Development of a Full-Volume Calibration System for KamLAND
Abstract
The Kamioka Liquid scintillator Anti-Neutrino Detector (KamLAND) has measured the flux of anti-neutrinos from nearby nuclear power plants in Japan and made the first observation of the disapperance of reactor \overlineν_e. Recent measurements by KamLAND show evidence of spectral distortion, a clear sign of neutrino oscillation, and provide the most precise determination of the oscillation parameter Δ m^2_12. KamLAND's measurement of neutrino oscillation parameters is limited by systematics, primarily the determination of the fiducial volume. Improved calibrations are required to fully exploit KamLAND's physics potential. A novel calibration system based on the idea of an off-center calibration pole has been designed and constructed. Full-volume calibrations will allow KamLAND to test the energy response as well as the reconstruction characteristics as a function of position and energy inside the active detector volume, and improve on the fiducial volume error. Full-volume calibrations will also be critical for a measurement of the ^7Be solar neutrino flux in the proposed next phase of the KamLAND experiment.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Nuclear Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- October 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004APS..DNP.CC005H