Neutrino physics with an intense \nuc{51}{Cr}source and an array of low-energy threshold HPGe detectors

Abstract

We study some of the physics potential of an intense $1\,\mathrm{MCi}$ $^{51}\mathrm{Cr}$ source combined with the {\sc Majorana Demonstrator} enriched germanium detector array. The {\sc Demonstrator} will consist of detectors with ultra-low radioactive backgrounds and extremely low energy thresholds of~$\sim 400\,\mathrm{eV}$. We show that it can improve the current limit on the neutrino magnetic dipole moment. We briefly discuss physics applications of the charged-current reaction of the $^{51}\mathrm{Cr} neutrino with the $^{73}\mathrm{Ge} isotope. Finally, we argue that the rate from a realistic, intense tritium source is below the detectable limit of even a tonne-scale HPGe experiment