Beams for European Neutrino Experiments (BENE): Midterm scientific report

The activities of BENE during 2004 and 2005 are reviewed. Neutrino oscillation experiments at accelerators offer the richest possibilities of precision studies of neutrino mixing and mass differences, with the potential of important discoveries including leptonic CP or T violation. Two main options for a major initiative have been studied: 1) a high-energy Neutrino Factory coupled to a large dense magnetized detector; 2) a lower energy betabeam and conventional superbeam, coupled to a very large low-density, non-magnetic, detector. Both offer significant scientific breakthroughs over other planned facilities. Much remains to be done to optimize and establish the cost, performance, and feasibility of either solution so as to allow comparison and decision. The proposal of a FP7 Design Study of a Neutrino Facility to be completed by the end of the decade is being prepared. Its success will require strong support and engagement at CERN and other European laboratories and funding agencies. International contributors are already engaged in the framework of an international scoping study. The recommendations and milestones proposed by BENE towards a complete conceptual design are summarized.