Improving target neutron momentum reconstruction using MINER$\nu$A $\pi^0$ data

TL;DR

This paper enhances the modeling of neutrino-induced single-pion production by analyzing MINER$ u$A data, improving predictions of nucleon Fermi motion and highlighting current nuclear model limitations.

Contribution

It introduces improved predictions of nucleon Fermi motion in neutrino interactions using MINER$ u$A data, refining Monte Carlo simulations for better accuracy.

Findings

Improved prediction of high-momentum tail in pion production

Better data description above the Fermi peak

Identified limitations in current nuclear models

Abstract

With the neutrino experiments advancing toward high-precision measurements and greater emphasis on reducing systematic uncertainties, improving the single-pion production models, a major component of the hadronic activity observed in the neutrino oscillation experiments, into the Monte Carlo simulations is crucial. This work presents the predictions of the struck nucleon's Fermi motion by analyzing the charged-current neutral pion production on carbon nucleus in MINER$\nu$A. A minimal variation of GENIE and NuWro based on their default models shows an improvement in the prediction of single $\pi^0$ production. The prediction describes the data more accurately in the higher-momentum tail; however, discrepancies between the predictions and data below the Fermi peak highlight the limitations in current nuclear models used in the Monte Carlo generators.