Session E1: Penary II

An Introduction to Neutrino Physics

The neutrinos are among the most abundant sub-atomic particles in the universe. We will introduce the neutrinos, review what has been learned about them, and explain how it has been learned. Then, we will identify leading open questions about the neutrinos, and discuss in detail two of them: What is the origin of neutrino mass, and can neutrinos explain why the universe contains matter but no antimatter?   

Nuclear Beta Decay: Using the Atomic Nucleus to Probe Symmetries of the Weak Interaction

The study of how atoms radioactively decay has played a critical role in developing the standard model of particle physics, our modern understanding of the forces and particles governing our universe. In particular, beta decay has led to a number of revolutionary developments regarding fundamental symmetries of the weak interaction, not the least of which was the demonstration that parity is violated. Modern technologies have advanced to the point where beta decay may be measured to the astounding precision of $<$0.1$\%$, at which point the sensitivity to new physics is complementary to other searches such as at the LHC. I will explain how beta decay can be used to search for physics beyond the standard model, and how atom-trapping and optical-pumping techniques provide us with the tools required to reach the precision needed.   

The Basics of Detecting Neutrinos

Neutrinos are invisible neutral particles that are constantly passing through us from all directions. In the last few decades we have learned to detect them with many techniques. These observations have led to new discoveries and questions about our universe. In this presentation, I will provide basic understanding of the technology of neutrino detectors. I will illustrate this with many examples of past and present detectors.