Modeling neutrino-nucleus interactions. Do we need a new paradigm?

TL;DR

This paper compares electron and neutrino scattering data on carbon, highlighting discrepancies with current models and proposing the need for a new theoretical paradigm to accurately describe neutrino-nucleus interactions.

Contribution

It critically examines existing models and assumptions, arguing that a new paradigm is necessary for accurately modeling neutrino-nucleus interactions in complex kinematic scenarios.

Findings

Electron and neutrino cross sections cannot be described by the same model using the same nucleon axial mass.

Current models based on impulse approximation are insufficient for neutrino interactions.

A new theoretical framework is needed for processes with incomplete lepton kinematics.

Abstract

The availability of the double-differential charged-current neutrino cross section, measured by the MiniBooNE collaboration using a carbon target, allows for a systematic comparison of nuclear effects in quasi-elastic electron and neutrino scattering. The results of theoretical studies based on the impulse approximation scheme and state-of-the-art models of the nuclear spectral functions suggest that the electron cross section and the flux averaged neutrino cross sections corresponding to the same target and seemingly comparable kinematical conditions can not be described within the same theoretical scheme using the value ofthe nucleon axial mass obtained from deuterium measurements. I analyze the assumptions underlying the treatment of electron scattering data, and argue that the development of a new {\em paradigm}, suitable for application to processes in which the lepton kinematics is not fully determined, will be required.