A design outline for a Cherenkoff neutrino observatory

Abstract

An economical procedure to upgrade the existing Fairport water Cherenkoff detector is described. The detector will lower its energy threshold by increased photocoverage and light yield. Furthermore, by addition of a Gd salt it will become sensitive to neutrons produced by the inverse beta decay of anti-neutrinos on protons. The new detector can then take advantage of the existence of the Perry power nuclear reactor, located 12.9km away, as a large source of anti-neutrinos. The present gap in the exclusion plot of the neutrino oscillation parameters ($\Delta m^2$ from $2\times 10^{-4}$ to $10^{-2} eV^2$) may be explored and closed within 12-18 months of run-time. The detector will be able to observe other types of neutrino sources (Boron-8 solar, atmospheric, and supernova) with unprecedented advantages. The low threshold also will allow searching for exotic modes of proton-decay.