Liquid helium and liquid neon-sensitive, low background scintillation media for the detection of low energy neutrinos

The use of liquid helium and neon as scintillators for neutrino detection i s investigated Several unique properties of these cryogens make them promis ing candidates for real-time solar neutrino spectroscopy: large ultraviolet scintillation yield's from ionizing radiation, transparency to their own s cintillation light, and low levels of radioactive impurities. When neutrino s scatter from electrons in liquid helium or neon, ultraviolet light is emi tted. The ultraviolet scintillation light can be efficiently converted to t he visible with wavelength shifting films. In this way the neutrino-electro n scattering events can be detected by photomultiplier tribes at room tempe rature. We conclude that the solar neutrino flux from the p + p --> e(+) d + v(e) reaction could he characterized anti monitored versus time using a 10 ton mass of liquid helium or neon as a scintillation target.