Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment proton decay

In summary, the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) uses 70,000 tons of liquid Argon and has the potential to also search for proton decay. Despite its high cost of several billion dollars, it has the capability to further test for proton decay. However, there have been concerns about misrepresenting the results and capabilities of experiments, and it would be better to ask if DUNE is sensitive to proton decay and if not, why not.
  • #1
kodama
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is there a reason that Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment which uses 70, 000 tons of liquid Argon doesn't also do double duty work as a proton decay experiment?

Argon has plenty of protons and 70, 0000 tons is a lot of material to work with

it costs several billion dollars so why not use this as an opportunity to further test proton decay
 
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  • #2
No. DUNE can search for proton decay. See for example this talk.
 
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  • #3
Kodama, you have a bad habit of misrepresenting the results and capabilities of experiments. Wouldn't it have been better to ask a question like "Is DUNE sensitive to proton decay? If not why not?"
 
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1. What is the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE)?

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment is a leading-edge particle physics experiment that aims to study neutrinos, which are tiny, elusive particles that are abundant in the universe. DUNE will also search for evidence of proton decay, which would provide crucial insights into the fundamental nature of matter.

2. Why is DUNE being conducted underground?

DUNE is being conducted deep underground, specifically in the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota, because it provides a natural shield against cosmic rays and other background particles that could interfere with the sensitive instruments used to study neutrinos. This allows for more precise and accurate measurements.

3. What is proton decay and why is it important to study?

Proton decay is the hypothetical process in which a proton, one of the building blocks of matter, decays into lighter particles. This phenomenon is predicted by some theories, but has not yet been observed. Studying proton decay would provide crucial insights into the fundamental laws of physics and could potentially unify the different theories that currently describe the universe.

4. How will DUNE detect proton decay?

DUNE will use a massive detector made up of liquid argon to capture and study the byproducts of proton decay. When a proton decays, it will produce particles called pions, which will then decay into neutrinos and other particles. The liquid argon detector will be able to capture and study these particles, providing evidence of proton decay.

5. What are the potential implications if proton decay is observed in the DUNE experiment?

If proton decay is observed in the DUNE experiment, it would be a groundbreaking discovery in the field of particle physics. It would provide evidence for the unification of the fundamental forces and could potentially lead to a deeper understanding of the origins and structure of the universe. This discovery would also have major implications for technology and could potentially lead to new advancements in energy production and other fields.

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