arXiv subjects

R. Tacik

Publications and source records attributed to R. Tacik.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2018

Using world charged pion--nucleus scattering data to constrain an intranuclear cascade model

The NEUT intranuclear cascade model is described and fit to a large body of \pipm--nucleus scattering data. Methods are developed to deal with deficiencies in the available historical data, and robust uncertainty estimates are produced. The results are compared to a variety of simulation packages, and the data itself. This work provides a method for tuning Final State Interaction models, which are of particular interest to neutrino experiments that operate in the few-GeV energy region, and provides results which can be used directly by the T2K and Super-Kamiokande collaborations, for whom NEUT is the primary simulation package.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

Testing CCQE and 2p2h models in the NEUT neutrino interaction generator with published datasets from the MiniBooNE and MINERvA experiments

The MiniBooNE large axial mass anomaly has prompted a great deal of theoretical work on sophisticated Charged Current Quasi-Elastic (CCQE) neutrino interaction models in recent years. As the dominant interaction mode at T2K energies, and the signal process in oscillation analyses, it is important for the T2K experiment to include realistic CCQE cross section uncertainties in T2K analyses. To this end, T2K's Neutrino Interaction Working Group has implemented a number of recent models in NEUT, T2K's primary neutrino interaction event generator. In this paper, we give an overview of the models implemented, and present fits to published muon neutrino and muon antineutrino CCQE cross section measurements from the MiniBooNE and MINERvA experiments. The results of the fits are used to select a default cross section model for future T2K analyses, and to constrain the cross section uncertainties of the model. We find a model consisting of a modified relativistic Fermi gas model and multinucleon interactions most consistently describes the available data.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2015

Search for neutrinos from annihilation of captured low-mass dark matter particles in the Sun by Super-Kamiokande

Super-Kamiokande (SK) can search for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) by detecting neutrinos produced from WIMP annihilations occurring inside the Sun. In this analysis, we include neutrino events with interaction vertices in the detector in addition to upward-going muons produced in the surrounding rock. Compared to the previous result, which used the upward-going muons only, the signal acceptances for light (few-GeV/$c^2$ $\sim$ 200-GeV/$c^2$) WIMPs are significantly increased. We fit 3903 days of SK data to search for the contribution of neutrinos from WIMP annihilation in the Sun. We found no significant excess over expected atmospheric-neutrino background and the result is interpreted in terms of upper limits on WIMP-nucleon elastic scattering cross sections under different assumptions about the annihilation channel. We set the current best limits on the spin-dependent (SD) WIMP-proton cross section for WIMP masses below 200 GeV/$c^2$ (at 10 GeV/$c^2$, 1.49$\times 10^{-39}$ cm$^2$ for $χχ\rightarrow b \bar{b}$ and 1.31$\times 10^{-40}$ cm$^2$ for $χχ\rightarrowτ^+τ^-$ annihilation channels), also ruling out some fraction of WIMP candidates with spin-independent (SI) coupling in the few-GeV/$c^2$ mass range.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2015

A search for two body muon decay signals

Lepton family number violation is tested by searching for $μ^+\to e^+X^0$ decays among the 5.8$\times 10^8$ positive muon decay events analyzed by the TWIST collaboration. Limits are set on the production of both massless and massive $X^0$ bosons. The large angular acceptance of this experiment allows limits to be placed on anisotropic $μ^+\to e^+X^0$ decays, which can arise from interactions violating both lepton flavor and parity conservation. Branching ratio limits of order $10^{-5}$ are obtained for bosons with masses of 13 - 80 MeV/c$^2$ and with different decay asymmetries. For bosons with masses less than 13 MeV/c$^{2}$ the asymmetry dependence is much stronger and the 90% limit on the branching ratio varies up to $5.8 \times 10^{-5}$. This is the first study that explicitly evaluates the limits for anisotropic two body muon decays.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2014

Letter of Intent to Construct a nuPRISM Detector in the J-PARC Neutrino Beamline

As long-baseline neutrino experiments enter the precision era, the difficulties associated with understanding neutrino interaction cross sections on atomic nuclei are expected to limit experimental sensitivities to oscillation parameters. In particular, the ability to relate experimental observables to neutrino energy in previous experiments has relied solely on theoretical models of neutrino-nucleus interactions, which currently suffer from very large theoretical uncertainties. By observing charged current $ν_μ$ interactions over a continuous range of off-axis angles from 1 to 4 degrees, the nuPRISM water Cherenkov detector can provide a direct measurement of the far detector lepton kinematics for any given set of oscillation parameters, which largely removes neutrino interaction modeling uncertainties from T2K oscillation measurements. This naturally provides a direct constraint on the relationship between lepton kinematics and neutrino energy. In addition, nuPRISM is a sensitive probe of sterile neutrino oscillations with multiple energy spectra, which provides unique constraints on possible background-related explanations of the MiniBooNE anomaly. Finally, high-precision measurements of neutrino cross sections on water are possible, including $ν_e$ measurements and the first ever measurements of neutral current interactions as a function of neutrino energy. The nuPRISM detector also benefits the proposed Hyper-Kamiokande project. A demonstration that neutrino interaction uncertainties can be controlled will be important to understanding the physics reach of Hyper-K. In addition, nuPRISM will provide an easily accessible prototype detector for many of the new hardware components currently under consideration for Hyper-K. The following document presents the configuration, physics impact, and preliminary cost estimates for a nuPRISM detector in the J-PARC neutrino beamline.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2014

First Indication of Terrestrial Matter Effects on Solar Neutrino Oscillation

We report an indication that the elastic scattering rate of solar $^8$B neutrinos with electrons in the Super-Kamiokande detector is larger when the neutrinos pass through the Earth during nighttime. We determine the day/night asymmetry, defined as the difference of the average day rate and average night rate divided by the average of those two rates, to be $(-3.2\pm1.1(\text{stat})\pm0.5(\text{syst}))\%$, which deviates from zero by 2.7 $σ$. Since the elastic scattering process is mostly sensitive to electron-flavored solar neutrinos, a non-zero day/night asymmetry implies that the flavor oscillations of solar neutrinos are affected by the presence of matter within the neutrinos' flight path. Super-Kamiokande's day/night asymmetry is consistent with neutrino oscillations for $4\times10^{-5}$eV$^2\leqΔm^2_{21}\leq7\times10^{-5}$eV$^2$ and large mixing values of $θ_{12}$, at the $68\%$ C.L.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2013

Calibration of the Super-Kamiokande Detector

Procedures and results on hardware level detector calibration in Super-Kamiokande (SK) are presented in this paper. In particular, we report improvements made in our calibration methods for the experimental phase IV in which new readout electronics have been operating since 2008. The topics are separated into two parts. The first part describes the determination of constants needed to interpret the digitized output of our electronics so that we can obtain physical numbers such as photon counts and their arrival times for each photomultiplier tube (PMT). In this context, we developed an in-situ procedure to determine high-voltage settings for PMTs in large detectors like SK, as well as a new method for measuring PMT quantum efficiency and gain in such a detector. The second part describes the modeling of the detector in our Monte Carlo simulation, including in particular the optical properties of its water target and their variability over time. Detailed studies on the water quality are also presented. As a result of this work, we achieved a precision sufficient for physics analysis over a wide energy range (from a few MeV to above a TeV). For example, the charge determination was understood at the 1% level, and the timing resolution was 2.1 nsec at the one-photoelectron charge level and 0.5 nsec at the 100-photoelectron charge level.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2012

Precision muon decay measurements and improved constraints on the weak interaction

The TWIST Collaboration has completed its measurement of the three muon decay parameters ρ, δ, and P_μξ. This paper describes our determination of ρ, which governs the shape of the overall momentum spectrum, and δ, which controls the momentum dependence of the parity-violating decay asymmetry. The results are ρ=0.74977\pm 0.00012(stat.)\pm 0.00023(syst.) and δ= 0.75049\pm 0.00021(stat.)\pm 0.00027(syst.). These are consistent with the value of 3/4 given for both parameters in the standard model, and each is over a factor of 10 more precise than the measurements published prior to TWIST. Our final results on ρ, δ, and P_μξhave been incorporated into a new global analysis of all available muon decay data, resulting in improved model-independent constraints on the possible weak interactions of right-handed particles.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2011

Precise measurement of parity violation in polarized muon decay

We present a new high precision measurement of parity violation in the weak interaction, using polarized muon decay. The TWIST collaboration has measured $P_μ^πξ$, where $P_μ^π$ is the polarization of the muon in pion decay and $ξ$ describes the intrinsic asymmetry in muon decay. We find $P_μ^πξ= 1.00084 \pm 0.00029\,(\textrm{stat.})_{-0.00063}^{+0.00165}\,(\textrm{syst.})$, in good agreement with the standard model prediction of $P_μ^π=ξ=1$. Our result is a factor of 7 more precise than the pre-TWIST value, setting new limits in left-right symmetric electroweak extensions to the standard model.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2011

Longitudinal muon spin relaxation in high purity aluminum and silver

The time dependence of muon spin relaxation has been measured in high purity aluminum and silver samples in a longitudinal 2 T magnetic field at room temperature, using time-differential \musr. For times greater than 10 ns, the shape fits well to a single exponential with relaxation rates of $λ_{\textrm{Al}} = 1.3 \pm 0.2\,(\textrm{stat.}) \pm 0.3\,(\textrm{syst.})\,\pms$ and $λ_{\textrm{Ag}} = 1.0 \pm 0.2\,(\textrm{stat.}) \pm 0.2\,(\textrm{syst.})\,\pms$.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2010

New Experimental Constraints for the Standard Model from Muon Decay

The TWIST Collaboration has completed a new measurement of the energy-angle spectrum of positrons from the decay of highly polarized muons. A simultaneous measurement of the muon decay parameters ρ, δ, and (P_μ)ξ tests the Standard Model (SM) in a purely leptonic process and provides improved limits for relevant extensions to the SM. Specifically, for the generalized left-right symmetric model |(g_R/g_L)ζ|<0.020 and (g_L/g_R)m_2> 578 GeV/c^2, both 90% C.L.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2010

Blind analysis results of the TWIST experiment

The TRIUMF Weak Interaction Symmetry Test (TWIST) experiment was designed to test the standard model at high precision in the purely leptonic decay of polarized muons. A general four-fermion interaction model is used to describe the muon decay. TWIST measures three of the four muon decay parameters of this model, $ρ$, $δ$ and $P_μ^π ξ$, from the shape of the momentum-angle spectrum. The results of this model independent approach are compared to the standard model predictions and used to constrain new physics. Our collaboration has finalized the blind analysis of the final experimental data taken in 2006 and 2007. This analysis mostly reached our goal of a precision of an order of magnitude improvement over the pre-TWIST measurements.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2009

Study of Pion Production in ν_μCC Interactions on O16 Using Different MC Generators

In this report we present simulated event numbers, for various MC generators, for pion production in $ν_μ$ CC reactions on $\nucl{16}{O}$. For the simulation we used four different neutrino interaction generators: GENIE, FLUKA, NEUT, and NuWro, as proposed during the 45th Karpacz Winter School on neutrino interactions. First we give a brief outline of the theoretical models relevant to pion production. We then present results, in the form of tables showing the occupancy of primary and final state pion topologies, for all the generated samples. Finally we compare the results from the different generators and draw conclusions about the similarities and differences. For some of the generators we explore the effect of varying the axial mass parameter or the use of a different nuclear model.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

Decay of negative muons bound in $^{27}$Al

We present the first measurement of the energy spectrum up to 70 MeV of electrons from the decay of negative muons after they become bound in $^{27}$Al atoms. The data were taken with the TWIST apparatus at TRIUMF. We find a muon lifetime of (864.6 $\pm$ 1.2) ns, in agreement with earlier measurements. The asymmetry of the decay spectrum is consistent with zero, indicating that the atomic capture has completely depolarised the muons. The measured momentum spectrum is in reasonable agreement with theoretical predictions at the higher energies, but differences around the peak of the spectrum indicate the need for \oalpha radiative corrections to the calculations. The present measurement is the most precise measurement of the decay spectrum of muons bound to any nucleus.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2008

A Precision Measurement of the Muon Decay Parameters $ρ$ and $δ$

The TWIST collaboration has performed new measurements of two of the parameters that describe muon decay: $ρ$, which governs the shape of the overall momentum spectrum, and $δ$, which governs the momentum dependence of the parity-violating decay asymmetry. This analysis gives the results $ρ=0.75014\pm 0.00017(\text{stat})\pm 0.00044(\text{syst})\pm 0.00011(η)$, where the last uncertainty arises from the correlation between $ρ$ and the decay parameter $η$, and $δ= 0.75067\pm 0.00030(\text{stat})\pm 0.00067(\text{syst})$. These are consistent with the value of 3/4 given for both parameters in the Standard Model of particle physics, and are a factor of two more precise than the measurements previously published by TWIST. A new global analysis of all available muon decay data incorporating these results is presented. Improved lower and upper limits on the decay parameter $P_μ^πξ$ of $0.99524 < P_μ^πξ\leq ξ< 1.00091$ at 90% confidence are determined, where $P_μ^π$ is the polarization of the muon when it is created during pion decay, and $ξ$ governs the muon decay asymmetry. These results set new model-independent constraints on the possible weak interactions of right-handed particles. Specific implications for left-right symmetric models are discussed.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2006

Measurement of P_{mu}xi in Polarized Muon Decay

The quantity P_{mu}^{pi}xi, where xi is one of the muon decay parameters and $P_μ^π$ is the degree of muon polarization in pion decay, has been measured. The value P_{mu}^{pi}xi = 1.0003 +- 0.0006 stat. +- 0.0038 syst. was obtained. This result agrees with previous measurements but is over a factor of two more precise. It also agrees with the Standard Model prediction for P_{mu}^{pi}xi and thus leads to restrictions on left-right symmetric models.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2005

pi+- p differential cross sections at low energies

Differential cross sections for pi- p and pi+ p elastic scattering were measured at five energies between 19.9 and 43.3 MeV. The use of the CHAOS magnetic spectrometer at TRIUMF, supplemented by a range telescope for muon background suppression, provided simultaneous coverage of a large part of the full angular range, thus allowing very precise relative cross section measurements. The absolute normalisation was determined with a typical accuracy of 5 %. This was verified in a simultaneous measurement of muon proton elastic scattering. The measured cross sections show some deviations from phase shift analysis predictions, in particular at large angles and low energies. From the new data we determine the real part of the isospin forward scattering amplitude.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2005

The pi -> pi pi process in nuclei and the restoration of chiral symmetry

The results of an extensive campaign of measurements of the pi -> pi pi process in the nucleon and nuclei at intermediate energies are presented. The measurements were motivated by the study of strong pi pi correlations in nuclei. The analysis relies on the composite ratio C_{pi pi}^A, which accounts for the clear effect of the nuclear medium on the (pi pi) system. The comparison of the C_{pi pi}^A distributions for the (pi pi)_{I=J=0} and (pi pi)_{I=0,J=2} systems to the model predictions indicates that the C_{pi pi}^A behavior in proximity of the 2m_pi threshold is explainable through the partial restoration of chiral symmetry in nuclei.

nucl-ex↗