Physics Programme for ICARUS after 2012

The ICARUS experiment is expected to continue CNGS beam data taking in the Hall B of the LNGS during most of 2011 and 2012 to produce a few ντ events with large pt electron signatures and to search for sterile neutrino production, covering the recent anti-neutrino anomaly presented by MiniBooNE. It must be however remarked that the surviving MiniBooNE signal is nowadays associated to anti-neutrino production. A long anti-neutrino run at the CNGS, although apriori possible, is probably unrealistic because of the consequences on compatibility with OPERA and the corresponding reductions in the event rate. A considerable numbers of other neutrino related “anomalies” have grown the interest for the possible existence of exciting new physics beyond the Standard Model for values of Δm2 in the order of 1 eV2. The presence of such a phenomena, presumably due to sterile neutrinos, if confirmed, will have inevitable contributions also to the Dark Matter problem. Other hints for “anomalies” may even indicate the remarkable presence of CPT violating processes. The remarkable resolution and the large sensitive mass that we have developed with the construction and operation of ICARUS are uniquely suited for these very fundamental subjects. Therefore it is hereby proposed to move at the end of 2012 ICARUS from the LNGS to CERN, shortly after the end of the present run and in coincidence with the long CERN shutdown planned for the LHC upgrade. In the enclosed document it is explained in detail how such a move can be convincing and feasible. Incidentally, ICARUS was already initially moved from the surface location in Pavia to the LNGS. Our continued ICARUS programme should be able to give a definitive answer to the following ”anomalies”: (1) the LSND/+MiniBooNe electron neutrino and antineutrino anomalies; (2) the Gallex + Reactor disappearance anomalies of the electron signal, both for neutrino and antineutrinos and (3) an equivalent disappearance, so far unknown, in the neutrino mu-signal. (4) Another important question is the remote possibility of CPT violation identified by differences between the oscillations of neutrino and antineutrinos. The practical continuation of the ICARUS programme requires three major new steps: (a) the construction, or better the re-construction of a CERN-PS horn focussed neutrino beam; (b) the enlargement and the reformulation of the collaboration to a wider international team; and (c) the formulation and approval of a formal proposal to the SPS-C, ensuring the availability of appropriate human and financial resources. Years 2011 and 2012 could then be profitably used not only to complete the present CNGS2 but also in order to construct the additional equipment and the new PS beam in order to be able to be ready in the course of the 2013.