Using Reactors to Measure $\theta_{13}$

Abstract

A next-generation neutrino oscillation experiment using reactor neutrinos could give important information on the size of mixing angle $\theta_{13}$. The motivation and goals for a new reactor measurement are discussed in the context of other measurements using off-axis accelerator neutrino beams. The reactor measurements give a clean measure of the mixing angle without ambiguities associated with the size of the other mixing angles, matter effects, and effects due to CP violation. The key question is whether a next-generation experiment can reach the needed sensitivity goals to make a measurement for $\sin^{2}2\theta_{13}$ at the 0.01 level. The limiting factors associated with a reactor disappearance measurement are described with some ideas of how sensitivities can be improved. Examples of possible experimental setups are presented and compared with respect to cost and sensitivity.