Determining the Octant of $\theta_{23}$ at LBNE in conjunction with Reactor Experiments

TL;DR

This study investigates how combining reactor experiment data with LBNE can improve the determination of the $ heta_{23}$ octant, showing increased sensitivity with larger detectors and the inclusion of a Near Detector.

Contribution

It demonstrates that reactor data significantly enhances $ heta_{23}$ octant sensitivity in LBNE, especially with larger detectors and a Near Detector, providing a comparative analysis of different configurations.

Findings

Reactor data improves octant sensitivity in LBNE.

Larger detector mass increases sensitivity.

Adding a Near Detector further enhances sensitivity.

Abstract

We have explored the possibilities of resolving the $\theta_{23}$ octant degeneracy present in the newly planned Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment (LBNE) by combining reactor data. Reactor experiments have already measured the third mixing angle $\theta_{13}$ very precisely and this precise measurenent of $\theta_{13}$ in turn helps in $\theta_{23}$ octant measurement. We have examined the octant sensitivity with and without reactor data and it improves if reactor data is added. The comparative study of octant sensitivities of 10kt and 35kt liquid argon Far Detectors, with and without the Near Detector, reveals that the sensitivity increases with an increase in detector mass. Also, the presence of the Near Detector improves the sensitivity. The effect of adding priors on octant determination is also studied in this work.