Supernova Pointing Capabilities of DUNE

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method for reconstructing supernova directions using neutrino detection in DUNE, achieving a pointing resolution of around 3.4 to 6.6 degrees depending on detector size and classification accuracy.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel technique called 'brems flipping' for supernova neutrino direction reconstruction in DUNE, with detailed simulation studies of its performance.

Findings

Pointing resolution of 3.4 degrees at 68% for a 40 kton detector.

Pointing resolution of 6.6 degrees at 68% for a 10 kton detector.

Misidentification rate of 4% increases the resolution to approximately 4.3 to 8.7 degrees.

Abstract

The determination of the direction of a stellar core collapse via its neutrino emission is crucial for the identification of the progenitor for a multimessenger follow-up. A highly effective method of reconstructing supernova directions within the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is introduced. The supernova neutrino pointing resolution is studied by simulating and reconstructing electron-neutrino charged-current absorption on 40Ar and elastic scattering of neutrinos on electrons. Procedures to reconstruct individual interactions, including a newly developed technique called ``brems flipping'', as well as the burst direction from an ensemble of interactions are described. Performance of the burst direction reconstruction is evaluated for supernovae happening at a distance of 10 kpc for a specific supernova burst flux model. The pointing resolution is found to be 3.4 degrees at 68% coverage for a perfect interaction-channel classification and a fiducial mass of 40 kton, and 6.6 degrees for a 10 kton fiducial mass respectively. Assuming a 4% rate of charged-current interactions being misidentified as elastic scattering, DUNE's burst pointing resolution is found to be 4.3 degrees (8.7 degrees) at 68% coverage.