BUTTON-30

The Boulby Underground Technology Testbed Observing Neutrinos (BUTTON) project aims to develop a 30-tonne test-stand#. It serves as a platform for future ktonne neutrino detectors using Gadolinium-doped water-based liquid scintillator (Gd-WbLS) technology. The project involves a consortium of organizations, including research institutions and national laboratories.

The motivation behind the project is to develop the technology for detecting neutrinos. Adding WbLS improves the energy threshold and resolution, while gadolinium enables the detection of coincident neutron captures. By combining these additives, the sensitivity and performance of the detector can be enhanced. BUTTON-30 will also demonstrate the feasibility of Gd-WbLS techniques and evaluate new photo-sensor technologies.

The project includes various work packages such as management, tank fabrication, optical modules, data acquisition (DAQ), calibration, simulation and analysis, operations, and future deployment planning. The research program aims to prepare the experiment for WbLS operations, characterize the detector's performance, and develop procedures for future deployment. The project has potential applications in neutrino physics, dark matter detection, and non-proliferation efforts.

Overall, BUTTON-30 is a crucial step towards developing larger-scale neutrino detectors and mitigating risks associated with their deployment.