ideas for reactor neutrino oscillation experiments with a Large Liquid Scintillator Detector. We consider two different scenarios for a measurement of the small mixing angle $\theta_{13}$ with a mobile $\bar{\nu}_e$ source: a nuclear-powered ship, such as a submarine or an icebreaker, and a land-based scenario with a mobile reactor. The former setup can achieve a sensitivity to $\sin^2 2\theta_{13} \lesssim 0.003$ at the 90% confidence level, while the latter performs only slightly better than Double Chooz. Furthermore, we study the precision that can be achieved for the solar parameters, $\sin^2 2\theta_{12}$ and $\Delta m_{21}^2$, with a mobile reactor and with a conventional power station. With the mobile reactor, a precision slightly better than from current global fit data is possible, while with a power reactor, the accuracy can be reduced to less than 1%. Such a precision is crucial for testing theoretical models, e.g. quark-lepton complementarity.Comment: 18 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables, revised version, to appear in JHEP, Fig. 1 extended, Formula added, minor changes, results unchange

Double Chooz, A Search for the Neutrino Mixing Angle theta-13 [proposal]

The Double Chooz Reactor Neutrino Experiment in France plans to quickly measure the neutrino mixing angle theta-13, or limit it to sin^2 2-theta_13 less than 0.025. The physics reach, experimental site, detector structures, scintillator, photodetection, electronics, calibration and simulations are described. The possibility of using Double Chooz to explore the possible use of a antineutrino detector for non-proliferation goals is also presented. Double Chooz Collaboration Description of planned reactor neutrino experiment