Neutrino–nucleus cross-section measurements at intense, pulsed spallation sources

Abstract

There are several proposals to build facilities similar to the neutron spallation source (SNS) under construction at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). These are also prolific sources of intermediate energy neutrinos. We have used the parameters of the SNS to compute the spectra, flux and time structure of neutrinos from stopped-pions and muons from protons impinging on a high-Z target. We demonstrate the feasibility of a broad programme of measurements of neutrino–nucleus cross-sections, important in weak interaction nuclear physics and nuclear astrophysics that could be carried out at such facilities.