Coherent scattering is a flavor-blind, high-rate, as yet undetected neutrino
interaction predicted by the Standard Model. We propose to use a compact
(kg-scale), two-phase (liquid-gas) argon ionization detector to measure
coherent neutrino scattering off nuclei. In our approach, neutrino-induced
nuclear recoils in the liquid produce a weak ionization signal, which is
transported into a gas under the influence of an electric field, amplified via
electroluminescence, and detected by phototubes or avalanche diodes. This paper
describes the features of the detector, and estimates signal and background
rates for a reactor neutrino source. Relatively compact detectors of this type,
capable of detecting coherent scattering, offer a new approach to flavor-blind
detection of man-made and astronomical neutrinos, and may allow development of
compact neutrino detectors capable of non-intrusive real-time monitoring of
fissile material in reactors.Comment: 5 pages, Nuclear Science Symposium, Portland, OR, Oct 19-25, 200