Low-energy physics in neutrino LArTPCs. (14th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andringa, S; Asaadi, J; Bezerra, J T C; Capozzi, F; Caratelli, D; Cavanna, F; Church, E; Efremenko, Y; Foreman, W; Friedland, A; Gardiner, S; Gil-Botella, I; Himmel, A; Junk, T; Karagiorgi, G; Kirby, M; Klein, J; Lehmann-Miotto, G; Lepetic, I T; Li, S; Littlejohn, B R; Mooney, M; Reichenbacher, J; Sala, P; Schellman, H; Scholberg, K; Sorel, M; Sousa, A; Wang, J; Wang, M H L S; Wu, W; Yu, J; Yang, T; Zennamo, J;
• Is Part Of: Journal of physics. Volume 50:Number 3(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02-14
• Subjects: physics -- neutrino -- LArTPC; Nuclear physics -- Periodicals; Particles (Nuclear physics) -- Periodicals; Physique nucléaire -- Périodiques; Particules (Physique nucléaire) -- Périodiques; Kernfysica; Elementaire deeltjes; 539.7
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6471/acad17
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-3899

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, we review scientific opportunities and challenges related to detection and reconstruction of low-energy (less than 100 MeV) signatures in liquid argon time-projection chamber (LArTPC) neutrino detectors. LArTPC neutrino detectors designed for performing precise long-baseline oscillation measurements with GeV-scale accelerator neutrino beams also have unique sensitivity to a range of physics and astrophysics signatures via detection of event features at and below the few tens of MeV range. In addition, low-energy signatures are an integral part of GeV-scale accelerator neutrino interaction final-states, and their reconstruction can enhance the oscillation physics sensitivities of LArTPC experiments. New physics signals from accelerator and natural sources also generate diverse signatures in the low-energy range, and reconstruction of these signatures can increase the breadth of Beyond the Standard Model scenarios accessible in LArTPC-based searches. A variety of experimental and theory-related challenges remain to realizing this full range of potential benefits. Neutrino interaction cross-sections and other nuclear physics processes in argon relevant to sub-hundred-MeV LArTPC signatures are poorly understood, and improved theory and experimental measurements are needed; pion decay-at-rest sources and charged particle and neutron test beams are ideal facilities for improving this understanding. There are specific calibration needs in the low-energy range, as well as specific needs for control and understanding of radiological and cosmogenic backgrounds. Low-energy signatures, whether steady-state or part of a supernova burst or larger GeV-scale event topology, have specific triggering, DAQ and reconstruction requirements that must be addressed outside the scope of conventional GeV-scale data collection and analysis pathways. Novel concepts for future LArTPC technology that enhance low-energy capabilities should also be explored to help address these challenges.