PROSPECT- A Precision Reactor Oscillation and Spectrum Experiment

PROSPECT, the Precision Reactor Oscillation and Spectrum Experiment, is an effort to resolve anomalous results observed in previous neutrino physics experiments. The primary physics goals of PROSPECT are to perform a search for short baseline neutrino oscillations (Δm ² ∼ 1eV²) and to make a high precision measurement of the ²³⁵U reactor antineutrino energy spectrum. PROSPECT will operate close to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's High Flux Isotope Reactor, where very little cosmic-ray attenuating overburden is available. To make precision measurements in this difficult environment, PROSPECT has developed a segmented detector design using a ⁶Li-doped liquid scintillator which provides excellent energy resolution and background rejection. (paper)