SPECIAL SEMINAR: Measuring Cross Sections for Next-Generation Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiments

 

Current and next-generation neutrino experiments aim to measure the parameters of the PMNS matrix, determine the neutrino mass hierarchy, and search for CP-violation in leptons. As these experiments compile statistics the influence of neutrino-nucleus interactions models on oscillation parameter measurements increases. In-situ measurements of event counts in a near detector provide the best constraints of these models in oscillation parameter analyses. However, these analyses require a set of input models that have been parameterized to
accurately reflect prior uncertainties based on previous measurements. 

 

Measurements of neutrino-nucleus interaction cross sections are challenging, and much effort is required to reduce the uncertainties propagated to the final result. Especially dangerous are uncertainties propagated from the model of the interaction process being measured, which can enter the error budget multiple ways. I will discuss the importance of understanding cross section models for oscillation parameter measurements, the challenges in making cross section measurements, and using these measurements to select and tune models. Finally I will present some ideas for tackling these challenges for next-generation long-baseline neutrino experiments.