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Precision Measurement of Neutrino Oscillation Parameters and Investigation of Nuclear Georeactor Hypothesis with KamLAND

Citation

Zhang, Chao (2011) Precision Measurement of Neutrino Oscillation Parameters and Investigation of Nuclear Georeactor Hypothesis with KamLAND. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/ME5M-F406. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06102010-171034096

Abstract

A combined analysis of examining the neutrino oscillation parameters and investigation of nuclear georeactor hypothesis with the KamLAND experiement is presented. With a total exposure of 2.75 kton-years, 930 anti-electron-neutrino candidate events above 3.4 MeV neutrino energy threshold were detected, with estimated 109±13 events from backgrounds. Assuming CPT invariance by combining with solar neutrino results, the best-fit value of georeactor fission power is 4.9+3.8-4.8 TW. The 90% upper limit on the georeactor power is determined to be 11.2 TW. This result has put a significant constraint on the contribution of a possible georeactor to the total heat from the Earth. The best-fit values of the neutrino oscillation parameters, including the georeactor power as a free parameter, is consistent with KamLAND's previously published results with null-georeactor assumption.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:KamLAND; Georeactor; Neutrino Oscillation
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Major Option:Physics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • McKeown, Robert D.
Thesis Committee:
  • McKeown, Robert D. (chair)
  • Filippone, Bradley W.
  • Golwala, Sunil
  • Vogel, Petr
Defense Date:10 June 2010
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:06102010-171034096
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06102010-171034096
DOI:10.7907/ME5M-F406
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:5946
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Chao Zhang
Deposited On:14 Sep 2010 21:14
Last Modified:09 Oct 2019 17:05

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