Systematic Uncertainties at the T2K Experiment for Oscillation Measurements

TL;DR

This paper discusses how T2K reduces systematic uncertainties in neutrino oscillation measurements, especially flux and cross section uncertainties, through analysis at the near detector, enabling more precise oscillation results.

Contribution

It introduces a method to significantly lower systematic uncertainties in T2K's neutrino oscillation measurements using near detector data.

Findings

Systematic uncertainties reduced from 26.9% to 3.0%.

Enhanced precision in $ u_{ m e}$ appearance measurement.

Improved understanding of neutrino flux and cross sections.

Abstract

The T2K experiment is a long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment with the ability to measure precisely $\nu_{\mu}\rightarrow\nu_e$ and $\nu_{\mu}\rightarrow\nu_{\mu}$ oscillations. Control of systematic uncertainties-dominated by flux and cross section uncertainties-is critical for the precision of these measurements. An analysis of charged current $\nu_{\mu}$ interactions at the T2K near detector significantly reduces these uncertainties, from 26.9% to 3.0% for the current $\nu_{\mu}\rightarrow\nu_e$ measurement at T2K.