First Results from a Search for Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering at a Reactor Site

The deployment of a low-noise 3 kg p-type point contact germanium detector at the Dresden-II power reactor, 8 meters from its 2.96 GW(th) core, is described. This location provides an unprecedented (anti) neutrino flux of 8.1 x 10(13) nu(e)/cm(2) s. When combined with the 0.2 keV(ee) detector threshold achieved, a first measurement of CE nu NS from a reactor source appears to be within reach. We report on the characterization and abatement of backgrounds during initial runs, deriving improved limits on extensions of the Standard Model involving a light vector mediator, from preliminary data.