Towards probing the diffuse supernova neutrino background in all flavors

Fully understanding the average core-collapse supernova requires detecting the diffuse supernova neutrino background (DSNB) in all flavors. While the DSNB (nu) over bar (e) flux is near detection, and the DSNB nu(e) flux has a good upper limit and prospects for improvement, the DSNB nu(x) (each of nu(mu), nu(tau), (nu) over bar (mu), (nu) over bar (tau)) flux has a poor limit and heretofore had no clear path for improved sensitivity. We show that a succession of xenon-based dark matter detectors-XENON1T (completed), XENONnT/LUX-ZEPLIN (running), and DARWIN (proposed)-can dramatically improve sensitivity to DSNB nu(x) the neutrino-nucleus coherent scattering channel. XENON1T could match the present sensitivity of similar to 10(3) cm(-2) s(-1) per nu(x) flavor, XENONnT/LUX-ZEPLIN would have linear improvement of sensitivity with exposure, and a long run of DARWIN could reach a flux sensitivity of similar to 10 cm(-2) s(-1). Together, these would also contribute to greatly improve bounds on nonstandard scenarios. Ultimately, to reach the standard flux range of similar to 1 cm(-2)s(-1) even larger exposures will be needed, which we show may be possible with the series of proposed lead-based RES-NOVA detectors.

Automated summary

This study shows that a series of xenon-based dark matter detectors, such as XENON1T, XENONnT/LUX-ZEPLIN, and DARWIN, have the potential to significantly improve the sensitivity of detecting the diffuse supernova neutrino background. By operating and planning these detectors, the sensitivity to the neutrino-nucleus coherent scattering channel can be enhanced, contributing to better constraints on nonstandard scenarios.