The Palo Verde reactor neutrino oscillation experiment

Abstract Our collaboration is operating a segmented scintillation detector, containing 11.3 tons of 0.1% Gd loaded liquid scintillator, at 750, 888 and 889 m distance from three nuclear power reactors. Goal of the experiment is to search for neutrino oscillations in disappearance mode. The anti-neutrino capture on the proton serves as detection reaction. The experiment is expected to reach a sensitivity of Δm 2 > 1.3 · 10 −3 eV 2 and sin 2 2Θ > 0.1. Our range of sensitivity is tuned to test the ν μ ↔ ν e solution of the atmospheric neutrino anomaly as reported by the Kamiokande experiment. Assembly of the detector in an underground lab, with 32 mw.e. effective overburden, is completed. Since June 1998 we are taking data a full reactor power. Detector design and performance are discussed.