Neutrino Detection Using Lead Perchlorate

νx + 208 Pb ⇒ Pb + ν ′ x (NC) ⇓ Pb+ xγ + yn The number of neutrons emitted (0, 1, or 2) depends on the neutrino energy and whether the interaction is via the charged current (CC) or neutral current (NC). The nuclear physics of this system is described in Ref. [4]. A lead-based neutrino detector must have an appreciable density of Pb atoms and the capability of detecting the electrons, gammas and neutrons produced in the reaction. Lead Perchlorate (Pb(ClO4)2) has a very high solubility in water (500 g Pb(ClO4)2 /100 g H2O [6]) and the saturated solution appears transparent to the eye. The cost for an 80% solution is approximately $10,000/tonne in quantities of 100 tonne [8]. This raises the possibility that a cost effective, Pb based, liquid Čerenkov detector can be constructed. The presence of Cl provides a nucleus with a high cross-section for neutron capture with the subsequent emission of capture γ Table 1 Some properties of an 80% Pb(ClO4)2 solution. Pb number density 1.7 x 10cm 208Pb(νe, e −) at 30 MeV 34.22 x 10cm Cl n capture cross-section 44.0b Density 2.7 gm cm Refractive index 1.50