What Can Be Learned with a Lead-Based Supernova-Neutrino Detector?

Abstract

We examine the prospects for using lead as a supernova-neutrino detector by considering the spectrum of electrons produced, and the number of one- and two-neutron events. We show that the electron energy spectrum from charged-current reactions can be used to extract information about the high-temperature component of the neutrino spectrum. Some degree of electron neutrino oscillation is expected in the supernova envelope. We examine the prospects for untangling the signatures of various oscillation scenarios, including, e.g. normal or inverted hierarchies, and different values for the small mixing angle, theta_13.