Low Energy Neutrino Cross Sections: Comparison of Various Monte Carlo Predictions to Experimental Data

TL;DR

This paper compares predictions from various Monte Carlo neutrino interaction generators with experimental data across multiple interaction channels at low energies, highlighting their accuracy and discrepancies.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive comparison of Monte Carlo predictions to experimental data for low energy neutrino cross sections, identifying areas of agreement and mismatch.

Findings

Monte Carlo predictions vary in accuracy across interaction channels

Discrepancies observed in resonant and coherent pion production

Guidelines for improving neutrino interaction models

Abstract

Charged and neutral current low energy neutrino cross section predictions from a variety of Monte Carlo generators in present use are compared against existing experimental data. Comparisons are made to experimental data on quasi-elastic, resonant and coherent single pion production, multiple pion production, single kaon production, and total inclusive cross sections, and are restricted to the case of muon neutrino scattering off free nucleons.