First results from a search for coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering at a reactor site
J. Colaresi, J. I. Collar, T. W. Hossbach, A. Kavner, C. M. Lewis, A. E. Robinson, K. M. Yocum
Abstract
The deployment of a low-noise 3 kg p-type point contact germanium detector at the Dresden-II power reactor, 8 meters from its $2.96\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{GW}}_{\mathrm{th}}$ core, is described. This location provides an unprecedented (anti)neutrino flux of $8.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{13}\text{ }\text{ }\overline{{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}\text{ }\mathrm{s}$. When combined with the $0.2\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{keV}}_{ee}$ detector threshold achieved, a first measurement of $\mathrm{CE}\ensuremath{\nu}\mathrm{NS}$ from a reactor source appears to be within reach. We report on the characterization and abatement of backgrounds during initial runs, deriving improved limits on extensions of the Standard Model involving a light vector mediator, from preliminary data.