Global neutrino data and recent reactor fluxes: status of three-flavour oscillation parameters

We present the results of a global neutrino oscillation data analysis within the three-flavour framework. We include latest results from the MINOS long-baseline experiment (including electron neutrino appearance as well as anti-neutrino data), updating all relevant solar (SK II+III), atmospheric (SK I+II+III) and reactor (KamLAND) data. Furthermore, we include a recent re-calculation of the anti-neutrino fluxes emitted from nuclear reactors. These results have important consequences for the analysis of reactor experiments and in particular for the status of the mixing angle $\theta_{13}$. In our recommended default analysis we find from the global fit that the hint for non-zero $\theta_{13}$ remains weak, at 1.8$\sigma$ for both neutrino mass hierarchy schemes. However, we discuss in detail the dependence of these results on assumptions concerning the reactor neutrino analysis.Comment: 15 pages, 10 figures and 2 tables, v2: corrected version, main conclusions unchanged, references adde

Induction motors versus permanent magnet actuators for aerospace applications

This paper introduces a comparative study on the design of aerospace actuators concerning Induction Motor (IM) and Permanent Magnet Motor (PMM) technologies. In the analysis undertaken, the two candidate configurations are evaluated in terms of both their electromagnetic and thermal behavior in a combined manner. On a first step, the basic dimensioning of the actuators and their fundamental operational characteristics are determined via a time-stepping Finite Element (FE) analysis. The consideration of the thermal robustness of the proposed motor configurations is integrated in the design procedure, through the appropriate handling of their respective constraints. As a result, all comparisons are carried out on a common thermal evacuation basis. On a second step, a single objective optimization procedure is employed, considering several performance and efficiency indexes using appropriate weights. Manufacturing and construction related costs for both investigated topologies are considered employing specific penalty functions. The impact of the utilized materials is also examined. The resultant motor designs have been validated through manufactured prototypes illustrating their suitability for aerospace actuatio

Preliminary results of investigations of possible ground deformation structures in the early christian basilica, ancient Lechaion harbour, Corinth, Greece.

Η Παλαιοχριστιανική Βασιλική Λεχαίου, Κόρινθος, κατασκευάστηκε στα τέλη του 5ου αι. μ.Χ. στον δυτικό βραχίονα του αρχαίου λιμανιού του Λεχαίου, και σύμφωνα με αρχαιολογικές ανασκαφές καταστράφηκε από την σεισμική δραστηριότητα του 551-552 μ.Χ.. Διάσπαρτα βυθίσματα και υβώματα που παρατηρήθηκαν στο δάπεδο της Βασιλικής αποτελούν ενδεικτικές δομές εδαφικής παραμόρφωσης η οποία πιθανόν να σχετίζεται με ρευστοποίηση εδάφους. Με στόχο την διερεύνηση της στρωματογραφίας και της δομής του υπεδάφους πραγματοποιήθηκαν γεωφυσικές διασκοπήσεις GPR και μετρήσεις αγωγιμότητας του εδάφους κατά μήκος δέκα επιλεγμένων τομών και συσχέτιση τους με τη στρωματογραφία όπως αυτή περιγράφεται από αρχαιολογικά σκάμματα. Τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης είναι ενδεικτικά δομών παραμόρφωσης των υποκείμενων εδαφικών σχηματισμών με χαρακτηριστικά που επιτρέπουν την συσχέτιση των επιφανειακών δομών που παρατηρήθηκαν στο δάπεδο της Βασιλικής με το φαινόμενο της ρευστοποίησης εδάφους.The Early Christian Basilica of Lechaion, Corinth, located on the western jetty of the ancient Lechaion harbour, was constructed during the late 5th century AD and archaeological excavations suggest that it was destroyed by seismic activity during 551-552 AD. Numerous depressions and buckling structures observed on the Basilica floor are indicative of ground deformation structures, likely associated with liquefaction. In an attempt to investigate the subsurface soil structure, and stratigraphy, a GPR survey and horizontal distribution of ground conductivity along ten selected transects was carried out, supplemented by stratigraphic data as described by archaeological trenches. The results of the study revealed subsurface deformation features providing sufficient indications that allow us to suggest that the surface structures observed on the Basilica floor are the surface expression of earthquake-induced ground liquefaction

Where we are on θ13\theta_{13}: addendum to "Global neutrino data and recent reactor fluxes: status of three-flavour oscillation parameters"

In this addendum to arXiv:1103.0734 we consider the recent results from long-baseline $\nu_\mu\to\nu_e$ searches at the T2K and MINOS experiments and investigate their implications for the mixing angle $\theta_{13}$ and the leptonic Dirac CP phase $\delta$. By combining the $2.5\sigma$ indication for a non-zero value of $\theta_{13}$ coming from T2K data with global neutrino oscillation data we obtain a significance for $\theta_{13} > 0$ of about $3\sigma$ with best fit points $\sin^2\theta_{13} = 0.013(0.016)$ for normal (inverted) neutrino mass ordering. These results depend somewhat on assumptions concerning the analysis of reactor neutrino data.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures and 1 tabl

A low energy optimization of the CERN-NGS neutrino beam for a theta_{13} driven neutrino oscillation search

The possibility to improve the CERN to Gran Sasso neutrino beam performances for theta_{13} searches is investigated. We show that by an appropriate optimization of the target and focusing optics of the present CNGS design, we can increase the flux of low energy neutrinos by about a factor 5 compared to the current tau optimized focalisation. With the ICARUS 2.35 kton detector at LNGS and in case of negative result, this would allow to improve the limit to sin^22 theta_{13} by an order of magnitude better than the current limit of CHOOZ at Delta m^2 approximately 3 times 10^{-3} eV^2 within 5 years of nominal CNGS running. This is by far the most sensitive setup of the currently approved long-baseline experiments and is competitive with the proposed JHF superbeam.Comment: 19 pages, 8 figure

Global fits to neutrino oscillation data

I summarize the determination of neutrino oscillation parameters within the three-flavor framework from world neutrino oscillation data with date of May 2006, including the first results from the MINOS long-baseline experiment. It is illustrated how the determination of the leading "solar" and "atmospheric" parameters, as well as the bound on $\theta_{13}$ emerge from an interplay of various complementary data sets. Furthermore, I discuss possible implications of sub-leading three-flavor effects in present atmospheric neutrino data induced by $\Delta m^2_{21}$ and $\theta_{13}$ for the bound on $\theta_{13}$ and non-maximal values of $\theta_{23}$, emphasizing, however, that these effects are not statistically significant at present. Finally, in view of the upcoming MiniBooNE results I briefly comment on the problem to reconcile the LSND signal.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, talk presented at the SNOW2006 workshop, Stockholm, 2-6 May 200

The NuMI Neutrino Beam and Potential for an Off-Axis Experiment

The Neutrinos at the Main Injector (NuMI) facility at Fermilab is under construction and due to begin operations in late 2004. NuMI will deliver an intense $\nu_{\mu}$ beam of variable energy 2-20 GeV directed into the Earth at 58 mrad. Several aspects of the design are reviewed, and potential limitations to the ultimate neutrino flux are described. In addition, potential measurements of neutrino mixing properties are described.Comment: talk given at NuFact '02, Imperial College London, proceedings to appear in J. Phys. G, revised to add a referenc

First hint for CP violation in neutrino oscillations from upcoming superbeam and reactor experiments

We compare the physics potential of the upcoming neutrino oscillation experiments Daya Bay, Double Chooz, NOvA, RENO, and T2K based on their anticipated nominal luminosities and schedules. After discussing the sensitivity to theta_{13} and the leading atmospheric parameters, we demonstrate that leptonic CP violation will hardly be measurable without upgrades of the T2K and NOvA proton drivers, even if theta_{13} is large. In the presence of the proton drivers, the fast track to hints for CP violation requires communication between the T2K and NOvA collaborations in terms of a mutual synchronization of their neutrino-antineutrino run plans. Even in that case, upgrades will only discover CP violation in a relatively small part of the parameter space at the 3 sigma confidence level, while 90% confidence level hints will most likely be obtained. Therefore, we conclude that a new facility will be required if the goal is to obtain a significant result with high probability.Comment: 27 pages, 12 figure