Effect of cross-section models on the validity of sterile neutrino mixing limits

TL;DR

This paper examines how different models of neutrino interaction cross-sections impact the validity of sterile neutrino mixing limits, emphasizing the importance of accurate cross-section understanding for experimental results.

Contribution

It analyzes the influence of various CCQE cross-section models on sterile neutrino limits using MINERvA data, highlighting the need for careful interpretation due to model uncertainties.

Findings

Cross-section model choice significantly affects sterile neutrino limits.

Current uncertainties in CCQE modeling pose challenges for sterile neutrino searches.

Caution is needed when interpreting sterile neutrino constraints with incomplete cross-section data.

Abstract

Charged-Current Quasi-Elastic (CCQE) neutrino scattering is the signal channel for sterile neutrino oscillation experiments. Recent cross-section measurements have made it clear that the current understanding of this channel in the few-GeV region is incomplete, and several sophisticated theoretical models have been proposed to tackle this issue, although it is not clear which model best describes the global dataset. In this paper we argue that the current uncertainty surrounding CCQE cross-sections is a serious problem for experiments seeking to produce sterile neutrino limits. We perform a sterile neutrino analysis with published MINERvA data as an illustrative example. We highlight the need for caution in interpreting sterile neutrino limits given the context of incomplete cross-section model information.