News Particle Physics

A tiny neutrino detector scored big at a nuclear reactor

A compact method of detecting the subatomic particles provides new tests of physics theories

A nuclear reactor, associated buildings and a cooling tower of the Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant are shown beneath a cloudy sky

Scientists detected antineutrinos with a 3-kilogram detector in an experiment at the Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant in Switzerland (shown).

 FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images

By Emily Conover

A tiny neutrino detector has found its footing in a fresh setting — at a nuclear reactor. 

Conventional detectors of the subatomic particles require metric tons of material. But the new detector has a mass of less than 3 kilograms.