Solar Neutrino Science with Borexino

太阳中微子在中微子具有质量和振荡的实验确认中发挥了至关重要的作用，这是超越标准模型的物理学的证据。Borexino是在意大利Gran Sasso实验室(LNGS)运行的大型太阳中微子探测器。Borexino具有灵敏度高、放射性纯度高和能量阈值低的特点，有可能将太阳中微子能谱分解成各种分量，并在~MeV能区探测真空和物质增强振荡之间的转换。UMASS小组将在以前经验的基础上，为Borexino在两个领域的科学目标做出贡献：(1)数据分析：PI目前协调美国Borexino数据分析工作，侧重于更深入地了解系统效应，以减少Be-7中微子测量速率的不确定性；以及(2)探测器稳定性：作为容器工作组的成员，PI是应力模式和容器变形以及用于校准和研究光传播特性的激光漫射器系统方面的专家。这些技能将是监测探测器稳定性的基础。该计划的更广泛影响将为学生提供在独特的国际物理实验室体验研究的机会，并对重要的科学成果产生影响。PI将继续参加一个外展项目，该项目将把来自意大利相对贫穷地区的高中生带到普林斯顿参加一个物理暑期项目。这项计划最近扩大到南达科他州的一群女性和少数族裔高中生。

Solar neutrinos have played a crucial role in the experimental confirmation that neutrinos have mass and oscillate, which is evidence of physics beyond the Standard Model. Borexino is a large solar neutrino detector in operation at the Gran Sasso Laboratory (LNGS), Italy. With its proven sensitivity, high radiopurity and low energy threshold, Borexino has the potential to resolve the solar neutrino energy spectrum into its various components and to probe the transition between vacuum and matter-enhanced oscillations in the ~ MeV energy region. Building on their previous experience, the UMass group will contribute to the scientific goals of Borexino in two areas: (1) data analysis: the PI currently coordinates the US Borexino data analysis effort, focused on a deeper understanding of systematic effects, to reduce the uncertainty on the measured rate of Be-7 neutrinos; and (2) detector stability: as members of the vessel working group, the PIs are experts on the stress patterns and vessel deformations and on the laser diffuser system used for calibration and studies of light propagation properties. These skills will be fundamental to monitor the stability of the detector.The broader impact of the program will provide students with the opportunity to experience research at a unique international physics laboratory, and to have an impact on important scientific results. The PIs will continue to participate in an outreach program that brings high school students from a relatively poor region of Italy to Princeton for a summer program in physics. This program has recently been extended to a group of women and minority high school students from South Dakota.