Model independent determination of the axial mass parameter in quasielastic neutrino-nucleon scattering

TL;DR

This paper presents a model-independent method to determine the axial mass parameter in quasielastic neutrino-nucleon scattering, revealing a value that differs from traditional models and impacting future neutrino physics measurements.

Contribution

It introduces a model-independent approach to extract the axial mass parameter from neutrino scattering data, reducing reliance on specific form factor models.

Findings

Axial mass parameter m_A = 0.85^{+0.22}_{-0.07} +/- 0.09 GeV

Significant difference from traditional form factor model extractions

Implications for future neutrino scattering experiments

Abstract

Quasielastic neutrino-nucleon scattering is a basic signal process for neutrino oscillation studies. At accelerator energies, the corresponding cross section is subject to significant uncertainty due to the poorly constrained axial-vector form factor of the nucleon. A model-independent description of the axial-vector form factor is presented. Data from the MiniBooNE experiment for quasielastic neutrino scattering on carbon are analyzed under the assumption of a definite nuclear model. The value of the axial mass parameter, m_A=0.85^{+0.22}_{-0.07} +/- 0.09 GeV, is found to differ significantly from extractions based on traditional form factor models. Implications for future neutrino scattering and pion electroproduction measurements are discussed.