Ab initio calculation of neutral-current $\nu$-$^{12}$C inclusive quasielastic scattering

TL;DR

This paper presents ab initio calculations of neutral-current neutrino-$^{12}$C quasielastic scattering, emphasizing the importance of two-nucleon processes and realistic nuclear interactions for accurate theoretical predictions.

Contribution

The study introduces detailed ab initio calculations incorporating nuclear correlations and interaction currents, improving the accuracy of neutrino-nucleus scattering models.

Findings

Two-nucleon processes significantly affect scattering responses.

Realistic nuclear interactions are crucial for accurate predictions.

The approach enhances understanding of neutrino interactions with carbon.

Abstract

Quasielastic neutrino scattering is an important aspect of the experimental program to study fundamental neutrino properties including neutrino masses, mixing angles, the mass hierarchy and CP-violating phase. Proper interpretation of the experiments requires reliable theoretical calculations of neutrino-nucleus scattering. In this paper we present calculations of response functions and cross sections by neutral-current scattering of neutrinos off $^{12}$C. These calculations are based on realistic treatments of nuclear interactions and currents, the latter including the axial-, vector-, and vector-axial interference terms crucial for determining the difference between neutrino and anti-neutrino scattering and the CP-violating phase. We find that the strength and energy-dependence of two-nucleon processes induced by correlation effects and interaction currents are crucial in providing the most accurate description of neutrino-nucleus scattering in the quasielastic regime.