Early Neutrino Data in the NO$\nu$A Near Detector Prototype

TL;DR

This paper reports on the initial neutrino data collected by the NOvA Near Detector Prototype, focusing on understanding detector response and analyzing muon neutrino interactions for future oscillation studies.

Contribution

First analysis of early neutrino data from the NOvA Near Detector Prototype, providing insights into detector response and interaction characteristics.

Findings

Detector response characterized with initial data

Identification of quasi-elastic charged-current interactions

Preliminary understanding of neutrino interaction rates

Abstract

NOvA is a long-baseline neutrino experiment using an off-axis neutrino beam produced by the NuMI neutrino beam at Fermilab. The NOvA experiment will study neutrino $\nu_{\mu}\rightarrow\nu_{e}$ oscillations. A short term goal for the NOvA experiment is to develop a good understanding of the response of the detector. These studies are being carried out with the full Near Detector installed on the surface (NDOS) at Fermilab. This detector is currently running and will acquire neutrino data for a year. Using beam muon neutrino data, quasi-elastic charged-current interactions will be studied. Status of the NDOS running and early data will be shown.