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Reactor antineutrinos CEνNS on germanium: CONUS+ and TEXONO as a new gateway to SM and BSM physics

M. Atzori Corona1,*, M. Cadeddu2,†, N. Cargioli2,‡, F. Dordei2,§, and C. Giunti3,∥

  • *Contact author: mcorona@roma2.infn.it
  • †Contact author: matteo.cadeddu@ca.infn.it
  • ‡Contact author: nicola.cargioli@ca.infn.it
  • §Contact author: francesca.dordei@cern.ch
  • ∥Contact author: carlo.giunti@to.infn.it
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Phys. Rev. D 112, 015007 – Published 9 July, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/n563-8v8d

Abstract

Coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEνNS) is a key process for probing Standard Model and beyond the Standard Model (BSM) properties. Following its first detection by the COHERENT Collaboration, recent reactor-based experiments provide a unique opportunity to refine our current understanding. In particular, the high-precision data from CONUS+, combined with the strong bounds from TEXONO, not only validate the CEνNS process at low energies but also provide improved constraints on the weak mixing angle, neutrino electromagnetic properties (including the charge radius, millicharge, and magnetic moment), and nonstandard interactions and light mediators. We also examine the role of elastic neutrino-electron scattering, which gains significance in certain BSM scenarios and allows us to obtain the best limit for the millicharge of the electron neutrinos. By combining reactor and higher-energy spallation neutron source measurements, this work strengthens CEνNS as a precision tool for testing the Standard Model and beyond.

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Phys. Rev. D 112, 015007– Published 9 July, 2025
  • Received 17 February 2025
  • Accepted 23 June 2025
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