Inverse Beta Decay in a Nonequilibrium Antineutrino Flux from a Nuclear Reactor

Abstract

The evolution of the reactor antineutrino spectrum toward equilibrium above the inverse beta-decay threshold during the reactor operating period and the decay of residual antineutrino radiation after reactor shutdown are considered. It is found that, under certain conditions, these processes can play a significant role in experiments seeking neutrino oscillations.

Comments: 8 pages including 5 ps figures