CAREER: Next Steps for Neutrino Oscillation Physics

Duke University, Durham NC

Investigators

Abstract

This CAREER proposal is a request for support for the Principal Investigator's continuing involvement in experimental neutrino physics and describes her plan to play a role in the intermediate detector of the new J-PARCnu project. Over the next several years, our knowledge of two-flavor oscillation parameter space will be refined by several experiments, including Super-K and K2K. Assuming that a "standard" 3-flavor picture holds, the next steps will be to fully explore the masses and mixings in a 3-flavor context by determining the value of theta13, determining the mass hierarchy, and, ultimately, searching for CP violation in the lepton sector. Knowledge of these parameters is essential for a full understanding of the matter-antimatter asymmetry of the universe. The next promising step is to search for theta13 via an electron-neutrino appearance in a muon-neutrino beam. Because theta13, and hence the amplitude for electron-neutrino appearance, is known to be small, this is a challenging task. The J-PARCnu project, which involves a new high-intensity muon-neutrino beam originating at the J-PARC facility and sent to a refurbished Super-K far detector, will have a sensitivity to theta13 approximately 20 times better than current limits. "Phase II" of this program aims to determine the mass hierarchy, and search for leptonic CP violation. The proposal describes education and outreach activities related to neutrino physics. Specifically, it proposes to develop and make available a neutrino physics workshop module for high school teachers.