Modeling Neutral-Current Neutrino Interactions in Liquid Argon

POSTER

Abstract

Studies of supernova neutrinos provide knowledge of neutrino oscillations and supernova physics. The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will enable exploration of the three-flavor model of neutrino physics and solve questions in regards to the dynamics of supernova, the stability of matter, and matter-antimatter asymmetry. DUNE will use a Liquid Argon Time-Projection Chamber (LArTPC) which will be able to detect charged-current, neutral-current, and elastic-scattering interactions. The neutral current $\nu-^{40}{Ar}$ interaction leaves an excited $^{40}Ar$ nucleus that releases a 9.8 MeV gamma which is analyzed for the LArTPC. This project creates a smearing file for SNOwGLoBES, an event rate calculator, that corresponds to the DUNE detector simulation for this interaction. The expected number of neutral current supernova neutrino events in liquid $^{40}{Ar}$ is determined and the observable energy distribution is examined.

Authors

  • Cynthia Nunez

    Florida International University

  • Kate Scholberg

    Duke University

  • Erin Conley

    Duke University