About

Kate Scholberg is the Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor of Physics and a Bass Fellow at Duke University. She is actively involved in multiple research projects primarily focused on neutrino physics. Her work includes participation in major neutrino experiments such as Super-Kamiokande, K2K, T2K, and DUNE, which are part of the Duke High Energy Physics Neutrino Group. Additionally, she contributes to the HALO (Helium and Lead Observatory) and the SuperNova Early Warning System (SNEWS), which are dedicated to detecting neutrinos from supernovae. Scholberg is also involved in the COHERENT experiment at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), as well as the CLEAR experiment, which studies neutrinos at the SNS. Her research extends to the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) and the MACRO experiment, highlighting a broad engagement with particle physics and astrophysics. Beyond her research, Professor Scholberg has a significant teaching role at Duke University, having taught a variety of physics courses ranging from introductory to advanced graduate levels over many years. Her academic presence spans multiple institutions and laboratories, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Kamioka Observatory in Japan, Fermilab, KEK Accelerator Laboratory, and J-PARC in Japan, indicating a collaborative and international approach to her scientific endeavors.

Research topics

• Physics
• Particle physics
• Nuclear physics
• Astronomy
• Artificial Intelligence
• Optics
• Computer Science
• Astrophysics
• Machine Learning
• Data science
• Earth science
• Atomic physics
• Systems engineering
• Medicine
• Geology
• Environmental science
• Engineering
• Algorithm
• Quantum mechanics

Selected publications

• Data-driven core-collapse supernova multilateration with first neutrino events

  Physical review. D/Physical review. D. · 2026-02-09

  preprintOpen access

  A Galactic core-collapse supernova (CCSN) is likely to be observed in neutrino detectors around the world minutes to hours before the electromagnetic radiation arrives. The SuperNova Early Warning System (SNEWS2.0) network of neutrino and dark matter detectors aims to use the relative arrival times of the neutrinos at the different experiments to point back to the supernova so as to facilitate follow-up observation. One of the simplest methods to estimate the CCSN direction is to use the first neutrino events detected through the inverse <a:math xmlns:a="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> <a:mi>β</a:mi> </a:math> decay (IBD) process, <c:math xmlns:c="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> <c:msub> <c:mover accent="true"> <c:mi>ν</c:mi> <c:mo stretchy="false">¯</c:mo> </c:mover> <c:mi>e</c:mi> </c:msub> <c:mi>p</c:mi> <c:mo stretchy="false">→</c:mo> <c:msup> <c:mi>e</c:mi> <c:mo>+</c:mo> </c:msup> <c:mi>n</c:mi> </c:math> . We will consider neutrino detectors sensitive to IBD interactions with low backgrounds. The difference in signal arrival times between a large and a small detector will be biased, however, with the first event at the smaller detector, on average, arriving later than that at the larger detector. This bias can be mitigated by using these first events in a data-driven approach without recourse to simulations or models. The resulting method requires, at minimum, only the times of the first events at most detectors, along with a longer time series of events from one larger detector to act as a reference lightcurve. In this article, we demonstrate this method and its uncertainty estimate using pairs of detectors of different sizes and with different supernova distances. Finally, we use this method to calculate probability skymaps using four detectors currently in operation, Super-Kamiokande, Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), Large Volume Detector (LVD), and <h:math xmlns:h="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> <h:mrow> <h:mi>SNO</h:mi> <h:mo>+</h:mo> </h:mrow> </h:math> , and show that the calculated probabilities yield appropriate confidence intervals for all supernova directions. The area of the 68% confidence interval varies by distance and direction, but is expected to be a few thousand square degrees. The resulting skymaps should be useful for the multimessenger community as a rapid, initial pointing to follow up on the SNEWS2.0 Galactic CCSN neutrino alert.

  PublisherDOI

• Development of Faster and More Accurate Supernova Localization at Super-Kamiokande

  HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe) · 2026-04-09

  preprintOpen access

  The next nearby core-collapse supernova (SN) promises to yield a treasure of scientific information through multi-messenger astronomy. Early observations of the shock breakout (SBO) emissions are especially critical to understand the SN explosive mechanism as well as the properties of the progenitor star. Neutrino observatories are able to provide an early alert of a SN before the arrival of the SBO radiation. Super-Kamiokande (SK) has the unique capability to independently reconstruct an accurate SN pointing direction as part of its real-time monitoring system, ``SNWATCH.'' Recent upgrades to SK by adding gadolinium (Gd) to the detection volume have been accompanied by efforts to improve the speed and accuracy of SN direction reconstruction. A new, novel HEALPix-based approach (``HP-Fitter'') can calculate the SN direction from the reconstructed burst event directions in less than one second. As well, the previous maximum-likelihood direction fitter (``ML-Fitter'') was upgraded by incorporating event information from Gd neutron-capture as well as using the HP-Fitter for the initial fit parameters and from code refactoring and optimization. The improved ML-Fitter has better angular resolution but direction reconstruction time is $\mathcal{O}$(sec). Together with improvements in burst detection and event reconstruction times, SNWATCH is now able to generate an SN alert with pointing information in about 90 seconds. These upgrades have been implemented at SK and integrated into a new automated system to provide GCN notices.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Neutrino Scattering: Connections Across Theory and Experiment

  ArXiv.org · 2025-03-30

  preprintOpen access

  In this document drafted by the Neutrino Scattering Theory Experiment Collaboration (NuSTEC), we provide input on the synergies between theoretical and experimental efforts that can provide critical input to the prediction accuracy needed for the forthcoming high-precision neutrino measurements. These efforts involve a wide range of energies and interaction processes, as well as target nuclei and interaction probes. The challenges discussed will be overcome only through the active support of integrated collaboration across strong and electroweak physics from both the nuclear and high energy physics communities.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering

  Elsevier eBooks · 2025-01-01

  book-chapterSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Evidence of Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering with COHERENT’s Germanium Array

  Physical Review Letters · 2025-06-09 · 23 citations

  articleOpen access

  We report the first detection of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEvNS) on natural germanium, measured at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Ge-Mini detector of the COHERENT collaboration employs large-mass, low-noise, high-purity germanium spectrometers, enabling excellent energy resolution, and an analysis threshold of 1.5 keV electron-equivalent ionization energy. We observe an on-beam excess of 20.6_{-6.3}^{+7.1} counts with a total exposure of 10.22 GWhkg, and we reject the no-CEvNS hypothesis with 3.9σ significance. The result agrees with the predicted standard model of particle physics signal rate within 2σ.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• DUNE Phase II: Scientific Opportunities, Detector Concepts, Technological Solutions

  arXiv (Cornell University) · 2024 · 5 citations

  • Earth science
  • Environmental science
  • Physics

  The international collaboration designing and constructing the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) at the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) has developed a two-phase strategy toward the implementation of this leading-edge, large-scale science project. The 2023 report of the US Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel (P5) reaffirmed this vision and strongly endorsed DUNE Phase I and Phase II, as did the European Strategy for Particle Physics. While the construction of the DUNE Phase I is well underway, this White Paper focuses on DUNE Phase II planning. DUNE Phase-II consists of a third and fourth far detector (FD) module, an upgraded near detector complex, and an enhanced 2.1 MW beam. The fourth FD module is conceived as a "Module of Opportunity", aimed at expanding the physics opportunities, in addition to supporting the core DUNE science program, with more advanced technologies. This document highlights the increased science opportunities offered by the DUNE Phase II near and far detectors, including long-baseline neutrino oscillation physics, neutrino astrophysics, and physics beyond the standard model. It describes the DUNE Phase II near and far detector technologies and detector design concepts that are currently under consideration. A summary of key R&amp;D goals and prototyping phases needed to realize the Phase II detector technical designs is also provided. DUNE's Phase II detectors, along with the increased beam power, will complete the full scope of DUNE, enabling a multi-decadal program of groundbreaking science with neutrinos.

  DOI

• First Joint Oscillation Analysis of Super-Kamiokande Atmospheric and T2K Accelerator Neutrino Data

  arXiv (Cornell University) · 2024-05-21 · 6 citations

  preprintOpen access

  The Super-Kamiokande and T2K collaborations present a joint measurement of neutrino oscillation parameters from their atmospheric and beam neutrino data. It uses a common interaction model for events overlapping in neutrino energy and correlated detector systematic uncertainties between the two datasets, which are found to be compatible. Using 3244.4 days of atmospheric data and a beam exposure of $19.7(16.3) \times 10^{20}$ protons on target in (anti)neutrino mode, the analysis finds a 1.9$σ$ exclusion of CP-conservation (defined as $J_{CP}=0$) and a preference for the normal mass ordering.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Accessing new physics with an undoped, cryogenic CsI CEvNS detector for COHERENT at the SNS

  Physical review. D/Physical review. D. · 2024-05-10 · 10 citations

  articleOpen access

  We consider the potential for a 10 kg undoped cryogenic CsI detector operating at the Spallation Neutron Source to measure coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering and its sensitivity to discover new physics beyond the standard model (BSM). Through a combination of increased event rate, lower threshold, and good timing resolution, such a detector would significantly improve on past measurements. We considered tests of several BSM scenarios such as neutrino nonstandard interactions and accelerator-produced dark matter. This detector’s performance was also studied for relevant questions in nuclear physics and neutrino astronomy, namely the weak charge distribution of Cs and I nuclei and detection of neutrinos from a core-collapse supernova. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Search for Periodic Time Variations of the Solar <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:mmultiscripts><mml:mrow><mml:mi mathvariant="normal">B</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mprescripts/><mml:none/><mml:mrow><mml:mn>8</mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:mmultiscripts></mml:mrow></mml:math> Neutrino Flux between 1996 and 2018 in Super-Kamiokande

  Physical Review Letters · 2024-06-14 · 3 citations

  articleOpen access

  We report a search for time variations of the solar ^{8}B neutrino flux using 5804 live days of Super-Kamiokande data collected between May 31, 1996, and May 30, 2018. Super-Kamiokande measured the precise time of each solar neutrino interaction over 22 calendar years to search for solar neutrino flux modulations with unprecedented precision. Periodic modulations are searched for in a dataset comprising five-day interval solar neutrino flux measurements with a maximum likelihood method. We also applied the Lomb-Scargle method to this dataset to compare it with previous reports. The only significant modulation found is due to the elliptic orbit of the Earth around the Sun. The observed modulation is consistent with astronomical data: we measured an eccentricity of (1.53±0.35)%, and a perihelion shift of (-1.5±13.5) days.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Performance of SK-Gd’s Upgraded Real-time Supernova Monitoring System

  The Astrophysical Journal · 2024-07-01 · 9 citations

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Among multimessenger observations of the next Galactic core-collapse supernova, Super-Kamiokande (SK) plays a critical role in detecting the emitted supernova neutrinos, determining the direction to the supernova (SN), and notifying the astronomical community of these observations in advance of the optical signal. In 2022, SK has increased the gadolinium dissolved in its water target (SK-Gd) and has achieved a Gd concentration of 0.033%, resulting in enhanced neutron detection capability, which in turn enables more accurate determination of the supernova direction. Accordingly, SK-Gd’s real-time supernova monitoring system has been upgraded. SK_SN Notice, a warning system that works together with this monitoring system, was released on 2021 December 13, and is available through GCN Notices. When the monitoring system detects an SN-like burst of events, SK_SN Notice will automatically distribute an alarm with the reconstructed direction to the supernova candidate within a few minutes. In this paper, we present a systematic study of SK-Gd’s response to a simulated Galactic SN. Assuming a supernova situated at 10 kpc, neutrino fluxes from six supernova models are used to characterize SK-Gd’s pointing accuracy using the same tools as the online monitoring system. The pointing accuracy is found to vary from 3° to 7° depending on the models. However, if the supernova is closer than 10 kpc, SK_SN Notice can issue an alarm with three-degree accuracy, which will benefit follow-up observations by optical telescopes with large fields of view.

  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• Collaborative Research: Contributions to HALO, the Helium and Lead Observatory

  NSF · $88k · 2012–2018

• WoU-MMA: Collaborative Research: A Next-Generation SuperNova Early Warning System for Multimessenger Astronomy

  NSF · $105k · 2019–2024

• Collaborative Research: SNEWS: the SuperNova Early Warning System

  NSF · $55k · 2015–2020

• CAREER: Next Steps for Neutrino Oscillation Physics

  NSF · $400k · 2004–2010

Frequent coauthors

• E. Kearns

  The University of Tokyo

  977 shared

• M. R. Vagins

  University of California, Irvine

  883 shared

• C. W. Walter

  Duke University

  883 shared

• Y. Suzuki

  Kobe University

  810 shared

• Y. Takeuchi

  University of Regina

  753 shared

• C. K. Jung

  Stony Brook University

  740 shared

• M. Nakahata

  The University of Tokyo

  670 shared

• Y. Hayato

  666 shared

Awards & honors

• Arts & Sciences Distinguished Professor of Physics (2018 - P…
• Bass Fellow (2013 - Present)