Unraveling the Flux-Averaged Neutrino-Nucleus Cross Section

TL;DR

This paper discusses a theoretical framework based on factorisation to accurately calculate flux-averaged neutrino-nucleus cross sections across a broad energy range, addressing challenges in interpreting experimental data.

Contribution

It introduces a factorisation-based approach for neutrino-nucleus interactions applicable from hundreds of MeV to a few GeV, integrating electron scattering data for improved accuracy.

Findings

The factorisation approach provides a consistent description of quasi-elastic and inelastic channels.

Using electron scattering data helps refine neutrino cross section models.

The framework addresses flux-averaging issues in experimental measurements.

Abstract

The interpretation of the nuclear cross sections measured using accelerator neutrino beams involve severe difficulties, arising primarily from the average over the incoming neutrino flux. The broad energy distribution of the beam particles hampers the determination of the energy transfer to the nuclear target, the knowledge of which is needed to pin down the dominant reaction mechanism. Overcoming this problem requires the development of a theoretical approach suitable to describe neutrino interactions at energies ranging from hundreds of MeV to few GeV. In this paper, it is argued that the approach based on the factorisation of the nuclear cross section provides a consistent framework for the calculation of neutrino-nucleus interactions in both the quasi elastic and inelastic channels. The near-degeneracy between theoretical models based on different assumptions, and the use of electron scattering data to advance the understanding of neutrino-nucleus cross sections are also discussed.