Theoretical description of semi-inclusive T2K, Miner$\nu$A and MicroBooNE neutrino-nucleus data in the relativistic plane wave impulse approximation

TL;DR

This paper provides a theoretical analysis of semi-inclusive neutrino-nucleus scattering data using the relativistic plane wave impulse approximation across three nuclear models, highlighting the importance of correlations and effects beyond PWIA.

Contribution

It compares three nuclear models within PWIA against experimental data, emphasizing the need for effects beyond PWIA to explain observations.

Findings

PWIA alone cannot fully explain experimental data.

Correlations between proton and muon kinematics reveal nuclear effects.

Different nuclear models show varying degrees of agreement with measurements.

Abstract

We present the results of semi-inclusive neutrino-nucleus cross sections within the plane wave impulse approximation (PWIA) for three nuclear models: relativistic Fermi gas (RFG), independent-particle shell model (IPSM) and natural orbital shell model (NO) in comparison with the available CC0$\pi$ measurements from the T2K, MINER$\nu$A and MicroBooNE collaborations where a muon and at least one proton are detected in the final state. Results are presented as a function of the momenta and angles of the final particles, as well as in terms of the imbalances between proton and muon kinematics. The analysis reveals that contributions beyond PWIA are crucial to explain the experimental measurements and that the study of correlations between final-state proton and muon kinematics can provide valuable information on relevant nuclear effects such as the Fermi motion and final state interactions.