Title: India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO): Physics and Potential and Current Status

Speaker: Prof. Indumathi, the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, India

Moderator: Prof. CAO Jun

Time: 10:30, May 5, 2013

Place: Room B326, IHEP Main Building

Abstract:

Neutrino oscillations with their implications for non-zero neutrino masses (and flavour mixing) are the first and currently only signal for physics beyond the Standard Model. Hence there is world-wide interest in this field. In this context, I discuss the physics reach of a magnetised Iron CALorimeter (ICAL) detector at the India-based Neutrino Observatory, a lab proposed to be based in South India. In particular, I discuss the potential of ICAL to determine the neutrino mass hierarchy, the octant of the 2--3 mixing angle, and other physics with atmospheric neutrinos. I briefly discuss also the current status of the project.

About the speaker:

D. Indumathi initially worked on strong interaction physics such as polarised nucleon structure functions, nuclear structure functions, and thermal field theory, before moving to neutrino physics. She has worked on supernova neutrinos, solar and atmospheric neutrinos as well as some work on the reach of neutrino factories including tau production and signatures.

Indumathi studied mostly in India, with a post-doc with Prof Reya in Dortmund, Germany. She has worked in different institutions in India, including Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai; CTS, Indian, Institute of Science, Bangalore; Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad; Harish-Chandra Research Institute, Ahmedabad; and The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, where she is currently working. She was one of the people involved in the INO proposal from its very inception, and is the INO Outreach Coordinator as well as co-cordinator of the Physics Working Group.

Indumathi is very interested in Science popularisation and has been invovled in many related activities in India.