In an ambitious effort to uncover the secrets of the universe, the Catlin experiment (Karrl Srue Tritium Neutrino) leads charging in measuring the precise mass of neutrinos, one of the most challenging fields of modern physics.
Based in Germany and supported by a global network of over 20 research institutes in seven countries, Catlin has set a new global benchmark in the field of direct neutrino mass measurement.
Neutrinos are very abundant and virtually undetectable in normal substances. Despite their elusive nature, these particles are essential to understanding the universe.
Those small masses have important implications, from affecting the formation of galaxies to revealing gaps in standard models of particle physics. Understanding the mass of neutrinos can lead to discoveries that reconstruct knowledge of matter, energy, and the early universe.
World-leading accuracy in neutrino detection
The catrin experiment focuses on studying the beta decay of tritium, a radioisotope of hydrogen.
In this process, tritium decays into helium, releasing electrons and neutrinos. By accurately analyzing the energy distribution of emitted electrons, researchers can infer the mass of neutrinos associated with them.
To achieve this, Catlin employs a cutting-edge 70-meter-long beamline and one of the largest spectrometers ever built, 10 meters in diameter.
This complex setup allows for the most sensitive and accurate direct neutrino mass measurements ever.
New results set the bar high
Katlin’s latest analysis based on five measurement campaigns conducted between 2019 and 2021 has produced surprising results. The upper limit of neutrino mass was reduced to approximately 8 x 10° kilograms to 0.45 evolts per kilogram.
This is almost twice as accurate as the results published in 2022, indicating a major advance in neutrino physics.
This milestone was achieved using only about 25% of the total data the experiments expected to collect.
As Katrin continues its business through 2025, further improvements in sensitivity are expected, allowing researchers to detect finite neutrino masses or even reduce the upper limit.
Advanced data analysis with AI-supported
Advanced calculation methods are required to extract meaningful results from these tiny energy differences.
Katlin’s collaboration employs cutting-edge data analysis techniques, including artificial intelligence, to process and interpret highly sensitive measurements.
This innovation has helped to boost the accuracy of the experiment to new heights.
Eyes to the Future: Tristan and Catlin++
The next phase of the project is already in shape. In 2026, Catlin will be upgraded with the Tristan detector system. This allows for the search for sterile neutrinos (virtual particles) that may form the components of dark matter.
These particles are thought to interact even weaker than known neutrinos, explaining some unresolved phenomena in cosmology.
Alongside Tristan, the Catlin++ initiative will launch a new research and development program aimed at designing future experiments that can reach even higher sensitivity in neutrino mass detection.
Unlocking the smallest secrets of the universe
Catlin’s groundbreaking advancements are a major step towards elucidating the nature of neutrinos and their role in the universe.
As scientists continue to improve their measurements and expand their experimental capabilities, the goal of a complete understanding of neutrino mass and its impact on physics and cosmology comes closer to reality.
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