arXiv subjects

K. Niewczas

Publications and source records attributed to K. Niewczas.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2020

Angular distributions in Monte Carlo event generation of weak single-pion production

One of the substantial sources of systematic errors in neutrino oscillation experiments that utilize neutrinos from accelerator sources stems from a lack of precision in modeling single-pion production (SPP). Oscillation analyses rely on Monte Carlo event generators (MC), providing theoretical predictions of neutrino interactions on nuclear targets. Pions produced in these processes provide a significant fraction of oscillation signal and background on both elementary scattering and detector simulation levels. Thus, it is of critical importance to develop techniques that will allow us to accommodate state-of-the-art theoretical models describing SPP into MCs. In this work, we investigate various algorithms to implement single-pion production models in Monte Carlo event generators. Based on comparison studies, we propose a novel implementation strategy that combines satisfactory efficiency with high precision in reproducing details of theoretical models predictions, including pion angular distributions. The proposed implementation is model-independent, thereby providing a framework that can include any model for SPP. We have tested the new algorithm with the Ghent Low Energy Model for single-pion production implemented in the NuWro Monte Carlo event generator.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

Modeling neutrino-nucleus interaction at intermediate energies

We present the current status of the research activities of the Ghent group on neutrino-nucleus interactions. These consist in the modeling of some of the relevant neutrino-nucleus reaction channels at intermediate energies: low-energy nuclear excitations, quasielastic scattering, two-nucleon knockout processes and single-pion production. The low-energy nuclear excitations and the quasielastic peak are described using a Hartree-Fock-CRPA (continuum random phase approximation) model that takes into account nuclear long-range correlations as well as the distortion of the outgoing nucleon wave function. We include two-body current mechanisms through short-range correlations and meson-exchange currents. Their influence on one- and two-nucleon knockout responses is computed. Bound and outgoing nucleons are treated within the same mean-field framework. Finally, for modeling of the neutrino-induced single-pion production, we use a low-energy model that contains resonances and the background contributions required by chiral symmetry. This low-energy model is combined with a Regge approach into a Hybrid model, which allows us to make predictions beyond the resonance region.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2020

Constraints in modeling the quasielastic response in inclusive lepton-nucleus scattering

We show that the quasielastic (QE) response calculated with the SuSAv2 (superscaling approach) model, that relies on the scaling phenomenon observed in the analysis of (e,e') data and on the relativistic mean-field theory, is very similar to that from a relativistic distorted wave impulse approximation model when only the real part of the optical potentials is employed. The coincidence between the results from these two completely independent approaches, which satisfactorily agree with the inclusive data, reinforces the reliability of the quasielastic predictions stemming from both models and sets constraints for the QE response. We also study the low energy and momentum transfer region of the inclusive response by confronting the results of the relativistic mean-field model with those of the Hartree-Fock continuum random-phase approximation model, which accounts for nuclear long-range correlations. Finally, we present a comparison of our results with the recent JLab (e,e') data for argon, titanium and carbon, finding good agreement with the three data sets.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2018

Pion production within the hybrid relativistic plane wave impulse approximation model at MiniBooNE and MINERvA kinematics

The hybrid model for electroweak single-pion production (SPP) off the nucleon, presented in [González-Jiménez et al., Phys. Rev. D 95, 113007 (2017)], is extended here to the case of incoherent pion-production on the nucleus. Combining a low-energy model with a Regge approach, this model provides valid predictions in the entire energy region of interest for current and future accelerator-based neutrino-oscillation experiments. The Relativistic Mean-Field model is used for the description of the bound nucleons while the outgoing hadrons are considered as plane waves. This approach, known as Relativistic Plane-Wave Impulse Approximation (RPWIA), is a first step towards the development of more sophisticated models, it is also a test of our current understanding of the elementary reaction. We focus on the charged-current $ν$($\barν$)-nucleus interaction at MiniBooNE and MINERvA kinematics. The effect on the cross sections of the final-state interactions, which affect the outgoing hadrons on their way out of the nucleus, is judged by comparing our results with those from the NuWro Monte Carlo event generator. We find that the hybrid-RPWIA predictions largely underestimate the MiniBooNE data. In the case of MINERvA, our results fall below the $ν$-induced 1$π^0$ production data, while a better agreement is found for $ν$-induced 1$π^+$ and $\barν$-induced 1$π^0$ production.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2017

Electroweak single-pion production off the nucleon: from threshold to high invariant masses

[Background] Neutrino-induced single-pion production (SPP) provides an important contribution to neutrino-nucleus interactions, ranging from intermediate to high energies. There exists a good number of low-energy models in the literature to describe the neutrinoproduction of pions in the region around the Delta resonance. Those models consider only lowest-order interaction terms and, therefore, fail in the high-energy region (pion-nucleon invariant masses, $W$>2 GeV). [Purpose] Our goal is to develop a model for electroweak SPP off the nucleon, which is applicable to the entire energy range of interest for present and future neutrino-oscillation experiments. [Method] We start with the low-energy model of [Phys.Rev.D76,033005(2007)], which includes resonant contributions and background terms derived from the pion-nucleon Lagrangian of chiral-perturbation theory. Then, from the background contributions, we build a high-energy model using a Regge approach. The low- and high-energy models are combined, in a phenomenological way, into a hybrid model. [Results] The Hybrid model is identical to the low-energy model in the low-W region, but, for W>2 GeV, it implements the desired high-energy behavior dictated by Regge theory. We have tested the high-energy model by comparing with one-pion production data from electron and neutrino reactions. The Hybrid model is compared with electron-proton scattering data, with neutrino SPP data and with the predictions of the NuWro Monte Carlo event generator. [Conclusions] Our model is able to provide satisfactory predictions of the electroweak one-pion production cross section from pion threshold to high $W$. Further investigation and more data are needed to better understand the mechanisms playing a role in the electroweak SPP process in the high-W region, in particular, those involving the axial current contributions.

nucl-th↗