Neutrino Detection using Q-Pix readout system for LArTPCs

Neutrinos are fundamental particles in the standard model of particle physics. Since their first detection in 1956, neutrinos have continued to challenge our understanding of the standard model, the structure of fundamental forces, and the evolution of the universe. Despite the abundance of neutrinos in nature, they remain extremely difficult to detect experimentally - only interacting with other particles via gravity and the weak nuclear force. Advancements in neutrino detection methods have only revealed more questions about the nature of neutrinos, which have been shown to have a very small mass (contrary to original standard model predictions) and oscillate spontaneously between the three flavors. The desire to better understand the nature of neutrinos and learn of potential implications of this nature serves as the motivation for large-scale neutrino experiments such as the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), and the development of new types of neutrino detectors such as the Q-Pix liquid Argon time projection chamber (LArTPC). This type of detector utilizes a pixelated readout system to achieve incredibly precise event reconstruction, which will improve our understanding of neutrino physics. This talk will cover the motivations for neutrino research, the Q-Pix readout concept, and the status of Q-Pix prototype detectors.