Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) Conceptual Design Report Volume 2: The Physics Program for DUNE at LBNF (1512.06148v2)

Abstract: The Physics Program for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) at the Fermilab Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) is described.

• The paper presents a detailed design and physics strategy to measure neutrino oscillations and CP violation over a 1300 km baseline.
• It outlines innovative detector capabilities using four 10-kiloton LArTPCs and a high-resolution near detector system for precise event reconstruction.
• The paper also sets out plans for nucleon decay searches and supernova neutrino detection, paving the way for exploring new physics beyond the Standard Model.

Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE): An Overview

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) represents a pivotal scientific endeavor designed to address fundamental questions in neutrino physics, cosmology, and particle astrophysics. Hosted by Fermilab as part of the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF), DUNE is a collaboration of international partners aimed at investigating the enigmatic properties of neutrinos and their implications for the universe.

Primary Objectives and Scientific Goals

DUNE's scientific objectives are multifaceted, focusing primarily on:

1. Neutrino Oscillations and CP Violation: With a long baseline of 1300 km from Fermilab to the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota, DUNE seeks to measure the oscillation parameters of neutrinos with unprecedented precision. Central to this is the investigation of charge-parity (CP) violation in the lepton sector, which could illuminate the asymmetric nature of matter and antimatter in the universe.
2. Neutrino Mass Hierarchy: One of DUNE's key goals is to resolve the ordering of neutrino masses, which could have profound implications for the Standard Model and theories extending beyond it.
3. Nucleon Decay: DUNE will search for rare proton decay processes, particularly the $p \to K^+ \overline{\nu}$ channel. Success here would provide a window into Grand Unified Theories (GUTs) and the ultimate unification of forces.
4. Supernova Neutrino Detection: The experiment will have the capability to detect neutrinos from supernovae, providing insights into core-collapse mechanisms and further constraining the parameters of neutrino physics.

Detector Capabilities and Innovations

The DUNE detectors consist of four liquid argon time-projection chambers (LArTPCs), each with a target mass of 10 kilotons. These detectors offer high spatial resolution and particle identification capabilities that are crucial for resolving complex neutrino interactions and rare decay processes. The LBNF will produce the world's most intense neutrino beam, allowing for detailed studies of neutrino properties and interactions.

Near Detector and Systematic Precision

The near detector system at Fermilab plays a critical role in understanding the neutrino beam properties and refining interaction models, which is vital for reducing systematic uncertainties in oscillation measurements. Its high-resolution capabilities allow for the detailed reconstruction of event kinematics and the paper of neutrino-nucleus interactions across various targets, which are essential for the experiment's precision goals.

Implications and Future Prospects

DUNE's potential findings could have significant implications for fundamental physics, including constraining or revealing new physics phenomena such as non-standard interactions or sterile neutrinos. Furthermore, the detection of neutrinos from astrophysical events like supernovae or neutron star mergers could provide direct observational evidence informing models of stellar evolution and collapse.

The collaborative nature and extensive global involvement in DUNE highlight its importance in the landscape of particle physics research. As a comprehensive scientific program with a long-term vision, DUNE will pave the way for future discoveries, potentially redefining our understanding of the universe.

In summary, DUNE stands at the forefront of neutrino research by combining cutting-edge technology with ambitious scientific objectives. Its outcomes are expected to contribute profoundly to particle physics, guiding future theoretical developments and experimental pursuits in unraveling the mysteries of neutrinos.