Neutrino Physics with PROSPECT Background Characterization at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR)*

The Precision Reactor Oscillation and Spectrum Experiment (PROSPECT) is a neutrino experiment at short baselines that aims to search for the existence of sterile neutrinos and precisely measure the energy spectrum of antineutrinos emitted from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). A complete characterization of background sources present throughout the course of the experiment is required to obtain a proper understanding of the reactor’s response, as well as to investigate the variation of background during operation periods. The PROSPECT detector has been collecting data since March 16th of the present year. This study presents data obtained through measurements and simulations of the background sources at HFIR, along with preliminary results of the detector’s performance. A brief overview of the detector’s status and main physics goals are presented.