Measurement of Exclusive $\pi^+$--argon Interactions Using ProtoDUNE-SP

TL;DR

This paper reports the first measurements of $^+$--argon absorption and charge exchange cross sections in the 500-800 MeV range, providing crucial data to improve neutrino experiment simulations.

Contribution

It provides the first measurements of $^+$--argon absorption and charge exchange cross sections in this energy range, enhancing neutrino interaction modeling.

Findings

First measurement of $^+$--argon absorption at 500-800 MeV.

First measurement of $^+$--argon charge exchange.

Results will improve neutrino experiment simulations.

Abstract

We present the measurement of $\pi^{+}$--argon inelastic cross sections using the ProtoDUNE Single-Phase liquid argon time projection chamber in the incident $\pi^+$ kinetic energy range of 500 -- 800 MeV in multiple exclusive channels (absorption, charge exchange, and the remaining inelastic interactions). The results of this analysis are important inputs to simulations of liquid argon neutrino experiments such as the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment and the Short Baseline Neutrino program at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. They will be employed to improve the modeling of final state interactions within neutrino event generators used by these experiments, as well as the modeling of $\pi^{+}$--argon secondary interactions within the liquid argon. This is the first measurement of $\pi^+$--argon absorption at this kinetic energy range as well as the first ever measurement of $\pi^{+}$--argon charge exchange.