Using MiniBooNE NCEL and CCQE cross section results to constrain 3+1 sterile neutrino models

TL;DR

This paper uses MiniBooNE neutrino cross-section data to set limits on 3+1 sterile neutrino models, accounting for cross-section uncertainties to produce robust constraints.

Contribution

It introduces a method to incorporate cross-section uncertainties in sterile neutrino limit setting using MiniBooNE data.

Findings

Established limits on sterile neutrino parameters in the $ u_{s}$ mixing model.

Demonstrated the impact of cross-section uncertainties on sterile neutrino constraints.

Produced robust sterile neutrino limits by fitting cross-section parameters simultaneously.

Abstract

The MiniBooNE NCEL and CCQE cross-section measurements (neutrino running) are used to set limits in the $\Delta m^{2}-\sin^{2}\vartheta_{\mu s}$ plane for a 3+1 sterile neutrino model with a mass splitting $0.1 \leq \Delta m^{2} \leq 10.0$ eV$^{2}$. GENIE is used, with a relativistic Fermi gas model, to relate $E_{\nu}$ and the reconstructed quantities measured. The issue of uncertainty in the underlying cross-section model and its effect on the sterile neutrino limits is explored, and robust sterile neutrino limits are produced by fitting the sterile parameters and the axial-mass cross-section parameter simultaneously.