NuMi Off-Axis Neutrino Appearance - NOVA Document Database ...

2. TECHNICAL
2.1 Scintillator and Fiber
2.1.1 Findings
The Committee was impressed with the competence, depth of knowledge, and extensive
experience of the scintillator team in performing physics experiments with LS and WLSF. This
experience and expertise was obtained in previous, successful experiments, such as the Main
Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search (MINOS), the Neutrinos at Tevatron experiment (NuTeV),
and the Monopole Astrophysics and Cosmic Ray Observatory (MACRO). The proposed NOνA
conceptual design for the LS and WLSF is a natural extension of this work.
The conceptual designs are excellent and satisfy the NOνA performance requirements.
In particular, the composition, preparation, and performance of the LS and WLSF have been well
studied and researched. Also well understood are the blending of the LS components, the testing
and quality control associated with each step in the blending procedures that lead to the final LS
mixture, the transport of the LS to the far-detector site, and the loading of the detectors at the far
and near sites.
The scintillator team is properly addressing various environmental safety and health (ES&H)
issues, such as fire prevention and prevention of LS release into the environment. The present cost
and schedule estimates seem to be reasonable; the costs of several major components are based on
quotations from oil and fiber vendors.
2.1.2 Comments
The conceptual designs for the WLSF and especially for the LS are meticulous and
detailed more than what is required for CD-1. Nevertheless, further R&D is required over the
next year to finalize the specifications for the WLSF. The WLSF delivery schedule is on the
critical path and the cost of the WLSF has increased significantly in recent months. It is prudent
to explore proposals from more than one vendor.
For future CD-2/CD-3, Approve Start of Construction, reviews, it will be important to
complete the following actions:
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