Long baseline study of the leading neutrino oscillation at a neutrino factory

Within the framework of three-flavor neutrino oscillations, we consider the physics potential of {nu}{sub e}{yields}{nu}{sub {mu}} appearance and {nu}{sub {mu}}{yields}{nu}{sub {mu}} survival measurements at a neutrino factory for a leading oscillation scale {delta}m{sup 2}{approx}3.5x10{sup -3} eV{sup 2}. Event rates are evaluated versus baseline and stored muon energy, and optimal values discussed. Over a sizable region of oscillation parameter space, matter effects would enable the sign of {delta}m{sup 2} to be determined from a comparison of {nu}{sub e}{yields}{nu}{sub {mu}} with {nu}(bar sign){sub e}{yields}{nu}(bar sign){sub {mu}} event rates and energy distributions. It is important, therefore, that both positive and negative muons can be stored in the ring. Measurements of the {nu}{sub {mu}}{yields}{nu}{sub {mu}} survival spectrum could determine the magnitude of {delta}m{sup 2} and the leading oscillation amplitude with a precision of O (1%-2%). (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.