Uncertainties in modeling low-energy neutrino induced reactions on iron group nuclei

TL;DR

This paper compares theoretical models for low-energy neutrino interactions with iron group nuclei, assessing uncertainties and validating predictions against experimental data to improve understanding of neutrino-nucleus reactions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive comparison of relativistic, Skyrme, and shell model approaches for neutrino cross sections on iron and nickel isotopes, quantifying theoretical uncertainties.

Findings

Theoretical cross sections agree well with experimental data.

Uncertainties are primarily due to Gamow-Teller transition strength modeling.

Different microscopic approaches yield consistent results within uncertainties.

Abstract

Charged-current neutrino-nucleus cross sections for 54,56Fe and 58,60Ni are calculated and compared using frameworks based on relativistic and Skyrme energy density functionals, and the shell model. The current theoretical uncertainties in modeling neutrino-nucleus cross sections are assessed in relation to the predicted Gamow-Teller transition strength and available data, multipole decomposition of the cross sections, and cross sections averaged over the Michel flux and Fermi-Dirac distribution. Employing different microscopic approaches and models, the DAR neutrino-56Fe cross section and its theoretical uncertainty are estimated: <sigma>_th=(258+-57) 10^{-42} cm^2, in very good agreement with the experimental value: <sigma>_exp=(256+-108+-43) 10^{-42} cm^2.