Showing 1–50 of 92 results for author: Van de Water, R G

Performance of a modular ton-scale pixel-readout liquid argon time projection chamber

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, M. R. Adames, G. Adamov, M. Adamowski, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, C. Adriano, A. Aduszkiewicz, J. Aguilar, B. Aimard, F. Akbar, K. Allison, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. Alrashed, A. Alton, R. Alvarez, T. Alves, H. Amar, P. Amedo, J. Anderson, D. A. Andrade , et al. (1340 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Module-0 Demonstrator is a single-phase 600 kg liquid argon time projection chamber operated as a prototype for the DUNE liquid argon near detector. Based on the ArgonCube design concept, Module-0 features a novel 80k-channel pixelated charge readout and advanced high-coverage photon detection system. In this paper, we present an analysis of an eight-day data set consisting of 25 million cosmi… ▽ More The Module-0 Demonstrator is a single-phase 600 kg liquid argon time projection chamber operated as a prototype for the DUNE liquid argon near detector. Based on the ArgonCube design concept, Module-0 features a novel 80k-channel pixelated charge readout and advanced high-coverage photon detection system. In this paper, we present an analysis of an eight-day data set consisting of 25 million cosmic ray events collected in the spring of 2021. We use this sample to demonstrate the imaging performance of the charge and light readout systems as well as the signal correlations between the two. We also report argon purity and detector uniformity measurements, and provide comparisons to detector simulations. △ Less

Submitted 5 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Comments: 47 pages, 41 figures

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-24-0073-LBNF

Doping Liquid Argon with Xenon in ProtoDUNE Single-Phase: Effects on Scintillation Light

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, M. R. Adames, G. Adamov, M. Adamowski, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, C. Adriano, A. Aduszkiewicz, J. Aguilar, B. Aimard, F. Akbar, K. Allison, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. Alrashed, A. Alton, R. Alvarez, H. Amar Es-sghir, P. Amedo, J. Anderson, D. A. Andrade, C. Andreopoulos , et al. (1300 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Doping of liquid argon TPCs (LArTPCs) with a small concentration of xenon is a technique for light-shifting and facilitates the detection of the liquid argon scintillation light. In this paper, we present the results of the first doping test ever performed in a kiloton-scale LArTPC. From February to May 2020, we carried out this special run in the single-phase DUNE Far Detector prototype (ProtoDUN… ▽ More Doping of liquid argon TPCs (LArTPCs) with a small concentration of xenon is a technique for light-shifting and facilitates the detection of the liquid argon scintillation light. In this paper, we present the results of the first doping test ever performed in a kiloton-scale LArTPC. From February to May 2020, we carried out this special run in the single-phase DUNE Far Detector prototype (ProtoDUNE-SP) at CERN, featuring 770 t of total liquid argon mass with 410 t of fiducial mass. The goal of the run was to measure the light and charge response of the detector to the addition of xenon, up to a concentration of 18.8 ppm. The main purpose was to test the possibility for reduction of non-uniformities in light collection, caused by deployment of photon detectors only within the anode planes. Light collection was analysed as a function of the xenon concentration, by using the pre-existing photon detection system (PDS) of ProtoDUNE-SP and an additional smaller set-up installed specifically for this run. In this paper we first summarize our current understanding of the argon-xenon energy transfer process and the impact of the presence of nitrogen in argon with and without xenon dopant. We then describe the key elements of ProtoDUNE-SP and the injection method deployed. Two dedicated photon detectors were able to collect the light produced by xenon and the total light. The ratio of these components was measured to be about 0.65 as 18.8 ppm of xenon were injected. We performed studies of the collection efficiency as a function of the distance between tracks and light detectors, demonstrating enhanced uniformity of response for the anode-mounted PDS. We also show that xenon doping can substantially recover light losses due to contamination of the liquid argon by nitrogen. △ Less

Submitted 9 February, 2024; v1 submitted 2 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Comments: 35 pages, 20 figures

Report number: CERN-EP-2024-024; FERMILAB-PUB-23-0819-LBNF

The DUNE Far Detector Vertical Drift Technology, Technical Design Report

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, M. R. Adames, G. Adamov, M. Adamowski, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, C. Adriano, A. Aduszkiewicz, J. Aguilar, B. Aimard, F. Akbar, K. Allison, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. Alrashed, A. Alton, R. Alvarez, H. Amar, P. Amedo, J. Anderson, D. A. Andrade, C. Andreopoulos , et al. (1304 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: DUNE is an international experiment dedicated to addressing some of the questions at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics, including the mystifying preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe. The dual-site experiment will employ an intense neutrino beam focused on a near and a far detector as it aims to determine the neutrino mass hierarchy and to make high-precisi… ▽ More DUNE is an international experiment dedicated to addressing some of the questions at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics, including the mystifying preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe. The dual-site experiment will employ an intense neutrino beam focused on a near and a far detector as it aims to determine the neutrino mass hierarchy and to make high-precision measurements of the PMNS matrix parameters, including the CP-violating phase. It will also stand ready to observe supernova neutrino bursts, and seeks to observe nucleon decay as a signature of a grand unified theory underlying the standard model. The DUNE far detector implements liquid argon time-projection chamber (LArTPC) technology, and combines the many tens-of-kiloton fiducial mass necessary for rare event searches with the sub-centimeter spatial resolution required to image those events with high precision. The addition of a photon detection system enhances physics capabilities for all DUNE physics drivers and opens prospects for further physics explorations. Given its size, the far detector will be implemented as a set of modules, with LArTPC designs that differ from one another as newer technologies arise. In the vertical drift LArTPC design, a horizontal cathode bisects the detector, creating two stacked drift volumes in which ionization charges drift towards anodes at either the top or bottom. The anodes are composed of perforated PCB layers with conductive strips, enabling reconstruction in 3D. Light-trap-style photon detection modules are placed both on the cryostat's side walls and on the central cathode where they are optically powered. This Technical Design Report describes in detail the technical implementations of each subsystem of this LArTPC that, together with the other far detector modules and the near detector, will enable DUNE to achieve its physics goals. △ Less

Submitted 5 December, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

Comments: 425 pages; 281 figures Central editing team: A. Heavey, S. Kettell, A. Marchionni, S. Palestini, S. Rajogopalan, R. J. Wilson

Report number: Fermilab Report no: TM-2813-LBNF

Physics Opportunities at a Beam Dump Facility at PIP-II at Fermilab and Beyond

Authors: A. A. Aguilar-Arevalo, J. L. Barrow, C. Bhat, J. Bogenschuetz, C. Bonifazi, A. Bross, B. Cervantes, J. D'Olivo, A. De Roeck, B. Dutta, M. Eads, J. Eldred, J. Estrada, A. Fava, C. Fernandes Vilela, G. Fernandez Moroni, B. Flaugher, S. Gardiner, G. Gurung, P. Gutierrez, W. Y. Jang, K. J. Kelly, D. Kim, T. Kobilarcik, Z. Liu , et al. (23 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Fermilab Proton-Improvement-Plan-II (PIP-II) is being implemented in order to support the precision neutrino oscillation measurements at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, the U.S. flagship neutrino experiment. The PIP-II LINAC is presently under construction and is expected to provide 800~MeV protons with 2~mA current. This white paper summarizes the outcome of the first workshop on Ma… ▽ More The Fermilab Proton-Improvement-Plan-II (PIP-II) is being implemented in order to support the precision neutrino oscillation measurements at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, the U.S. flagship neutrino experiment. The PIP-II LINAC is presently under construction and is expected to provide 800~MeV protons with 2~mA current. This white paper summarizes the outcome of the first workshop on May 10 through 13, 2023, to exploit this capability for new physics opportunities in the kinematic regime that are unavailable to other facilities, in particular a potential beam dump facility implemented at the end of the LINAC. Various new physics opportunities have been discussed in a wide range of kinematic regime, from eV scale to keV and MeV. We also emphasize that the timely establishment of the beam dump facility at Fermilab is essential to exploit these new physics opportunities. △ Less

Submitted 16 November, 2023; originally announced November 2023.

Report number: FERMILAB-FN-1242-AD-ND-PPD

Testing Meson Portal Dark Sector Solutions to the MiniBooNE Anomaly at CCM

Authors: A. A. Aguilar-Arevalo, S. Biedron, J. Boissevain, M. Borrego, L. Bugel, M. Chavez-Estrada, J. M. Conrad, R. L. Cooper, A. Diaz, J. R. Distel, J. C. D'Olivo, E. Dunton, B. Dutta, D. Fields, J. R. Gochanour, M. Gold, E. Guardincerri, E. C. Huang, N. Kamp, D. Kim, K. Knickerbocker, W. C. Louis, J. T. M. Lyles, R. Mahapatra, S. Maludze , et al. (20 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A solution to the MiniBooNE excess invoking rare three-body decays of the charged pions and kaons to new states in the MeV mass scale was recently proposed as a dark-sector explanation. This class of solution illuminates the fact that, while the charged pions were focused in the target-mode run, their decay products were isotropically suppressed in the beam-dump-mode run in which no excess was obs… ▽ More A solution to the MiniBooNE excess invoking rare three-body decays of the charged pions and kaons to new states in the MeV mass scale was recently proposed as a dark-sector explanation. This class of solution illuminates the fact that, while the charged pions were focused in the target-mode run, their decay products were isotropically suppressed in the beam-dump-mode run in which no excess was observed. This suggests a new physics solution correlated to the mesonic sector. We investigate an extended set of phenomenological models that can explain the MiniBooNE excess as a dark sector solution, utilizing long-lived particles that might be produced in the three-body decays of the charged mesons and the two-body anomalous decays of the neutral mesons. Over a broad set of interactions with the long-lived particles, we show that these scenarios can be compatible with constraints from LSND, KARMEN, and MicroBooNE, and evaluate the sensitivity of the ongoing and future data taken by the Coherent CAPTAIN Mills experiment (CCM) to a potential discovery in this parameter space. △ Less

Submitted 22 March, 2024; v1 submitted 5 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Comments: Corrected calculation mistake in Eq. 11. Revised sections for submission to PRD

Report number: LA-UR-23-29529

Impact of cross-section uncertainties on supernova neutrino spectral parameter fitting in the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, M. R. Adames, G. Adamov, M. Adamowski, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, C. Adriano, A. Aduszkiewicz, J. Aguilar, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, B. Aimard, F. Akbar, K. Allison, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. Alrashed, A. Alton, R. Alvarez, P. Amedo, J. Anderson, D. A. Andrade , et al. (1294 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A primary goal of the upcoming Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is to measure the $\mathcal{O}(10)$ MeV neutrinos produced by a Galactic core-collapse supernova if one should occur during the lifetime of the experiment. The liquid-argon-based detectors planned for DUNE are expected to be uniquely sensitive to the $ν_e$ component of the supernova flux, enabling a wide variety of physics… ▽ More A primary goal of the upcoming Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is to measure the $\mathcal{O}(10)$ MeV neutrinos produced by a Galactic core-collapse supernova if one should occur during the lifetime of the experiment. The liquid-argon-based detectors planned for DUNE are expected to be uniquely sensitive to the $ν_e$ component of the supernova flux, enabling a wide variety of physics and astrophysics measurements. A key requirement for a correct interpretation of these measurements is a good understanding of the energy-dependent total cross section $σ(E_ν)$ for charged-current $ν_e$ absorption on argon. In the context of a simulated extraction of supernova $ν_e$ spectral parameters from a toy analysis, we investigate the impact of $σ(E_ν)$ modeling uncertainties on DUNE's supernova neutrino physics sensitivity for the first time. We find that the currently large theoretical uncertainties on $σ(E_ν)$ must be substantially reduced before the $ν_e$ flux parameters can be extracted reliably: in the absence of external constraints, a measurement of the integrated neutrino luminosity with less than 10\% bias with DUNE requires $σ(E_ν)$ to be known to about 5%. The neutrino spectral shape parameters can be known to better than 10% for a 20% uncertainty on the cross-section scale, although they will be sensitive to uncertainties on the shape of $σ(E_ν)$. A direct measurement of low-energy $ν_e$-argon scattering would be invaluable for improving the theoretical precision to the needed level. △ Less

Submitted 7 July, 2023; v1 submitted 29 March, 2023; originally announced March 2023.

Comments: 25 pages, 21 figures

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-23-132-CSAID-LBNF-ND-T

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 107, 112012 (2023)

Highly-parallelized simulation of a pixelated LArTPC on a GPU

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, M. R. Adames, G. Adamov, M. Adamowski, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, C. Adriano, A. Aduszkiewicz, J. Aguilar, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, B. Aimard, F. Akbar, K. Allison, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. Alrashed, C. Alt, A. Alton, R. Alvarez, P. Amedo, J. Anderson , et al. (1282 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The rapid development of general-purpose computing on graphics processing units (GPGPU) is allowing the implementation of highly-parallelized Monte Carlo simulation chains for particle physics experiments. This technique is particularly suitable for the simulation of a pixelated charge readout for time projection chambers, given the large number of channels that this technology employs. Here we pr… ▽ More The rapid development of general-purpose computing on graphics processing units (GPGPU) is allowing the implementation of highly-parallelized Monte Carlo simulation chains for particle physics experiments. This technique is particularly suitable for the simulation of a pixelated charge readout for time projection chambers, given the large number of channels that this technology employs. Here we present the first implementation of a full microphysical simulator of a liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) equipped with light readout and pixelated charge readout, developed for the DUNE Near Detector. The software is implemented with an end-to-end set of GPU-optimized algorithms. The algorithms have been written in Python and translated into CUDA kernels using Numba, a just-in-time compiler for a subset of Python and NumPy instructions. The GPU implementation achieves a speed up of four orders of magnitude compared with the equivalent CPU version. The simulation of the current induced on $10^3$ pixels takes around 1 ms on the GPU, compared with approximately 10 s on the CPU. The results of the simulation are compared against data from a pixel-readout LArTPC prototype. △ Less

Submitted 28 February, 2023; v1 submitted 19 December, 2022; originally announced December 2022.

Comments: 26 pages, 15 figures

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-22-926-LBNF

Identification and reconstruction of low-energy electrons in the ProtoDUNE-SP detector

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, M. R. Adames, G. Adamov, M. Adamowski, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, C. Adriano, A. Aduszkiewicz, J. Aguilar, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, B. Aimard, F. Akbar, K. Allison, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. Alrashed, C. Alt, A. Alton, R. Alvarez, P. Amedo, J. Anderson , et al. (1235 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Measurements of electrons from $ν_e$ interactions are crucial for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) neutrino oscillation program, as well as searches for physics beyond the standard model, supernova neutrino detection, and solar neutrino measurements. This article describes the selection and reconstruction of low-energy (Michel) electrons in the ProtoDUNE-SP detector. ProtoDUNE-SP is… ▽ More Measurements of electrons from $ν_e$ interactions are crucial for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) neutrino oscillation program, as well as searches for physics beyond the standard model, supernova neutrino detection, and solar neutrino measurements. This article describes the selection and reconstruction of low-energy (Michel) electrons in the ProtoDUNE-SP detector. ProtoDUNE-SP is one of the prototypes for the DUNE far detector, built and operated at CERN as a charged particle test beam experiment. A sample of low-energy electrons produced by the decay of cosmic muons is selected with a purity of 95%. This sample is used to calibrate the low-energy electron energy scale with two techniques. An electron energy calibration based on a cosmic ray muon sample uses calibration constants derived from measured and simulated cosmic ray muon events. Another calibration technique makes use of the theoretically well-understood Michel electron energy spectrum to convert reconstructed charge to electron energy. In addition, the effects of detector response to low-energy electron energy scale and its resolution including readout electronics threshold effects are quantified. Finally, the relation between the theoretical and reconstructed low-energy electron energy spectrum is derived and the energy resolution is characterized. The low-energy electron selection presented here accounts for about 75% of the total electron deposited energy. After the addition of lost energy using a Monte Carlo simulation, the energy resolution improves from about 40% to 25% at 50~MeV. These results are used to validate the expected capabilities of the DUNE far detector to reconstruct low-energy electrons. △ Less

Submitted 31 May, 2023; v1 submitted 2 November, 2022; originally announced November 2022.

Comments: 19 pages, 10 figures

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-22-784, CERN-EP-DRAFT-MISC-2022-008

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 107, 092012 (2023)

Measurement of the Neutron Cross Section on Argon Between 95 and 720 MeV

Authors: S. Martynenko, B. Bhandari, J. Bian, K. Bilton, C. Callahan, J. Chaves, H. Chen, D. Cline, R. L. Cooper, D. L. Danielson, J. Danielson, N. Dokania, S. Elliott, S. Fernandes, S. Gardiner, G. Garvey, V. Gehman, F. Giuliani, S. Glavin, M. Gold, C. Grant, E. Guardincerri, T. Haines, A. Higuera, J. Y. Ji , et al. (50 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report an extended measurement of the neutron cross section on argon in the energy range of 95-720 MeV. The measurement was obtained with a 4.3-hour exposure of the Mini-CAPTAIN detector to the WNR/LANSCE beam at LANL. Compared to an earlier analysis of the same data, this extended analysis includes a reassessment of systematic uncertainties, in particular related to unused wires in the upstrea… ▽ More We report an extended measurement of the neutron cross section on argon in the energy range of 95-720 MeV. The measurement was obtained with a 4.3-hour exposure of the Mini-CAPTAIN detector to the WNR/LANSCE beam at LANL. Compared to an earlier analysis of the same data, this extended analysis includes a reassessment of systematic uncertainties, in particular related to unused wires in the upstream part of the detector. Using this information we doubled the fiducial volume in the experiment and increased the statistics by a factor of 2.4. We also shifted the analysis from energy bins to time-of-flight bins. This change reduced the overall considered energy range, but improved the understanding of the energy spectrum of incoming neutrons in each bin. Overall, the new measurements are extracted from a fit to the attenuation of the neutron flux in five time-of-flight regions: 140 ns - 180 ns, 120 ns - 140 ns, 112 ns - 120 ns, 104 ns - 112 ns, 96 ns - 104 ns. The final cross sections are given for the flux-averaged energy in each time-of-flight bin: $σ(146~\rm{MeV})=0.60^{+0.14}_{-0.14}\pm0.08$(syst) b, $σ(236~\rm{MeV})=0.72^{+0.10}_{-0.10}\pm0.04$(syst) b, $σ(319~\rm{MeV})=0.80^{+0.13}_{-0.12}\pm0.040$(syst) b, $σ(404~\rm{MeV})=0.74^{+0.14}_{-0.09}\pm0.04$(syst) b, $σ(543~\rm{MeV})=0.74^{+0.09}_{-0.09}\pm0.04$(syst) b. △ Less

Submitted 14 March, 2023; v1 submitted 26 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Comments: 15 pages, 7 tables, 11 figures. Prepared for submission to PRD

Search Prospects for Axion-like Particles at Rare Nuclear Isotope Accelerator Facilities

Authors: Wooyoung Jang, Doojin Kim, Kyoungchul Kong, Youngjoon Kwon, Jong-Chul Park, Min Sang Ryu, Seodong Shin, Richard G. Van de Water, Un-Ki Yang, Jaehoon Yu

Abstract: We propose a novel experimental scheme, called DAMSA (Dump-produced Aboriginal Matter Searches at an Accelerator), for searching for dark-sector particles, using rare nuclear isotope accelerator facilities that provide high-flux proton beams to produce a large number of rare nuclear isotopes. The high-intensity nature of their beams enables the investigation of dark-sector particles, including axi… ▽ More We propose a novel experimental scheme, called DAMSA (Dump-produced Aboriginal Matter Searches at an Accelerator), for searching for dark-sector particles, using rare nuclear isotope accelerator facilities that provide high-flux proton beams to produce a large number of rare nuclear isotopes. The high-intensity nature of their beams enables the investigation of dark-sector particles, including axion-like particles (ALPs) and dark photons. By contrast, their typical beam energies are not large enough to produce the backgrounds such as neutrinos resulting from secondary charged particles. The detector of DAMSA is then placed immediate downstream of the proton beam dump to maximize the prompt decay signals of dark-sector particles, which are often challenging to probe in other beam-dump-type experiments featuring a longer baseline, at the expense of an enormous amount of the beam-related neutron (BRN) background. We demonstrate that BRN can be significantly suppressed if the signal accompanies multiple, correlated visible particles in the final state. As an example physics case, we consider ALPs interacting with the Standard Model photon and their diphoton decay signal at DAMSA implemented at a rare nuclear isotope facility similar to the Rare isotope Accelerator complex for ON-line experiment under construction in South Korea. We show that the close proximity of the detector to the ALP production dump makes it possible to probe a high-mass region of ALP parameter space that the existing experiments have never explored. △ Less

Submitted 5 July, 2022; originally announced July 2022.

Comments: 7 pages, 7 figures, 1 table

Report number: MI-HET-782

Reconstruction of interactions in the ProtoDUNE-SP detector with Pandora

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, M. R. Adames, G. Adamov, M. Adamowski, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, C. Adriano, A. Aduszkiewicz, J. Aguilar, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, B. Aimard, F. Akbar, B. Ali-Mohammadzadeh, K. Allison, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. AlRashed, C. Alt, A. Alton, R. Alvarez, P. Amedo , et al. (1203 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Pandora Software Development Kit and algorithm libraries provide pattern-recognition logic essential to the reconstruction of particle interactions in liquid argon time projection chamber detectors. Pandora is the primary event reconstruction software used at ProtoDUNE-SP, a prototype for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment far detector. ProtoDUNE-SP, located at CERN, is exposed to a char… ▽ More The Pandora Software Development Kit and algorithm libraries provide pattern-recognition logic essential to the reconstruction of particle interactions in liquid argon time projection chamber detectors. Pandora is the primary event reconstruction software used at ProtoDUNE-SP, a prototype for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment far detector. ProtoDUNE-SP, located at CERN, is exposed to a charged-particle test beam. This paper gives an overview of the Pandora reconstruction algorithms and how they have been tailored for use at ProtoDUNE-SP. In complex events with numerous cosmic-ray and beam background particles, the simulated reconstruction and identification efficiency for triggered test-beam particles is above 80% for the majority of particle type and beam momentum combinations. Specifically, simulated 1 GeV/$c$ charged pions and protons are correctly reconstructed and identified with efficiencies of 86.1$\pm0.6$% and 84.1$\pm0.6$%, respectively. The efficiencies measured for test-beam data are shown to be within 5% of those predicted by the simulation. △ Less

Submitted 17 July, 2023; v1 submitted 29 June, 2022; originally announced June 2022.

Comments: 39 pages, 20 figures. Accepted version. Published version available in Eur. Phys. J. C 83, 618 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1140/epjc/s10052-023-11733-2

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-22-488-AD-ESH-LBNF-ND-SCD, CERN-EP-DRAFT-MISC-2022-007

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C 83, 618 (2023)

LANSCE-PSR Short-Pulse Upgrade for Improved Dark Sector Particle Searches with the Coherent Captain Mills Experiment

Authors: R. G. Van de Water, S. G. Biedron, E. -C. Huang, A. J. Hurd, W. C. Louis, S. V. Milton, N. A. Moody, P. deNiverville, C. E. Taylor, R. T. Thornton, M. Fazio, S. I. Sosa, T. J. Schaub, J. W. Lewellen

Abstract: Proton beam dumps are prolific sources of charged and neutral pions, enabling a powerful technique to search for dark matter, axions, sterile neutrinos, tests of short baseline anomalies, and precision measurements of coherent nucleus scattering neutrinos (CEvNS). The Lujan neutron elastic scattering center at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) consists of an 800-MeV, short-pulse, 100-… ▽ More Proton beam dumps are prolific sources of charged and neutral pions, enabling a powerful technique to search for dark matter, axions, sterile neutrinos, tests of short baseline anomalies, and precision measurements of coherent nucleus scattering neutrinos (CEvNS). The Lujan neutron elastic scattering center at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) consists of an 800-MeV, short-pulse, 100-kW proton and spallation neutron source where such searches are ongoing with the Coherent CAPTAIN Mills (CCM) 10-ton, liquid argon detector. The employment of fast timing coincidence of the beam with the detector is used to identify signals and reject background. The current beam time width is 300 ns with an intensity of $3.1 \times 10^{13}$ protons per pulse at 20 Hz. With upgrades to the Proton Storage Ring (PSR), the beam time width may be compressed to 30 ns with minimal intensity loss, allowing an increase in the signal to background (S/B) of more than 100 and an increase in the sensitivity for dark matter and sterile neutrino searches of an order of magnitude. This can be achieved with PSR accelerator upgrades on a time scale of a few years and at a modest cost. △ Less

Submitted 4 April, 2022; originally announced April 2022.

Comments: 6 pages, 3 figures, contribution to Snowmass 2021

Report number: LA-UR-22-22687

Separation of track- and shower-like energy deposits in ProtoDUNE-SP using a convolutional neural network

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, M. R. Adames, G. Adamov, M. Adamowski, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, A. Aduszkiewicz, J. Aguilar, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, B. Aimard, B. Ali-Mohammadzadeh, T. Alion, K. Allison, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. AlRashed, C. Alt, A. Alton, R. Alvarez, P. Amedo, J. Anderson , et al. (1204 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Liquid argon time projection chamber detector technology provides high spatial and calorimetric resolutions on the charged particles traversing liquid argon. As a result, the technology has been used in a number of recent neutrino experiments, and is the technology of choice for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). In order to perform high precision measurements of neutrinos in the det… ▽ More Liquid argon time projection chamber detector technology provides high spatial and calorimetric resolutions on the charged particles traversing liquid argon. As a result, the technology has been used in a number of recent neutrino experiments, and is the technology of choice for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). In order to perform high precision measurements of neutrinos in the detector, final state particles need to be effectively identified, and their energy accurately reconstructed. This article proposes an algorithm based on a convolutional neural network to perform the classification of energy deposits and reconstructed particles as track-like or arising from electromagnetic cascades. Results from testing the algorithm on data from ProtoDUNE-SP, a prototype of the DUNE far detector, are presented. The network identifies track- and shower-like particles, as well as Michel electrons, with high efficiency. The performance of the algorithm is consistent between data and simulation. △ Less

Submitted 30 June, 2022; v1 submitted 31 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: 31 pages, 15 figures

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-22-240-AD-ESH-LBNF-ND-SCD, CERN-EP-2022-077

Journal ref: Eur.Phys.J.C 82 (2022) 10, 903

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, M. R. Adames, G. Adamov, M. Adamowski, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, A. Aduszkiewicz, J. Aguilar, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, B. Aimard, B. Ali-Mohammadzadeh, T. Alion, K. Allison, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. AlRashed, C. Alt, A. Alton, R. Alvarez, P. Amedo, J. Anderson , et al. (1202 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6x6x6m3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and… ▽ More DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6x6x6m3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties △ Less

Submitted 3 June, 2022; v1 submitted 30 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: 31 pages, 29 figures

Report number: CERN-EP-DRAFT-MISC-2022-003; FERMILAB-PUB-22-242-LBNF

SBN-BD: $\mathcal{O}$(10 GeV) Proton Beam Dump at Fermilab's PIP-II Linac

Authors: Matt Toups, R. G. Van de Water, Brian Batell, S. J. Brice, Patrick deNiverville, Jeff Eldred, A. Fava, Kevin J. Kelly, Tom Kobilarcik, W. C. Louis, Pedro A. N. Machado, Bill Pellico, Josh Spitz, Rex Tayloe, R. T. Thornton, Z. Pavlovic, Jaehoon Yu, J. Zettlemoyer

Abstract: Proton beam dumps are prolific sources of mesons enabling a powerful technique to search for vector mediator coupling of dark matter to neutral pion and higher mass meson decays. By the end of the decade the PIP-II linac will be delivering up to 1 MW of proton power to the FNAL campus. This includes a significant increase of power to the Booster Neutrino Beamline (BNB) which delivers 8 GeV protons… ▽ More Proton beam dumps are prolific sources of mesons enabling a powerful technique to search for vector mediator coupling of dark matter to neutral pion and higher mass meson decays. By the end of the decade the PIP-II linac will be delivering up to 1 MW of proton power to the FNAL campus. This includes a significant increase of power to the Booster Neutrino Beamline (BNB) which delivers 8 GeV protons to the Short Baseline Neutrino (SBN) detectors. By building a new dedicated beam dump target station, and using the SBN detectors, a greater than an order of magnitude increase in search sensitivity for dark matter relative to the recent MiniBooNE beam dump search can be achieved. This modest cost upgrade to the BNB would begin testing models of the highly motivated relic density limit predictions and provide novel ways to test explanations of the anomalous excess of low energy events seen by MiniBooNE. △ Less

Submitted 23 September, 2022; v1 submitted 15 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: Contribution to Snowmass 2021

Report number: FERMILAB-FN-1157, LA-UR-22-22524

PIP2-BD: GeV Proton Beam Dump at Fermilab's PIP-II Linac

Authors: M. Toups, R. G. Van de Water, Brian Batell, S. J. Brice, Patrick deNiverville, Bhaskar Dutta, Jeff Eldred, Timothy Hapitas, Roni Harnik, Aparajitha Karthikeyan, Kevin J. Kelly, Doojin Kim, Tom Kobilarcik, Gordan Krnjaic, B. R. Littlejohn, Bill Louis, Pedro A. N. Machado, Nityasa Mishra, V. Pandey, Z. Pavlovic, William Pellico, Michael Shaevitz, P. Snopok, Rex Tayloe, Adrian Thompson , et al. (5 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The PIP-II superconducting RF linac is currently under construction at Fermilab and is expected to be completed by the end of 2028. PIP-II is capable of operating in a continuous-wave mode and can concurrently supply 800 MeV protons to a mega-watt, GeV-scale beam dump facility and to LBNF/DUNE. Designs for proton accumulator rings are being studied to bunch the PIP-II protons into the short pulses… ▽ More The PIP-II superconducting RF linac is currently under construction at Fermilab and is expected to be completed by the end of 2028. PIP-II is capable of operating in a continuous-wave mode and can concurrently supply 800 MeV protons to a mega-watt, GeV-scale beam dump facility and to LBNF/DUNE. Designs for proton accumulator rings are being studied to bunch the PIP-II protons into the short pulses needed for neutrino and low-mass dark matter experiments. PIP2-BD is a proposed 100-ton LAr scintillation-only experiment, whose detector design is inspired by CENNS-10 and CCM, that would have world-leading sensitivities to BSM physics, including low-mass dark matter produced in the PIP-II proton beam dump. △ Less

Submitted 23 September, 2022; v1 submitted 15 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: Contribution to Snowmass 2021

Report number: FERMILAB-FN-1152-AD-ND, LA-UR-22-21987

A Gaseous Argon-Based Near Detector to Enhance the Physics Capabilities of DUNE

Authors: A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, M. R. Adames, G. Adamov, M. Adamowski, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, C. Adriano, A. Aduszkiewicz, J. Aguilar, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, B. Aimard, F. Akbar, B. Ali-Mohammadzadeh, T. Alion, K. Allison, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. AlRashed, C. Alt, A. Alton, R. Alvarez, P. Amedo , et al. (1220 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: This document presents the concept and physics case for a magnetized gaseous argon-based detector system (ND-GAr) for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) Near Detector. This detector system is required in order for DUNE to reach its full physics potential in the measurement of CP violation and in delivering precision measurements of oscillation parameters. In addition to its critical r… ▽ More This document presents the concept and physics case for a magnetized gaseous argon-based detector system (ND-GAr) for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) Near Detector. This detector system is required in order for DUNE to reach its full physics potential in the measurement of CP violation and in delivering precision measurements of oscillation parameters. In addition to its critical role in the long-baseline oscillation program, ND-GAr will extend the overall physics program of DUNE. The LBNF high-intensity proton beam will provide a large flux of neutrinos that is sampled by ND-GAr, enabling DUNE to discover new particles and search for new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model. △ Less

Submitted 11 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: Contribution to Snowmass 2021

Snowmass Neutrino Frontier: DUNE Physics Summary

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, M. R. Adames, G. Adamov, M. Adamowski, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, C. Adriano, A. Aduszkiewicz, J. Aguilar, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, B. Aimard, F. Akbar, B. Ali-Mohammadzadeh, T. Alion, K. Allison, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. AlRashed, C. Alt, A. Alton, R. Alvarez , et al. (1221 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a next-generation long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment with a primary physics goal of observing neutrino and antineutrino oscillation patterns to precisely measure the parameters governing long-baseline neutrino oscillation in a single experiment, and to test the three-flavor paradigm. DUNE's design has been developed by a large, internat… ▽ More The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a next-generation long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment with a primary physics goal of observing neutrino and antineutrino oscillation patterns to precisely measure the parameters governing long-baseline neutrino oscillation in a single experiment, and to test the three-flavor paradigm. DUNE's design has been developed by a large, international collaboration of scientists and engineers to have unique capability to measure neutrino oscillation as a function of energy in a broadband beam, to resolve degeneracy among oscillation parameters, and to control systematic uncertainty using the exquisite imaging capability of massive LArTPC far detector modules and an argon-based near detector. DUNE's neutrino oscillation measurements will unambiguously resolve the neutrino mass ordering and provide the sensitivity to discover CP violation in neutrinos for a wide range of possible values of $δ_{CP}$. DUNE is also uniquely sensitive to electron neutrinos from a galactic supernova burst, and to a broad range of physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM), including nucleon decays. DUNE is anticipated to begin collecting physics data with Phase I, an initial experiment configuration consisting of two far detector modules and a minimal suite of near detector components, with a 1.2 MW proton beam. To realize its extensive, world-leading physics potential requires the full scope of DUNE be completed in Phase II. The three Phase II upgrades are all necessary to achieve DUNE's physics goals: (1) addition of far detector modules three and four for a total FD fiducial mass of at least 40 kt, (2) upgrade of the proton beam power from 1.2 MW to 2.4 MW, and (3) replacement of the near detector's temporary muon spectrometer with a magnetized, high-pressure gaseous argon TPC and calorimeter. △ Less

Submitted 11 March, 2022; originally announced March 2022.

Comments: Contribution to Snowmass 2021

MiniBooNE and MicroBooNE Combined Fit to a 3+1 Sterile Neutrino Scenario

Authors: A. A. Aguilar-Arevalo, B. C. Brown, J. M. Conrad, R. Dharmapalan, A. Diaz, Z. Djurcic, D. A. Finley, R. Ford, G. T. Garvey, S. Gollapinni, A. Hourlier, E. -C. Huang, N. W. Kamp, G. Karagiorgi, T. Katori, T. Kobilarcik, K. Lin, W. C. Louis, C. Mariani, W. Marsh, G. B. Mills, J. Mirabal-Martinez, C. D. Moore, R. H. Nelson, J. Nowak , et al. (14 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: This letter presents the results from the MiniBooNE experiment within a full "3+1" scenario where one sterile neutrino is introduced to the three-active-neutrino picture. In addition to electron-neutrino appearance at short-baselines, this scenario also allows for disappearance of the muon-neutrino and electron-neutrino fluxes in the Booster Neutrino Beam, which is shared by the MicroBooNE experim… ▽ More This letter presents the results from the MiniBooNE experiment within a full "3+1" scenario where one sterile neutrino is introduced to the three-active-neutrino picture. In addition to electron-neutrino appearance at short-baselines, this scenario also allows for disappearance of the muon-neutrino and electron-neutrino fluxes in the Booster Neutrino Beam, which is shared by the MicroBooNE experiment. We present the 3+1 fit to the MiniBooNE electron-(anti)neutrino and muon-(anti)neutrino data alone, and in combination with MicroBooNE electron-neutrino data. The best-fit parameters of the combined fit with the exclusive CCQE analysis (inclusive analysis) are $Δm^2 = 0.29 eV^2 (0.33 eV^2)$, $|U_{e4}|^2 = 0.016 (0.500)$, $|U_{μ4}|^2 = 0.500 (0.500)$, and $\sin^2(2θ_{μe})=0.0316 (1.0)$. Comparing the no-oscillation scenario to the 3+1 model, the data prefer the 3+1 model with a $Δχ^2/\text{dof} = 24.7 / 3 (17.3 / 3)$, a $4.3σ(3.4σ)$ preference assuming the asymptotic approximation given by Wilks' theorem. △ Less

Submitted 9 September, 2022; v1 submitted 5 January, 2022; originally announced January 2022.

Comments: 10 pages, 4 figures, 2 table

Prospects for detecting axionlike particles at the Coherent CAPTAIN-Mills experiment

Authors: A. A. Aguilar-Arevalo, D. S. M. Alves, S. Biedron, J. Boissevain, M. Borrego, L. Bugel, M. Chavez-Estrada, J. M. Conrad, R. L. Cooper, A. Diaz, J. R. Distel, J. C. D'Olivo, E. Dunton, B. Dutta, D. Fields, J. R. Gochanour, M. Gold, E. Guardincerri, E. C. Huang, N. Kamp, D. Kim, K. Knickerbocker, W. C. Louis, J. T. M. Lyles, R. Mahapatra , et al. (23 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We show results from the Coherent CAPTAIN Mills (CCM) 2019 engineering run which begin to constrain regions of parameter space for axion-like particles (ALPs) produced in electromagnetic particle showers in an 800 MeV proton beam dump, and further investigate the sensitivity of ongoing data-taking campaigns for the CCM200 upgraded detector. Based on beam-on background estimates from the engineerin… ▽ More We show results from the Coherent CAPTAIN Mills (CCM) 2019 engineering run which begin to constrain regions of parameter space for axion-like particles (ALPs) produced in electromagnetic particle showers in an 800 MeV proton beam dump, and further investigate the sensitivity of ongoing data-taking campaigns for the CCM200 upgraded detector. Based on beam-on background estimates from the engineering run, we make realistic extrapolations for background reduction based on expected shielding improvements, reduced beam width, and analysis-based techniques for background rejection. We obtain reach projections for two classes of signatures; ALPs coupled primarily to photons can be produced in the tungsten target via the Primakoff process, and then produce a gamma-ray signal in the Liquid Argon (LAr) CCM detector either via inverse Primakoff scattering or decay to a photon pair. ALPs with significant electron couplings have several additional production mechanisms (Compton scattering, $e^+e^-$ annihilation, ALP-bremsstrahlung) and detection modes (inverse Compton scattering, external $e^+e^-$ pair conversion, and decay to $e^+e^-$). In some regions, the constraint is marginally better than both astrophysical and terrestrial constraints. With the beginning of a three year run, CCM will be more sensitive to this parameter space by up to an order of magnitude for both ALP-photon and ALP-electron couplings. The CCM experiment will also have sensitivity to well-motivated parameter space of QCD axion models. It is only a recent realization that accelerator-based large volume liquid argon detectors designed for low energy coherent neutrino and dark matter scattering searches are also ideal for probing ALPs in the unexplored $\sim$MeV mass scale. △ Less

Submitted 26 May, 2023; v1 submitted 18 December, 2021; originally announced December 2021.

Comments: Accepted for publication in Physical Review D, in production

Report number: LA-UR-21-28474

Journal ref: Phys.Rev.D 107 (2023) 9, 095036

MiniBooNE Data Releases

Authors: A. A. Aguilar-Arevalo, B. C. Brown, J. M. Conrad, R. Dharmapalan, A. Diaz, Z. Djurcic, D. A. Finley, R. Ford, G. T. Garvey, S. Gollapinni, A. Hourlier, E. -C. Huang, N. W. Kamp, G. Karagiorgi, T. Katori, T. Kobilarcik, K. Lin, W. C. Louis, C. Mariani, W. Marsh, G. B. Mills, J. Mirabal-Martinez, C. D. Moore, R. H. Nelson, J. Nowak , et al. (16 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The MiniBooNE experiment has provided data releases for most publications. Occasionally it is necessary to move data release pages. This document provides a single point of reference that will be updated by the collaboration to point to the present location of the MiniBooNE data releases. The MiniBooNE experiment has provided data releases for most publications. Occasionally it is necessary to move data release pages. This document provides a single point of reference that will be updated by the collaboration to point to the present location of the MiniBooNE data releases. △ Less

Submitted 25 October, 2021; originally announced October 2021.

Comments: 2 pages, 0 figures

Solutions to the MiniBooNE Anomaly from New Physics in Charged Meson Decays

Authors: Bhaskar Dutta, Doojin Kim, Adrian Thompson, Remington T. Thornton, Richard G. Van de Water

Abstract: We point out that production of new bosons by charged meson decays can greatly enhance the sensitivity of beam-focused accelerator-based experiments to new physics signals. This enhancement arises since the charged mesons are focused and their three-body decays do not suffer from helicity suppression in the same way as their usual two-body decays. As a realistic application, we attempt to explain… ▽ More We point out that production of new bosons by charged meson decays can greatly enhance the sensitivity of beam-focused accelerator-based experiments to new physics signals. This enhancement arises since the charged mesons are focused and their three-body decays do not suffer from helicity suppression in the same way as their usual two-body decays. As a realistic application, we attempt to explain the MiniBooNE low energy excess utilizing this overlooked mechanism, uniquely realizing dark-sector interpretations as plausible solutions to the excess. As proof of the principle, we consider two well-motivated classes of dark-sector models, models of vector-portal dark matter and models of long-lived (pseudo)scalar. We argue that the model parameter values to accommodate the excess are consistent with existing limits and that they can be tested at current and future accelerator-based neutrino experiments. △ Less

Submitted 13 August, 2022; v1 submitted 22 October, 2021; originally announced October 2021.

Comments: 10 pages, 4 figures, 2 tables, Journal submission version

Report number: MI-HET-766, LA-UR-21-30532

First Leptophobic Dark Matter Search from Coherent CAPTAIN-Mills

Authors: A. A. Aguilar-Arevalo, D. S. M. Alves, S. Biedron, J. Boissevain, M. Borrego, M. Chavez-Estrada, A. Chavez, J. M. Conrad, R. L. Cooper, A. Diaz, J. R. Distel, J. C. D'Olivo, E. Dunton, B. Dutta, A. Elliott, D. Evans, D. Fields, J. Greenwood, M. Gold, J. Gordon, E. Guarincerri, E. C. Huang, N. Kamp, C. Kelsey, K. Knickerbocker , et al. (26 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the first results of a search for leptophobic dark matter (DM) from the Coherent CAPTAIN-Mills (CCM) liquid argon (LAr) detector. An engineering run with 120 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and $17.9 \times 10^{20}$ protons-on-target (POT) was performed in Fall 2019 to study the characteristics of the CCM detector. The operation of this 10-ton detector was strictly light-based with a thresh… ▽ More We report the first results of a search for leptophobic dark matter (DM) from the Coherent CAPTAIN-Mills (CCM) liquid argon (LAr) detector. An engineering run with 120 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and $17.9 \times 10^{20}$ protons-on-target (POT) was performed in Fall 2019 to study the characteristics of the CCM detector. The operation of this 10-ton detector was strictly light-based with a threshold of 50 keV and used coherent elastic scattering off argon nuclei to detect DM. Despite only 1.5 months of accumulated luminosity, contaminated LAr, and non-optimized shielding, CCM's first engineering run already achieved sensitivity to previously unexplored parameter space of light dark matter (LDM) models with a baryonic vector portal. With an expected background of 115,005 events, we observe 115,005+16.5 events which is compatible with background expectations. For a benchmark mediator-to-dark matter mass ratio of $m_{_{V_B}}/m_χ=2.1$, DM masses within the range $9\,\text{MeV} \lesssim m_χ\lesssim 50\,\text{MeV}$ have been excluded at 90% C.L. in the leptophobic model after applying the Feldman-Cousins test statistic. CCM's upgraded run with 200 PMTs, filtered LAr, improved shielding, and ten times more POT will be able to exclude the remaining thermal relic density parameter space of this model, as well as probe new parameter space of other leptophobic DM models. △ Less

Submitted 19 May, 2022; v1 submitted 28 September, 2021; originally announced September 2021.

Report number: Report-no: LA-UR-21-28552

Journal ref: Physical Review Letters Vol. 129, No. 2 (2022)

Low exposure long-baseline neutrino oscillation sensitivity of the DUNE experiment

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, M. R. Adames, G. Adamov, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, A. Aduszkiewicz, J. Aguilar, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, B. Aimard, B. Ali-Mohammadzadeh, T. Alion, K. Allison, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. AlRashed, C. Alt, A. Alton, P. Amedo, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. Andreotti , et al. (1132 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will produce world-leading neutrino oscillation measurements over the lifetime of the experiment. In this work, we explore DUNE's sensitivity to observe charge-parity violation (CPV) in the neutrino sector, and to resolve the mass ordering, for exposures of up to 100 kiloton-megawatt-years (kt-MW-yr). The analysis includes detailed uncertainties on t… ▽ More The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will produce world-leading neutrino oscillation measurements over the lifetime of the experiment. In this work, we explore DUNE's sensitivity to observe charge-parity violation (CPV) in the neutrino sector, and to resolve the mass ordering, for exposures of up to 100 kiloton-megawatt-years (kt-MW-yr). The analysis includes detailed uncertainties on the flux prediction, the neutrino interaction model, and detector effects. We demonstrate that DUNE will be able to unambiguously resolve the neutrino mass ordering at a 3$σ$ (5$σ$) level, with a 66 (100) kt-MW-yr far detector exposure, and has the ability to make strong statements at significantly shorter exposures depending on the true value of other oscillation parameters. We also show that DUNE has the potential to make a robust measurement of CPV at a 3$σ$ level with a 100 kt-MW-yr exposure for the maximally CP-violating values $δ_{\rm CP}} = \pmπ/2$. Additionally, the dependence of DUNE's sensitivity on the exposure taken in neutrino-enhanced and antineutrino-enhanced running is discussed. An equal fraction of exposure taken in each beam mode is found to be close to optimal when considered over the entire space of interest. △ Less

Submitted 3 September, 2021; originally announced September 2021.

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-21-391-ND

Design, construction and operation of the ProtoDUNE-SP Liquid Argon TPC

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, M. R. Adames, G. Adamov, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, A. Aduszkiewicz, J. Aguilar, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, B. Ali-Mohammadzadeh, T. Alion, K. Allison, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. Alrashed, C. Alt, A. Alton, P. Amedo, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. Andreotti, M. P. Andrews , et al. (1158 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The ProtoDUNE-SP detector is a single-phase liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) that was constructed and operated in the CERN North Area at the end of the H4 beamline. This detector is a prototype for the first far detector module of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), which will be constructed at the Sandford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota, USA.… ▽ More The ProtoDUNE-SP detector is a single-phase liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) that was constructed and operated in the CERN North Area at the end of the H4 beamline. This detector is a prototype for the first far detector module of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), which will be constructed at the Sandford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota, USA. The ProtoDUNE-SP detector incorporates full-size components as designed for DUNE and has an active volume of $7\times 6\times 7.2$~m$^3$. The H4 beam delivers incident particles with well-measured momenta and high-purity particle identification. ProtoDUNE-SP's successful operation between 2018 and 2020 demonstrates the effectiveness of the single-phase far detector design. This paper describes the design, construction, assembly and operation of the detector components. △ Less

Submitted 23 September, 2021; v1 submitted 4 August, 2021; originally announced August 2021.

Searching for solar KDAR with DUNE

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, M. R. Adames, G. Adamov, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, A. Aduszkiewicz, J. Aguilar, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, B. Ali-Mohammadzadeh, T. Alion, K. Allison, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. Alrashed, C. Alt, A. Alton, P. Amedo, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. Andreotti, M. P. Andrews , et al. (1157 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The observation of 236 MeV muon neutrinos from kaon-decay-at-rest (KDAR) originating in the core of the Sun would provide a unique signature of dark matter annihilation. Since excellent angle and energy reconstruction are necessary to detect this monoenergetic, directional neutrino flux, DUNE with its vast volume and reconstruction capabilities, is a promising candidate for a KDAR neutrino search.… ▽ More The observation of 236 MeV muon neutrinos from kaon-decay-at-rest (KDAR) originating in the core of the Sun would provide a unique signature of dark matter annihilation. Since excellent angle and energy reconstruction are necessary to detect this monoenergetic, directional neutrino flux, DUNE with its vast volume and reconstruction capabilities, is a promising candidate for a KDAR neutrino search. In this work, we evaluate the proposed KDAR neutrino search strategies by realistically modeling both neutrino-nucleus interactions and the response of DUNE. We find that, although reconstruction of the neutrino energy and direction is difficult with current techniques in the relevant energy range, the superb energy resolution, angular resolution, and particle identification offered by DUNE can still permit great signal/background discrimination. Moreover, there are non-standard scenarios in which searches at DUNE for KDAR in the Sun can probe dark matter interactions. △ Less

Submitted 26 October, 2021; v1 submitted 19 July, 2021; originally announced July 2021.

Comments: 19 pages, 13 figures

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-21-322-LBNF-ND

Journal ref: JCAP10(2021)065

First Dark Matter Search Results From Coherent CAPTAIN-Mills

Authors: A. A. Aguilar-Arevalo, S. Biedron, J. Boissevain, M. Borrego, M. Chavez-Estrada, A. Chavez, J. M. Conrad, R. L. Cooper, A. Diaz, J. R. Distel, J. D'Olivo, E. Dunton, B. Dutta, A. Elliott, D. Evans, D. Fields, J. Greenwood, M. Gold, J. Gordon, E. D. Guarincerri, E. C. Huang, N. Kamp, C. Kelsey, K. Knickerbocker, R. Lake , et al. (25 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: This paper describes the operation of the Coherent CAPTAIN-Mills (CCM) detector located at the Lujan Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). CCM is a 10-ton liquid argon (LAr) detector located 20 meters from a high flux neutron/neutrino source and is designed to search for sterile neutrinos ($ν_s$) and light dark matter (LDM). An engineering run was performed in F… ▽ More This paper describes the operation of the Coherent CAPTAIN-Mills (CCM) detector located at the Lujan Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). CCM is a 10-ton liquid argon (LAr) detector located 20 meters from a high flux neutron/neutrino source and is designed to search for sterile neutrinos ($ν_s$) and light dark matter (LDM). An engineering run was performed in Fall 2019 to study the characteristics of the CCM120 detector by searching for coherent scattering signals consistent with $ν_s$'s and LDM resulting from $π^+$ and $π^0$ decays in the tungsten target. New parameter space in a leptophobic dark matter model was excluded for DM masses between $\sim2.0$ and 30 MeV. The lessons learned from this run have guided the development and construction of the new CCM200 detector that will begin operations in 2021 and significantly improve on these searches. △ Less

Submitted 19 May, 2022; v1 submitted 28 May, 2021; originally announced May 2021.

Report number: LA-UR-21-24983

Journal ref: Physical Review D Vol. 106, No. 1 (2022)

Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) Near Detector Conceptual Design Report

Authors: A. Abed Abud, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, G. Adamov, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, A. Aduszkiewicz, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, T. Alion, S. Alonso Monsalve, M. Alrashed, C. Alt, A. Alton, P. Amedo, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. P. Andrews, F. Andrianala, S. Andringa, N. Anfimov, A. Ankowski, M. Antonova, S. Antusch , et al. (1041 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: This report describes the conceptual design of the DUNE near detector This report describes the conceptual design of the DUNE near detector △ Less

Submitted 25 March, 2021; originally announced March 2021.

Comments: 314 pages, 185 figures

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-21-067-E-LBNF-PPD-SCD-T

Experiment Simulation Configurations Approximating DUNE TDR

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, G. Adamov, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, T. Alion, S. Alonso Monsalve, C. Alt, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. P. Andrews, F. Andrianala, S. Andringa, A. Ankowski, M. Antonova, S. Antusch, A. Aranda-Fernandez, A. Ariga, L. O. Arnold, M. A. Arroyave, J. Asaadi , et al. (949 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a next-generation long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment consisting of a high-power, broadband neutrino beam, a highly capable near detector located on site at Fermilab, in Batavia, Illinois, and a massive liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) far detector located at the 4850L of Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South… ▽ More The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a next-generation long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment consisting of a high-power, broadband neutrino beam, a highly capable near detector located on site at Fermilab, in Batavia, Illinois, and a massive liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) far detector located at the 4850L of Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota. The long-baseline physics sensitivity calculations presented in the DUNE Physics TDR, and in a related physics paper, rely upon simulation of the neutrino beam line, simulation of neutrino interactions in the near and far detectors, fully automated event reconstruction and neutrino classification, and detailed implementation of systematic uncertainties. The purpose of this posting is to provide a simplified summary of the simulations that went into this analysis to the community, in order to facilitate phenomenological studies of long-baseline oscillation at DUNE. Simulated neutrino flux files and a GLoBES configuration describing the far detector reconstruction and selection performance are included as ancillary files to this posting. A simple analysis using these configurations in GLoBES produces sensitivity that is similar, but not identical, to the official DUNE sensitivity. DUNE welcomes those interested in performing phenomenological work as members of the collaboration, but also recognizes the benefit of making these configurations readily available to the wider community. △ Less

Submitted 18 March, 2021; v1 submitted 8 March, 2021; originally announced March 2021.

Comments: 15 pages, 6 figures, configurations in ancillary files, v2 corrects a typo

Report number: FERMILAB-FN-1125-ND

Measurement of the Atmospheric Muon Rate with the MicroBooNE Liquid Argon TPC

Authors: MicroBooNE collaboration, C. Adams, M. Alrashed, R. An, J. Anthony, J. Asaadi, A. Ashkenazi, S. Balasubramanian, B. Baller, C. Barnes, G. Barr, V. Basque, M. Bass, F. Bay, S. Berkman, A. Bhanderi, A. Bhat, M. Bishai, A. Blake, T. Bolton, L. Camilleri, D. Caratelli, I. Caro Terrazas, R. Carr, R. Castillo Fernandez , et al. (165 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: MicroBooNE is a near-surface liquid argon (LAr) time projection chamber (TPC) located at Fermilab. We measure the characterisation of muons originating from cosmic interactions in the atmosphere using both the charge collection and light readout detectors. The data is compared with the CORSIKA cosmic-ray simulation. Good agreement is found between the observation, simulation and previous results.… ▽ More MicroBooNE is a near-surface liquid argon (LAr) time projection chamber (TPC) located at Fermilab. We measure the characterisation of muons originating from cosmic interactions in the atmosphere using both the charge collection and light readout detectors. The data is compared with the CORSIKA cosmic-ray simulation. Good agreement is found between the observation, simulation and previous results. Furthermore, the angular resolution of the reconstructed muons inside the TPC is studied in simulation. △ Less

Submitted 13 April, 2021; v1 submitted 22 December, 2020; originally announced December 2020.

Comments: 20 pages, 14 figures

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-20-626-ND

Journal ref: MicroBooNE et al 2021 JINST 16 P04004

The Continuous Readout Stream of the MicroBooNE Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber for Detection of Supernova Burst Neutrinos

Authors: MicroBooNE collaboration, P. Abratenko, M. Alrashed, R. An, J. Anthony, J. Asaadi, A. Ashkenazi, S. Balasubramanian, B. Baller, C. Barnes, G. Barr, V. Basque, L. Bathe-Peters, O. Benevides Rodrigues, S. Berkman, A. Bhanderi, A. Bhat, M. Bishai, A. Blake, T. Bolton, L. Camilleri, D. Caratelli, I. Caro Terrazas, R. Castillo Fernandez, F. Cavanna , et al. (163 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The MicroBooNE continuous readout stream is a parallel readout of the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) which enables detection of non-beam events such as those from a supernova neutrino burst. The low energies of the supernova neutrinos and the intense cosmic-ray background flux due to the near-surface detector location makes triggering on these events very challenging. Ins… ▽ More The MicroBooNE continuous readout stream is a parallel readout of the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) which enables detection of non-beam events such as those from a supernova neutrino burst. The low energies of the supernova neutrinos and the intense cosmic-ray background flux due to the near-surface detector location makes triggering on these events very challenging. Instead, MicroBooNE relies on a delayed trigger generated by SNEWS (the Supernova Early Warning System) for detecting supernova neutrinos. The continuous readout of the LArTPC generates large data volumes, and requires the use of real-time compression algorithms (zero suppression and Huffman compression) implemented in an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) in the readout electronics. We present the results of the optimization of the data reduction algorithms, and their operational performance. To demonstrate the capability of the continuous stream to detect low-energy electrons, a sample of Michel electrons from stopping cosmic-ray muons is reconstructed and compared to a similar sample from the lossless triggered readout stream. △ Less

Submitted 3 February, 2021; v1 submitted 31 August, 2020; originally announced August 2020.

Comments: 30 pages, 21 figures

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-20-446-ND

Journal ref: JINST 16 P02008 (2021)

Prospects for Beyond the Standard Model Physics Searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, G. Adamov, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, T. Alion, S. Alonso Monsalve, C. Alt, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. P. Andrews, F. Andrianala, S. Andringa, A. Ankowski, M. Antonova, S. Antusch, A. Aranda-Fernandez, A. Ariga, L. O. Arnold, M. A. Arroyave, J. Asaadi , et al. (953 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables… ▽ More The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach. △ Less

Submitted 23 April, 2021; v1 submitted 28 August, 2020; originally announced August 2020.

Comments: 54 pages, 40 figures, paper based on the DUNE Technical Design Report (arXiv:2002.03005)

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-20-459-LBNF-ND

Journal ref: European Physical Journal C 81 (2021) 322

Measurement of Space Charge Effects in the MicroBooNE LArTPC Using Cosmic Muons

Authors: MicroBooNE collaboration, P. Abratenko, M. Alrashed, R. An, J. Anthony, J. Asaadi, A. Ashkenazi, S. Balasubramanian, B. Baller, C. Barnes, G. Barr, V. Basque, L. Bathe-Peters, O. Benevides Rodrigues, S. Berkman, A. Bhanderi, A. Bhat, M. Bishai, A. Blake, T. Bolton, L. Camilleri, D. Caratelli, I. Caro Terrazas, R. Castillo Fernandez, F. Cavanna , et al. (162 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Large liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs), especially those operating near the surface, are susceptible to space charge effects. In the context of LArTPCs, the space charge effect is the build-up of slow-moving positive ions in the detector primarily due to ionization from cosmic rays, leading to a distortion of the electric field within the detector. This effect leads to a displacemen… ▽ More Large liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs), especially those operating near the surface, are susceptible to space charge effects. In the context of LArTPCs, the space charge effect is the build-up of slow-moving positive ions in the detector primarily due to ionization from cosmic rays, leading to a distortion of the electric field within the detector. This effect leads to a displacement in the reconstructed position of signal ionization electrons in LArTPC detectors ("spatial distortions"), as well as to variations in the amount of electron-ion recombination experienced by ionization throughout the volume of the TPC. We present techniques that can be used to measure and correct for space charge effects in large LArTPCs by making use of cosmic muons, including the use of track pairs to unambiguously pin down spatial distortions in three dimensions. The performance of these calibration techniques are studied using both Monte Carlo simulation and MicroBooNE data, utilizing a UV laser system as a means to estimate the systematic bias associated with the calibration methodology. △ Less

Submitted 9 November, 2020; v1 submitted 22 August, 2020; originally announced August 2020.

Comments: 38 pages, 25 figures

Supernova Neutrino Burst Detection with the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment

Authors: DUNE collaboration, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, G. Adamov, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, T. Alion, S. Alonso Monsalve, C. Alt, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. P. Andrews, F. Andrianala, S. Andringa, A. Ankowski, M. Antonova, S. Antusch, A. Aranda-Fernandez, A. Ariga, L. O. Arnold, M. A. Arroyave, J. Asaadi , et al. (949 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), a 40-kton underground liquid argon time projection chamber experiment, will be sensitive to the electron-neutrino flavor component of the burst of neutrinos expected from the next Galactic core-collapse supernova. Such an observation will bring unique insight into the astrophysics of core collapse as well as into the properties of neutrinos. The gen… ▽ More The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), a 40-kton underground liquid argon time projection chamber experiment, will be sensitive to the electron-neutrino flavor component of the burst of neutrinos expected from the next Galactic core-collapse supernova. Such an observation will bring unique insight into the astrophysics of core collapse as well as into the properties of neutrinos. The general capabilities of DUNE for neutrino detection in the relevant few- to few-tens-of-MeV neutrino energy range will be described. As an example, DUNE's ability to constrain the $ν_e$ spectral parameters of the neutrino burst will be considered. △ Less

Submitted 29 May, 2021; v1 submitted 15 August, 2020; originally announced August 2020.

Comments: 29 pages, 17 figures; paper based on DUNE Technical Design Report. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:2002.03005

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-20-380-LBNF

First results on ProtoDUNE-SP liquid argon time projection chamber performance from a beam test at the CERN Neutrino Platform

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, B. Abi, A. Abed Abud, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, G. Adamov, M. Adamowski, D. Adams, P. Adrien, M. Adinolfi, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, T. Alion, S. Alonso Monsalve, C. Alt, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. P. Andrews, F. Andrianala, S. Andringa, A. Ankowski, M. Antonova, S. Antusch, A. Aranda-Fernandez, A. Ariga , et al. (970 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The ProtoDUNE-SP detector is a single-phase liquid argon time projection chamber with an active volume of $7.2\times 6.0\times 6.9$ m$^3$. It is installed at the CERN Neutrino Platform in a specially-constructed beam that delivers charged pions, kaons, protons, muons and electrons with momenta in the range 0.3 GeV$/c$ to 7 GeV/$c$. Beam line instrumentation provides accurate momentum measurements… ▽ More The ProtoDUNE-SP detector is a single-phase liquid argon time projection chamber with an active volume of $7.2\times 6.0\times 6.9$ m$^3$. It is installed at the CERN Neutrino Platform in a specially-constructed beam that delivers charged pions, kaons, protons, muons and electrons with momenta in the range 0.3 GeV$/c$ to 7 GeV/$c$. Beam line instrumentation provides accurate momentum measurements and particle identification. The ProtoDUNE-SP detector is a prototype for the first far detector module of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, and it incorporates full-size components as designed for that module. This paper describes the beam line, the time projection chamber, the photon detectors, the cosmic-ray tagger, the signal processing and particle reconstruction. It presents the first results on ProtoDUNE-SP's performance, including noise and gain measurements, $dE/dx$ calibration for muons, protons, pions and electrons, drift electron lifetime measurements, and photon detector noise, signal sensitivity and time resolution measurements. The measured values meet or exceed the specifications for the DUNE far detector, in several cases by large margins. ProtoDUNE-SP's successful operation starting in 2018 and its production of large samples of high-quality data demonstrate the effectiveness of the single-phase far detector design. △ Less

Submitted 3 June, 2021; v1 submitted 13 July, 2020; originally announced July 2020.

Comments: 93 pages, 70 figures

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-20-059-AD-ESH-LBNF-ND-SCD, CERN-EP-2020-125

Journal ref: JINST 15 (2020) P12004

Updated MiniBooNE Neutrino Oscillation Results with Increased Data and New Background Studies

Authors: MiniBooNE Collaboration, A. A. Aguilar-Arevalo, B. C. Brown, J. M. Conrad, R. Dharmapalan, A. Diaz, Z. Djurcic, D. A. Finley, R. Ford, G. T. Garvey, S. Gollapinni, A. Hourlier, E. C. Huang, N. W. Kamp, G. Karagiorgi, T. Katori, T. Kobilarcik, K. Lin, W. C. Louis, C. Mariani, W. Marsh, G. B. Mills, J. Mirabal-Martinez, C. D. Moore, R. H. Nelson , et al. (17 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The MiniBooNE experiment at Fermilab reports a total excess of $638.0 \pm 132.8$ electron-like events ($4.8 σ$) from a data sample corresponding to $18.75 \times 10^{20}$ protons-on-target in neutrino mode, which is a 46\% increase in the data sample with respect to previously published results, and $11.27 \times 10^{20}$ protons-on-target in antineutrino mode. The additional statistics allow seve… ▽ More The MiniBooNE experiment at Fermilab reports a total excess of $638.0 \pm 132.8$ electron-like events ($4.8 σ$) from a data sample corresponding to $18.75 \times 10^{20}$ protons-on-target in neutrino mode, which is a 46\% increase in the data sample with respect to previously published results, and $11.27 \times 10^{20}$ protons-on-target in antineutrino mode. The additional statistics allow several studies to address questions on the source of the excess. First, we provide two-dimensional plots in visible energy and cosine of the angle of the outgoing lepton, which can provide valuable input to models for the event excess. Second, we test whether the excess may arise from photons that enter the detector from external events or photons exiting the detector from $π^0$ decays in two model independent ways. Beam timing information shows that almost all of the excess is in time with neutrinos that interact in the detector. The radius distribution shows that the excess is distributed throughout the volume, while tighter cuts on the fiducal volume increase the significance of the excess. We conclude that models of the event excess based on entering and exiting photons are disfavored. △ Less

Submitted 8 March, 2021; v1 submitted 30 June, 2020; originally announced June 2020.

Comments: 28 pages, 26 figures

Report number: LA-UR-20-29235

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 103, 052002 (2021)

Long-baseline neutrino oscillation physics potential of the DUNE experiment

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, G. Adamov, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, T. Alion, S. Alonso Monsalve, C. Alt, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. P. Andrews, F. Andrianala, S. Andringa, A. Ankowski, M. Antonova, S. Antusch, A. Aranda-Fernandez, A. Ariga, L. O. Arnold, M. A. Arroyave, J. Asaadi , et al. (949 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The sensitivity of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) to neutrino oscillation is determined, based on a full simulation, reconstruction, and event selection of the far detector and a full simulation and parameterized analysis of the near detector. Detailed uncertainties due to the flux prediction, neutrino interaction model, and detector effects are included. DUNE will resolve the neu… ▽ More The sensitivity of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) to neutrino oscillation is determined, based on a full simulation, reconstruction, and event selection of the far detector and a full simulation and parameterized analysis of the near detector. Detailed uncertainties due to the flux prediction, neutrino interaction model, and detector effects are included. DUNE will resolve the neutrino mass ordering to a precision of 5$σ$, for all $δ_{\mathrm{CP}}$ values, after 2 years of running with the nominal detector design and beam configuration. It has the potential to observe charge-parity violation in the neutrino sector to a precision of 3$σ$ (5$σ$) after an exposure of 5 (10) years, for 50\% of all $δ_{\mathrm{CP}}$ values. It will also make precise measurements of other parameters governing long-baseline neutrino oscillation, and after an exposure of 15 years will achieve a similar sensitivity to $\sin^{2} 2θ_{13}$ to current reactor experiments. △ Less

Submitted 6 December, 2021; v1 submitted 26 June, 2020; originally announced June 2020.

Comments: arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:2002.03005; Updated after referee comments

Report number: PUB-20-251-E-LBNF-ND-PIP2-SCD

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C 80, 978 (2020)

Neutrino interaction classification with a convolutional neural network in the DUNE far detector

Authors: DUNE Collaboration, B. Abi, R. Acciarri, M. A. Acero, G. Adamov, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, T. Alion, S. Alonso Monsalve, C. Alt, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. P. Andrews, F. Andrianala, S. Andringa, A. Ankowski, M. Antonova, S. Antusch, A. Aranda-Fernandez, A. Ariga, L. O. Arnold, M. A. Arroyave, J. Asaadi , et al. (951 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment is a next-generation neutrino oscillation experiment that aims to measure $CP$-violation in the neutrino sector as part of a wider physics program. A deep learning approach based on a convolutional neural network has been developed to provide highly efficient and pure selections of electron neutrino and muon neutrino charged-current interactions. The electr… ▽ More The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment is a next-generation neutrino oscillation experiment that aims to measure $CP$-violation in the neutrino sector as part of a wider physics program. A deep learning approach based on a convolutional neural network has been developed to provide highly efficient and pure selections of electron neutrino and muon neutrino charged-current interactions. The electron neutrino (antineutrino) selection efficiency peaks at 90% (94%) and exceeds 85% (90%) for reconstructed neutrino energies between 2-5 GeV. The muon neutrino (antineutrino) event selection is found to have a maximum efficiency of 96% (97%) and exceeds 90% (95%) efficiency for reconstructed neutrino energies above 2 GeV. When considering all electron neutrino and antineutrino interactions as signal, a selection purity of 90% is achieved. These event selections are critical to maximize the sensitivity of the experiment to $CP$-violating effects. △ Less

Submitted 10 November, 2020; v1 submitted 26 June, 2020; originally announced June 2020.

Comments: 39 pages, 11 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 102, 092003 (2020)

First Measurement of Differential Charged Current Quasielastic-like $ν_μ$-Argon Scattering Cross Sections with the MicroBooNE Detector

Authors: P. Abratenko, M. Alrashed, R. An, J. Anthony, J. Asaadi, A. Ashkenazi, S. Balasubramanian, B. Baller, C. Barnes, G. Barr, V. Basque, L. Bathe-Peters, O. Benevides Rodrigues, S. Berkman, A. Bhanderi, A. Bhat, M. Bishai, A. Blake, T. Bolton, L. Camilleri, D. Caratelli, I. Caro Terrazas, R. Castillo Fernandez, F. Cavanna, G. Cerati , et al. (159 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report on the first measurement of flux-integrated single differential cross sections for charged-current (CC) muon neutrino ($ν_μ$) scattering on argon with a muon and a proton in the final state, $^{40}$Ar($ν_μ$,$μ$p)X. The measurement was carried out using the Booster Neutrino Beam at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber detector with… ▽ More We report on the first measurement of flux-integrated single differential cross sections for charged-current (CC) muon neutrino ($ν_μ$) scattering on argon with a muon and a proton in the final state, $^{40}$Ar($ν_μ$,$μ$p)X. The measurement was carried out using the Booster Neutrino Beam at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber detector with an exposure of 4.59 $\times$ 10$^{19}$ protons on target. Events are selected to enhance the contribution of CC quasielastic (CCQE) interactions. The data are reported in terms of a total cross section as well as single differential cross sections in final state muon and proton kinematics. We measure the integrated per-nucleus CCQE-like cross section (i.e. for interactions leading to a muon, one proton and no pions above detection threshold) of (4.93 $\pm$ 0.76stat $\pm$ 1.29sys) $\times$ 10$^{-38}$cm$^2$, in good agreement with theoretical calculations. The single differential cross sections are also in overall good agreement with theoretical predictions, except at very forward muon scattering angles that correspond to low momentum-transfer events. △ Less

Submitted 5 October, 2020; v1 submitted 29 May, 2020; originally announced June 2020.

Comments: Accepted for publication in PRL. 8 pages, 3 figures, 1 table and online supplementary materials

Report number: FNAL PUB-20-226-ND

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 201803 (2020)

Vertex-Finding and Reconstruction of Contained Two-track Neutrino Events in the MicroBooNE Detector

Authors: MicroBooNE collaboration, P. Abratenko, M. Alrashed, R. An, J. Anthony, J. Asaadi, A. Ashkenazi, S. Balasubramanian, B. Baller, C. Barnes, G. Barr, V. Basque, L. Bathe-Peters, S. Berkman, A. Bhanderi, A. Bhat, M. Bishai, A. Blake, T. Bolton, L. Camilleri, D. Caratelli, I. Caro Terrazas, R. Castillo Fernandez, F. Cavanna, G. Cerati , et al. (164 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We describe algorithms developed to isolate and accurately reconstruct two-track events that are contained within the MicroBooNE detector. This method is optimized to reconstruct two tracks of lengths longer than 5 cm. This code has applications to searches for neutrino oscillations and measurements of cross sections using quasi-elastic-like charged current events. The algorithms we discuss will b… ▽ More We describe algorithms developed to isolate and accurately reconstruct two-track events that are contained within the MicroBooNE detector. This method is optimized to reconstruct two tracks of lengths longer than 5 cm. This code has applications to searches for neutrino oscillations and measurements of cross sections using quasi-elastic-like charged current events. The algorithms we discuss will be applicable to all detectors running in Fermilab's Short Baseline Neutrino program (SBN), and to any future liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) experiment with beam energies ~1 GeV. The algorithms are publicly available on a GITHUB repository. This reconstruction offers a complementary and independent alternative to the Pandora reconstruction package currently in use in LArTPC experiments, and provides similar reconstruction performance for two-track events. △ Less

Submitted 7 December, 2020; v1 submitted 21 February, 2020; originally announced February 2020.

Comments: 35 pages, 26 figures

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-20-073-ND

Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), Far Detector Technical Design Report, Volume IV: Far Detector Single-phase Technology

Authors: B. Abi, R. Acciarri, Mario A. Acero, G. Adamov, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, T. Alion, S. Alonso Monsalve, C. Alt, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. P. Andrews, F. Andrianala, S. Andringa, A. Ankowski, J. Anthony, M. Antonova, S. Antusch, A. Aranda Fernandez, A. Ariga, L. O. Arnold, M. A. Arroyave, J. Asaadi , et al. (941 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of the supernovae that produced the heavy elements necessary for life, and whether protons eventually decay -- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our universe, its current state, and its eventual fate. DUNE is an international world-clas… ▽ More The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of the supernovae that produced the heavy elements necessary for life, and whether protons eventually decay -- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our universe, its current state, and its eventual fate. DUNE is an international world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions as it searches for leptonic charge-parity symmetry violation, stands ready to capture supernova neutrino bursts, and seeks to observe nucleon decay as a signature of a grand unified theory underlying the standard model. Central to achieving DUNE's physics program is a far detector that combines the many tens-of-kiloton fiducial mass necessary for rare event searches with sub-centimeter spatial resolution in its ability to image those events, allowing identification of the physics signatures among the numerous backgrounds. In the single-phase liquid argon time-projection chamber (LArTPC) technology, ionization charges drift horizontally in the liquid argon under the influence of an electric field towards a vertical anode, where they are read out with fine granularity. A photon detection system supplements the TPC, directly enhancing physics capabilities for all three DUNE physics drivers and opening up prospects for further physics explorations. The DUNE far detector technical design report (TDR) describes the DUNE physics program and the technical designs of the single- and dual-phase DUNE liquid argon TPC far detector modules. Volume IV presents an overview of the basic operating principles of a single-phase LArTPC, followed by a description of the DUNE implementation. Each of the subsystems is described in detail, connecting the high-level design requirements and decisions to the overriding physics goals of DUNE. △ Less

Submitted 8 September, 2020; v1 submitted 7 February, 2020; originally announced February 2020.

Comments: Minor corrections made for JINST submission, 673 pages, 312 figures (corrected errors in author list)

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-20-027-ND

Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), Far Detector Technical Design Report, Volume III: DUNE Far Detector Technical Coordination

Authors: B. Abi, R. Acciarri, Mario A. Acero, G. Adamov, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, T. Alion, S. Alonso Monsalve, C. Alt, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. P. Andrews, F. Andrianala, S. Andringa, A. Ankowski, J. Anthony, M. Antonova, S. Antusch, A. Aranda Fernandez, A. Ariga, L. O. Arnold, M. A. Arroyave, J. Asaadi , et al. (941 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of the supernovae that produced the heavy elements necessary for life, and whether protons eventually decay -- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our universe, its current state, and its eventual fate. The Deep Underground Neutrino Exper… ▽ More The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of the supernovae that produced the heavy elements necessary for life, and whether protons eventually decay -- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our universe, its current state, and its eventual fate. The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is an international world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions as it searches for leptonic charge-parity symmetry violation, stands ready to capture supernova neutrino bursts, and seeks to observe nucleon decay as a signature of a grand unified theory underlying the standard model. The DUNE far detector technical design report (TDR) describes the DUNE physics program and the technical designs of the single- and dual-phase DUNE liquid argon TPC far detector modules. Volume III of this TDR describes how the activities required to design, construct, fabricate, install, and commission the DUNE far detector modules are organized and managed. This volume details the organizational structures that will carry out and/or oversee the planned far detector activities safely, successfully, on time, and on budget. It presents overviews of the facilities, supporting infrastructure, and detectors for context, and it outlines the project-related functions and methodologies used by the DUNE technical coordination organization, focusing on the areas of integration engineering, technical reviews, quality assurance and control, and safety oversight. Because of its more advanced stage of development, functional examples presented in this volume focus primarily on the single-phase (SP) detector module. △ Less

Submitted 8 September, 2020; v1 submitted 7 February, 2020; originally announced February 2020.

Comments: Minor corrections made for JINST submission, 209 pages, 55 figures (updated typos in Table A.5; corrected errors in author list)

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-20-026-ND

Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), Far Detector Technical Design Report, Volume II: DUNE Physics

Authors: B. Abi, R. Acciarri, Mario A. Acero, G. Adamov, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, T. Alion, S. Alonso Monsalve, C. Alt, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. P. Andrews, F. Andrianala, S. Andringa, A. Ankowski, J. Anthony, M. Antonova, S. Antusch, A. Aranda Fernandez, A. Ariga, L. O. Arnold, M. A. Arroyave, J. Asaadi , et al. (941 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of the supernovae that produced the heavy elements necessary for life, and whether protons eventually decay -- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our universe, its current state, and its eventual fate. DUNE is an international world-clas… ▽ More The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of the supernovae that produced the heavy elements necessary for life, and whether protons eventually decay -- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our universe, its current state, and its eventual fate. DUNE is an international world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions as it searches for leptonic charge-parity symmetry violation, stands ready to capture supernova neutrino bursts, and seeks to observe nucleon decay as a signature of a grand unified theory underlying the standard model. The DUNE far detector technical design report (TDR) describes the DUNE physics program and the technical designs of the single- and dual-phase DUNE liquid argon TPC far detector modules. Volume II of this TDR, DUNE Physics, describes the array of identified scientific opportunities and key goals. Crucially, we also report our best current understanding of the capability of DUNE to realize these goals, along with the detailed arguments and investigations on which this understanding is based. This TDR volume documents the scientific basis underlying the conception and design of the LBNF/DUNE experimental configurations. As a result, the description of DUNE's experimental capabilities constitutes the bulk of the document. Key linkages between requirements for successful execution of the physics program and primary specifications of the experimental configurations are drawn and summarized. This document also serves a wider purpose as a statement on the scientific potential of DUNE as a central component within a global program of frontier theoretical and experimental particle physics research. Thus, the presentation also aims to serve as a resource for the particle physics community at large. △ Less

Submitted 25 March, 2020; v1 submitted 7 February, 2020; originally announced February 2020.

Comments: 357 pages, 165 figures (updated typos in Table 6.1 and corrected errors in author list)

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-20-025-ND

Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), Far Detector Technical Design Report, Volume I: Introduction to DUNE

Authors: B. Abi, R. Acciarri, Mario A. Acero, G. Adamov, D. Adams, M. Adinolfi, Z. Ahmad, J. Ahmed, T. Alion, S. Alonso Monsalve, C. Alt, J. Anderson, C. Andreopoulos, M. P. Andrews, F. Andrianala, S. Andringa, A. Ankowski, J. Anthony, M. Antonova, S. Antusch, A. Aranda Fernandez, A. Ariga, L. O. Arnold, M. A. Arroyave, J. Asaadi , et al. (941 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of the supernovae that produced the heavy elements necessary for life, and whether protons eventually decay -- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our universe, its current state, and its eventual fate. The Deep Underground Neutrino Exper… ▽ More The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of the supernovae that produced the heavy elements necessary for life, and whether protons eventually decay -- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our universe, its current state, and its eventual fate. The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is an international world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions as it searches for leptonic charge-parity symmetry violation, stands ready to capture supernova neutrino bursts, and seeks to observe nucleon decay as a signature of a grand unified theory underlying the standard model. The DUNE far detector technical design report (TDR) describes the DUNE physics program and the technical designs of the single- and dual-phase DUNE liquid argon TPC far detector modules. This TDR is intended to justify the technical choices for the far detector that flow down from the high-level physics goals through requirements at all levels of the Project. Volume I contains an executive summary that introduces the DUNE science program, the far detector and the strategy for its modular designs, and the organization and management of the Project. The remainder of Volume I provides more detail on the science program that drives the choice of detector technologies and on the technologies themselves. It also introduces the designs for the DUNE near detector and the DUNE computing model, for which DUNE is planning design reports. Volume II of this TDR describes DUNE's physics program in detail. Volume III describes the technical coordination required for the far detector design, construction, installation, and integration, and its organizational structure. Volume IV describes the single-phase far detector technology. A planned Volume V will describe the dual-phase technology. △ Less

Submitted 8 September, 2020; v1 submitted 7 February, 2020; originally announced February 2020.

Comments: Minor corrections made for JINST submission; 244 pages, 114 figures

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-20-024-ND

Search for heavy neutral leptons decaying into muon-pion pairs in the MicroBooNE detector

Authors: P. Abratenko, M. Alrashed, R. An, J. Anthony, J. Asaadi, A. Ashkenazi, S. Balasubramanian, B. Baller, C. Barnes, G. Barr, V. Basque, S. Berkman, A. Bhanderi, A. Bhat, M. Bishai, A. Blake, T. Bolton, L. Camilleri, D. Caratelli, I. Caro Terrazas, R. Castillo Fernandez, F. Cavanna, G. Cerati, Y. Chen, E. Church , et al. (159 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present upper limits on the production of heavy neutral leptons (HNLs) decaying to $μπ$ pairs using data collected with the MicroBooNE liquid-argon time projection chamber (TPC) operating at Fermilab. This search is the first of its kind performed in a liquid-argon TPC. We use data collected in 2017 and 2018 corresponding to an exposure of $2.0 \times 10^{20}$ protons on target from the Fermila… ▽ More We present upper limits on the production of heavy neutral leptons (HNLs) decaying to $μπ$ pairs using data collected with the MicroBooNE liquid-argon time projection chamber (TPC) operating at Fermilab. This search is the first of its kind performed in a liquid-argon TPC. We use data collected in 2017 and 2018 corresponding to an exposure of $2.0 \times 10^{20}$ protons on target from the Fermilab Booster Neutrino Beam, which produces mainly muon neutrinos with an average energy of $\approx 800$ MeV. HNLs with higher mass are expected to have a longer time-of-flight to the liquid-argon TPC than Standard Model neutrinos. The data are therefore recorded with a dedicated trigger configured to detect HNL decays that occur after the neutrino spill reaches the detector. We set upper limits at the $90\%$ confidence level on the element $\lvert U_{\mu4}\rvert^2$ of the extended PMNS mixing matrix in the range $\lvert U_{\mu4}\rvert^2<(6.6$-$0.9)\times 10^{-7}$ for Dirac HNLs and $\lvert U_{\mu4}\rvert^2<(4.7$-$0.7)\times 10^{-7}$ for Majorana HNLs, assuming HNL masses between $260$ and $385$ MeV and $\lvert U_{e 4}\rvert^2 = \lvert U_{τ4}\rvert^2 = 0$. △ Less

Submitted 12 February, 2020; v1 submitted 24 November, 2019; originally announced November 2019.

Comments: 11 pages, 9 figures. Final accepted version by Phys. Rev. D, minor textual changes

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-19-581-ND

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 101, 052001 (2020)

Reconstruction and Measurement of $\mathcal{O}$(100) MeV Energy Electromagnetic Activity from $π^0 \rightarrow γγ$ Decays in the MicroBooNE LArTPC

Authors: MicroBooNE collaboration, C. Adams, M. Alrashed, R. An, J. Anthony, J. Asaadi, A. Ashkenazi, S. Balasubramanian, B. Baller, C. Barnes, G. Barr, V. Basque, M. Bass, F. Bay, S. Berkman, A. Bhanderi, A. Bhat, M. Bishai, A. Blake, T. Bolton, L. Camilleri, D. Caratelli, I. Caro Terrazas, R. Carr, R. Castillo Fernandez , et al. (164 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present results on the reconstruction of electromagnetic (EM) activity from photons produced in charged current $ν_μ$ interactions with final state $π^0$s. We employ a fully-automated reconstruction chain capable of identifying EM showers of $\mathcal{O}$(100) MeV energy, relying on a combination of traditional reconstruction techniques together with novel machine-learning approaches. These stu… ▽ More We present results on the reconstruction of electromagnetic (EM) activity from photons produced in charged current $ν_μ$ interactions with final state $π^0$s. We employ a fully-automated reconstruction chain capable of identifying EM showers of $\mathcal{O}$(100) MeV energy, relying on a combination of traditional reconstruction techniques together with novel machine-learning approaches. These studies demonstrate good energy resolution, and good agreement between data and simulation, relying on the reconstructed invariant $π^0$ mass and other photon distributions for validation. The reconstruction techniques developed are applied to a selection of $ν_μ + {\rm Ar} \rightarrow μ+ π^0 + X$ candidate events to demonstrate the potential for calorimetric separation of photons from electrons and reconstruction of $π^0$ kinematics. △ Less

Submitted 4 October, 2019; originally announced October 2019.

A Method to Determine the Electric Field of Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers Using a UV Laser System and its Application in MicroBooNE

Authors: MicroBooNE collaboration, C. Adams, M. Alrashed, R. An, J. Anthony, J. Asaadi, A. Ashkenazi, S. Balasubramanian, B. Baller, C. Barnes, G. Barr, V. Basque, M. Bass, F. Bay, S. Berkman, A. Bhanderi, A. Bhat, M. Bishai, A. Blake, T. Bolton, L. Camilleri, D. Caratelli, I. Caro Terrazas, R. Carr, R. Castillo Fernandez , et al. (165 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) are now a standard detector technology for making accelerator neutrino measurements, due to their high material density, precise tracking, and calorimetric capabilities. An electric field (E-field) is required in such detectors to drift ionized electrons to the anode to be collected. The E-field of a TPC is often approximated to be uniform between th… ▽ More Liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) are now a standard detector technology for making accelerator neutrino measurements, due to their high material density, precise tracking, and calorimetric capabilities. An electric field (E-field) is required in such detectors to drift ionized electrons to the anode to be collected. The E-field of a TPC is often approximated to be uniform between the anode and the cathode planes. However, significant distortions can appear from effects such as mechanical deformations, electrode failures, or the accumulation of space charge generated by cosmic rays. The latter is particularly relevant for detectors placed near the Earth's surface and with large drift distances and long drift time. To determine the E-field in situ, an ultraviolet (UV) laser system is installed in the MicroBooNE experiment at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The purpose of this system is to provide precise measurements of the E-field, and to make it possible to correct for 3D spatial distortions due to E-field non-uniformities. Here we describe the methodology developed for deriving spatial distortions, the drift velocity and the E-field from UV-laser measurements. △ Less

Submitted 15 October, 2019; v1 submitted 3 October, 2019; originally announced October 2019.

Calibration of the charge and energy loss per unit length of the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber using muons and protons

Authors: MicroBooNE collaboration, C. Adams, M. Alrashed, R. An, J. Anthony, J. Asaadi, A. Ashkenazi, S. Balasubramanian, B. Baller, C. Barnes, G. Barr, V. Basque, M. Bass, F. Bay, S. Berkman, A. Bhanderi, A. Bhat, M. Bishai, A. Blake, T. Bolton, L. Camilleri, D. Caratelli, I. Caro Terrazas, R. Carr, R. Castillo Fernandez , et al. (164 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We describe a method used to calibrate the position- and time-dependent response of the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber anode wires to ionization particle energy loss. The method makes use of crossing cosmic-ray muons to partially correct anode wire signals for multiple effects as a function of time and position, including cross-connected TPC wires, space charge effects, electron a… ▽ More We describe a method used to calibrate the position- and time-dependent response of the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber anode wires to ionization particle energy loss. The method makes use of crossing cosmic-ray muons to partially correct anode wire signals for multiple effects as a function of time and position, including cross-connected TPC wires, space charge effects, electron attachment to impurities, diffusion, and recombination. The overall energy scale is then determined using fully-contained beam-induced muons originating and stopping in the active region of the detector. Using this method, we obtain an absolute energy scale uncertainty of 2\% in data. We use stopping protons to further refine the relation between the measured charge and the energy loss for highly-ionizing particles. This data-driven detector calibration improves both the measurement of total deposited energy and particle identification based on energy loss per unit length as a function of residual range. As an example, the proton selection efficiency is increased by 2\% after detector calibration. △ Less

Submitted 24 February, 2020; v1 submitted 26 July, 2019; originally announced July 2019.

Comments: Accepted version

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-19-357-ND

Journal ref: JINST 15, P03022 (2020)

First Measurement of Inclusive Muon Neutrino Charged Current Differential Cross Sections on Argon at $E_ν\sim 0.8$ GeV with the MicroBooNE Detector

Authors: P. Abratenko, C. Adams, M. Alrashed, R. An, J. Anthony, J. Asaadi, A. Ashkenazi, M. Auger, S. Balasubramanian, B. Baller, C. Barnes, G. Barr, M. Bass, F. Bay, A. Bhat, K. Bhattacharya, M. Bishai, A. Blake, T. Bolton, L. Camilleri, D. Caratelli, I. Caro Terrazas, R. Carr, R. Castillo Fernandez, F. Cavanna , et al. (156 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the first measurement of the double-differential and total muon neutrino charged current inclusive cross sections on argon at a mean neutrino energy of 0.8 GeV. Data were collected using the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber located in the Fermilab Booster neutrino beam and correspond to $1.6 \times 10^{20}$ protons on target of exposure. The measured differential cross sec… ▽ More We report the first measurement of the double-differential and total muon neutrino charged current inclusive cross sections on argon at a mean neutrino energy of 0.8 GeV. Data were collected using the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber located in the Fermilab Booster neutrino beam and correspond to $1.6 \times 10^{20}$ protons on target of exposure. The measured differential cross sections are presented as a function of muon momentum, using multiple Coulomb scattering as a momentum measurement technique, and the muon angle with respect to the beam direction. We compare the measured cross sections to multiple neutrino event generators and find better agreement with those containing more complete treatment of quasielastic scattering processes at low $Q^2$. The total flux integrated cross section is measured to be $0.693 \pm 0.010 \, (\text{stat}) \pm 0.165 \, (\text{syst}) \times 10^{-38} \, \text{cm}^{2}$. △ Less

Submitted 30 September, 2019; v1 submitted 23 May, 2019; originally announced May 2019.

Comments: 7 pages, 2 figures

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-19-235-ND

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 131801 (2019)

First Measurement of the Total Neutron Cross Section on Argon Between 100 and 800 MeV

Authors: B. Bhandari, J. Bian, K. Bilton, C. Callahan, J. Chaves, H. Chen, D. Cline, R. L. Cooper, D. Danielson, J. Danielson, N. Dokania, S. Elliott, S. Fernandes, S. Gardiner, G. Garvey, V. Gehman, F. Giuliani, S. Glavin, M. Gold, C. Grant, E. Guardincerri, T. Haines, A. Higuera, J. Y. Ji, R. Kadel , et al. (51 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the first measurement of the neutron cross section on argon in the energy range of 100-800 MeV. The measurement was obtained with a 4.3-hour exposure of the Mini-CAPTAIN detector to the WNR/LANSCE beam at LANL. The total cross section is measured from the attenuation coefficient of the neutron flux as it traverses the liquid argon volume. A set of 2,631 candidate interactions is divided… ▽ More We report the first measurement of the neutron cross section on argon in the energy range of 100-800 MeV. The measurement was obtained with a 4.3-hour exposure of the Mini-CAPTAIN detector to the WNR/LANSCE beam at LANL. The total cross section is measured from the attenuation coefficient of the neutron flux as it traverses the liquid argon volume. A set of 2,631 candidate interactions is divided in bins of the neutron kinetic energy calculated from time-of-flight measurements. These interactions are reconstructed with custom-made algorithms specifically designed for the data in a time projection chamber the size of the Mini-CAPTAIN detector. The energy averaged cross section is $0.91 \pm{} 0.10~\mathrm{(stat.)} \pm{} 0.09~\mathrm{(sys.)}~\mathrm{barns}$. A comparison of the measured cross section is made to the GEANT4 and FLUKA event generator packages. △ Less

Submitted 26 June, 2019; v1 submitted 12 March, 2019; originally announced March 2019.

Comments: 5 pages, 1 table, 3 figures, submitted to Physical Review Letters

Report number: LANL Report LA-UR-19-22200

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 042502 (2019)