Spectral shape analysis for electron antineutrino oscillation study by using 8Li generator with 252Cf source

Abstract

Existence of hypothetical fourth neutrino, so-called sterile neutrino, is one of open issues in the particle and neutrino physics. This fourth neutrino is a candidate for explaining some anomalies reported in LSND, MiniBoone, reactor experiments, and gallium experiments. To search for the existence of the sterile neutrino, we report detailed analysis of a feasible experiment for short baseline electron antineutrino (ν̄e) disappearance study, in which a ν̄e source from 8Li generator is considered under non-accelerator system. For 8Li production, we suggest to use 252Cf source as an intense neutron emitter, by which one can produce 8Li isotope through 7Li(n,γ)8Li reaction, effectively. Using the 8Li generator, one does not need any accelerator or reactor facilities because the generator can be placed on any present and/or planned neutrino detectors as closely as possible. For the effect of the possible sterile neutrinos, we estimate expected neutrino flux and event rates from the neutrino source scheme, and show neutrino disappearance features and possible reaction rate changes by the sterile neutrino using the spectral shape analysis.