Borexino experiment

Definition

Borexino is a particle physics experiment designed to detect low-energy solar neutrinos. It is located deep underground in the Gran Sasso National Laboratory in Italy to shield it from cosmic radiation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Borexino primarily detects neutrinos emitted from the proton-proton chain reaction in the Sun's core.
2. The detector uses ultra-pure liquid scintillator to observe neutrino interactions.
3. It has provided critical data on solar neutrino fluxes, confirming predictions of the Standard Solar Model.
4. Borexino's findings have helped improve our understanding of neutrino oscillations and their properties.
5. The experiment operates under extreme radiopurity conditions to minimize background noise.

Review Questions

• What type of particles does the Borexino experiment detect?
• How does Borexino minimize interference from cosmic radiation?
• Which key reaction in the Sun’s core does Borexino primarily study?

Related terms

Neutrino: A nearly massless subatomic particle that interacts very weakly with matter and is produced in nuclear reactions, such as those in the Sun's core.

Proton-Proton Chain Reaction: The dominant fusion process occurring in the Sun’s core, where hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium and release energy.

Neutrino Oscillation: A quantum phenomenon where a neutrino changes its type (flavor) as it travels through space.