Towards An Updated Simulation of the Booster Neutrino Beam

TL;DR

This paper presents an updated simulation framework for the Booster Neutrino Beam at Fermilab, incorporating new features for improved flux predictions essential for current neutrino experiments.

Contribution

The paper introduces G4BNB, a new dynamic simulation framework with enhanced features like neutrino ancestry and neutral meson inclusion for better flux modeling.

Findings

Enhanced flux prediction accuracy for Fermilab's BNB.

Ability to study exotic BSM scenarios with neutral mesons.

Supports current SBN program detectors with updated simulation.

Abstract

Precise, accurate neutrino flux predictions for neutrino beam experiments are crucial for physics results. Flux predictions for the Booster Neutrino Beam at Fermilab were first published in 2009 by the MiniBooNE collaboration. It is no longer possible to run the simulation used to create these predictions due to outdated software versions. In this exciting period for the Short-Baseline Neutrino Program at Fermilab, with both the far detector (ICARUS) and the near detector (SBND) operating, an updated flux model for the BNB is necessary. For the purpose of using a dynamic, up-to-date beam model, the SBN program has created a new simulation named G4BNB. This framework contains new features, such as a full neutrino ancestry to handle hadron production systematics with more precision, and the inclusion of neutral mesons from the proton-beryllium scatter to allow the study of exotic BSM scenarios.