The NOvA Neutrino Calorimeter

The NOvA experiment is a long baseline neutrino detector designed to 1) observe oscillations of muon neutrinos to electron neutrinos, 2) determine the ordering of the neutrino mass states, and 3) observe CP violation in neutrinos if it exists. To accomplish this, the NOvA detector is a unique low-Z, high sampling fraction calorimeter capable of precise measurements of the particles produced in a neutrino interaction while also being able to reject particles from background cosmic rays. Some experience has already been obtained with the operation of a prototype near detector on the Fermi lab site, and construction of the far detector is just beginning in northern Minnesota. The calorimetric properties of the NOvA detector will be described with emphasis on relevance to the overall experimental goals.