Nuclear effects in proton decay

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of understanding nuclear effects in proton decay detection, emphasizing the need for improved models and larger detectors, especially focusing on argon nuclei for future experiments.

Contribution

It highlights the necessity of better nuclear modeling and detector design, particularly for liquid argon detectors, to enhance proton decay search sensitivity.

Findings

Current proton lifetime constraints from Super-Kamiokande

Importance of nuclear effects in proton decay detection

Potential of liquid argon detectors for future experiments

Abstract

An experimental observation of proton decay would be a spectacular proof of grand unification. Currently, the best constraint on the proton lifetime for the p->e+ pi0 decay channel, coming from the Super-Kamiokande experiment, reaches 8*10^33 years. To improve the measurement, much bigger detectors should be constructed. Moreover, a better description of the bound-nucleon states and of the propagation of the proton-decay products through nuclear matter have to be developed. In this article special attention is paid to the argon nucleus because a liquid argon detector is a promising candidate for the future large apparatus.