Form factor and model dependence in neutrino-nucleus cross section predictions

TL;DR

This paper assesses theoretical uncertainties in neutrino-nucleus cross section predictions by comparing different nuclear models and form factor parameterizations, aiming to support precision in neutrino-oscillation experiments.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of nuclear and form factor uncertainties affecting neutrino-nucleus cross section calculations, using multiple computational methods and data sources.

Findings

Quantifies uncertainties from nuclear many-body approximations.

Evaluates impact of different nucleon form factor parameterizations.

Relates cross section precision to form factor accuracy.

Abstract

To achieve its design goals, the next generation of neutrino-oscillation accelerator experiments requires percent-level predictions of neutrino-nucleus cross sections supplemented by robust estimates of the theoretical uncertainties involved. The latter arise from both approximations in solving the nuclear many-body problem and in the determination of the single- and few-nucleon quantities taken as input by many-body methods. To quantify both types of uncertainty, we compute flux-averaged double-differential cross sections using the Green's function Monte Carlo and spectral function methods as well as different parameterizations of the nucleon axial form factors based on either deuterium bubble-chamber data or lattice quantum chromodynamics calculations. The cross-section results are compared with available experimental data from the MiniBooNE and T2K collaborations. We also discuss the uncertainties associated with $N\rightarrow \Delta$ transition form factors that enter the two-body current operator. We quantify the relations between neutrino-nucleus cross section and nucleon form factor uncertainties. These relations enable us to determine the form factor precision targets required to achieve a given cross-section precision.