The Gallium Solar Neutrino Experiment Gallex

Abstract

The low threshold (233 keV) of the neutrino capture reaction 71Ga(v e,e-)71 Ge is a real chance for the detection of solar neutrinos, particularly those coming from the pp reaction. The GALLEX experiment will measure the solar neutrino flux by counting the 71Ge atoms produced in a 30 ton gallium target in the form of a GaCl3 solution. A calibration will be done with a 51Cr source which emits 751 keV neutrinos. The detector will be set up in the Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory (Italy). The expected result will allow a better understanding of solar models and to discriminate between solar models problems and possible neutrino oscillations.