The Palo Verde reactor neutrino oscillation experiment

Our collaboration is operating a segmented scintillation detector, containi ng 11.3 tons of 0.1% Gd loaded liquid scintillator, at 750, 888 and 889 m d istance from three nuclear power reactors. Goal of the experiment is to sea rch for neutrino oscillations in disappearance mode. The anti-neutrino capt ure on the proton serves as detection reaction. The experiment is expected to reach a sensitivity of Delta m(2) > 1.3.10(-3) eV(2) and sin(2) 2 Theta > 0.1. Our range of sensitivity is tuned to test the v(mu) --> v(e) solutio n of the atmospheric neutrino anomaly as reported by the Kamiokande experim ent. Assembly of the detector in an underground lab, with 32 mw.e. effectiv e overburden, is completed. Since June 1998 we are taking data at full reac tor power. Detector design and performance are discussed.