Low-energy physics in neutrino LArTPCs
S. Andringa, J. Asaadi, J T C Bezerra, F Capozzi, D Caratelli, F. Cavanna, E Church, Y Efremenko, W. Foreman, A. Friedland, S. Gardiner, I. Gil‐Botella, Alexander Himmel, T. R. Junk, G. Karagiorgi, M. Kirby, J. Klein, G. Lehmann-Miotto, I T Lepetic, S. Li, B. R. Littlejohn, M. Mooney, J. Reichenbacher, P. Sala, H. Schellman, K Scholberg, M. Sorel, A Sousa, J. Wang, M. Wang, W. Wu, J. Yu, T. Yang, J. Zennamo
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.