Predictions of the diffuse supernova neutrino background

The diffuse supernova neutrino background (DSNB) arises from the combined flux of neutrinos from all past core-collapse supernovae. The DSNB has not yet been detected, but the predicted DSNB flux is tantalizingly close to current upper limits and detection is anticipated by the now-completed gadonium upgrade at Super-Kamiokande. In this talk, we address critical theoretical uncertainties affecting predictions of the DSNB. First, recent systematic studies of stellar core collapse reveal the quantitative impacts of the progenitor conditions on the collapse process. Second, binary interactions, especially mass transfer and mergers, strongly influence the evolution of massive stars and change their final properties and the occurrence of supernovae. Third, recent core-collapse simulations have begun to model the late-time emission of neutrinos. Then, we put our predictions into the context of experimental sensitivity ongoing searches, finding promising prospects.