Determination of the argon spectral function from (e,e'p) data

TL;DR

This study measures the argon spectral function using (e,e'p) scattering data, providing detailed insights crucial for interpreting neutrino interactions in liquid argon detectors, with high accuracy and model-based analysis.

Contribution

It presents the first detailed extraction of the argon spectral function from (e,e'p) data, including a comprehensive analysis and fitting with Monte Carlo simulations.

Findings

Spectral function determined with 4% accuracy

Good agreement between data and simulations (χ²/n.d.o.f.=1.9)

Provides essential data for neutrino interaction models

Abstract

The E12-14-012 experiment, performed in Jefferson Lab Hall A, has measured the $(e, e'p)$ cross section in parallel kinematics using a natural argon target. Here, we report the full results of the analysis of the data set corresponding to beam energy 2.222 GeV, and spanning the missing momentum and missing energy range $15 \lesssim p_m \lesssim 300$ MeV/c and $12 \lesssim E_m \lesssim 80$ MeV. The reduced cross section, determined as a function of $p_m$ and $E_m$ with $\approx$4\% accuracy, has been fitted using the results of Monte Carlo simulations involving a model spectral function and including the effects of final state interactions. The overall agreement between data and simulations turns out to be quite satisfactory ($\chi^2$/n.d.o.f.=1.9). The resulting spectral function will provide valuable new information, needed for the interpretation of neutrino interactions in liquid argon detectors.