The next generation long-baseline experiments aim to unprecedented systematic accuracy (better than 3%). As demonstrated by current experiments (MINOS, T2K, NOvA), near detector(s) will be a key element to achieve this goal, together with neutrino event generators and complementary measurements/simulations as hadron production.

In the past two decades the European neutrino community has acquired significant know-how in detector technology for a wide range of neutrino physics topics, which is a crucial background to define the best design of a near detector.

CERN proposes to act as a forum for the European effort to understand the needs and requirements for the future generation of Near Detectors and in parallel to contribute to improve the existing neutrino event generators. Even though this study group was initially motivated by the DUNE needs, its goals and participation extend to a larger audience. A wealth of experimental and theoretical activities, ideas, collaborations, is emerging in Europe, some of them already connected with CERN, as for instance the Neutrino theory group, the ArgonCube and BabyMind detector activities, and more recently the Expression of Interest for Near detectors based on gas TPC. Developments from all these efforts can be of interest for the entire Neutrino community and thus be part of a wider project.

Organisation

This collaborative effort (CENF-ND) will address the physics needs first, without any assumption on the detector technology. The final design of the detector(s) will be then derived by the compromise of the best technology solutions to achieve the desired measurements. The CENF-ND working group will work in close contact with the DUNE Near Detector Concept Study (see also near detector task force and workshops ) with the purpose to actively contribute to the final design. It also aims at fully integrating in this CENF-ND effort the groups active in the preparation and design work of the HyperKamiokande ND system so at to address their needs.

The work will be organised into four working groups. For the various contributions to the current main systematic errors (flux, cross-section modelling, pi0 background) the dedicated WG will address the paths to its reductions and the definition of detector requirements and Monte Carlo generators will be the final deliverable. A fifth working group will identify and support the R&D necessary to implement possible ND concepts.

A preliminary list and purposes of the WG activities is presented below. A separate Twiki page and mailing list have been set up for each WG.

@ Work

If you are interested to join the CERN effort on near detector for neutrino experiments, subscribe to CENF-ND .

Current list of members here

Meetings in indico (CERN, Home » Projects » CENF » Near Detectors)

First general vidyo meeting on Tuesday 11th July at 14:00 CEST :

• Agenda: https://indico.cern.ch/event/652260/
• Minutes: CENF-NDintromeeting_minutes.pdf

General meeting (via vydio) in September A short mail from each member with expression of interest for one or more (sub) topics would be welcome.

General Meetig at CERN 27th and 28th November * Agenda and registration https://indico.cern.ch/event/674901

General Meetig at CERN 18th April * Agenda https://indico.cern.ch/event/718570