Full Description
This thesis highlights the development and analysis of multiple neutrino detectors deployed to the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory as part of the COHERENT experiment. It includes a preliminary measurement of the neutrino-induced neutron cross section on lead, and analysis that led to the first inclusive electron-neutrino charged-current measurement on iodine. These results add to the small number of inelastic neutrino-nucleus cross sections measured in this energy range, which are useful for understanding supernova and solar neutrino detection sensitivity. Additionally, it discusses preliminary work for and design of COHERENT's ton-scale NaI coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEvNS) detector, currently being deployed to the SNS. Finally, it includes information on a campaign to measure the nuclear recoil quenching factor of NaI using multiple crystals, attempting to resolve inconsistencies with existing measurements.
Contents
1 Introduction.- 2 Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering (CEvNS) and the COHERENT Experiment.- 3 A Ton-Scale Detector for Observing CEvNS Recoils on Sodium
Nuclei.- 4 Measurement of Quenching Factors in NaI[Tl].- 5 Inelastic Charged-Current and Neutral-Current Interactions of Neutrinos on Nuclei.- 6 Neutrino-Induced Neutrons on Lead and Iron Nuclei.- 7 Inelastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering on Iodine Nuclei.- 8 Conclusion.
