How can a detector establish that an unseen particle changes identity? The Super-Kamiokande atmospheric-neutrino experiment compares different travel paths; the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory compares different interaction channels. Both infer neutrino flavor from reaction products and calibrated responses. Their complementarity connects particle detection to neutrino oscillation, neutrino mass and neutrino astronomy.
Takaaki Kajita and Arthur B. McDonald shared the 2015 physics Nobel Prize. These were collaboration achievements: Yoichiro Suzuki's Super-Kamiokande work included the solar neutrino analysis, and George Ewan helped establish and lead the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory.[ref]
ICRR’s Takaaki Kajita to share Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics by Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo. Research contributions of Kajita and Suzuki; shared 2015 prize
[ref]https://www.queensu.ca/gazette/stories/queen-s-remembers-professor-emeritus-george-ewan/. 17 December 2020: founding and joint leadership of SNO
The older Kamiokande account explains water Cherenkov neutrino reconstruction; Raymond Davis Jr.'s Homestake experiment explains why a deficit in an electron neutrino channel alone leaves a source-versus-propagation ambiguity. Complementary channels can break that ambiguity.
Takaaki Kajita 2026-10-18
A physicist researching atmospheric neutrinos and neutrino oscillations.[ref]
ICRR’s Takaaki Kajita to share Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics by Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo. Independent professional identity
Yoichiro Suzuki 2026-10-18
A physicist researching solar neutrinos and neutrino detection.[ref]
ICRR’s Takaaki Kajita to share Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics by Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo. Independent professional identity