Detection methods at reactor neutrino experiments

Abstract

In 2011 and 2012, the smallest neutrino mixing angle θ13 was determined to be unexpected large by reactor neutrino experiments Daya Bay, Double Chooz, and RENO, and accelerator experiments T2K and MINOS. The most precise measurement is sin22θ13=0.089±0.010(stat.)±0.005(syst.), provided by Daya Bay. The measurement of θ13 opened the gateway to the mass hierarchy and CP phase measurements. It also marked the beginning of precision measurements in neutrino studies. With near-far relative measurement and improvements in detector design, the relative precision of neutrino detectors reached 0.2%. Detection methods for reactor neutrinos are reviewed. The highlighted techniques include gadolinium-doped liquid scintillator, three-layer detectors, functionally identical detectors, reflective panel, background shielding, etc. The next generation reactor neutrino experiment Daya Bay II and its technical challenges are briefly described.