Long-baseline neutrino oscillation physics potential of the DUNE experiment (2006.16043v2)

Abstract: The sensitivity of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) to neutrino oscillation is determined, based on a full simulation, reconstruction, and event selection of the far detector and a full simulation and parameterized analysis of the near detector. Detailed uncertainties due to the flux prediction, neutrino interaction model, and detector effects are included. DUNE will resolve the neutrino mass ordering to a precision of 5$\sigma$, for all $\delta_{\mathrm{CP}}$ values, after 2 years of running with the nominal detector design and beam configuration. It has the potential to observe charge-parity violation in the neutrino sector to a precision of 3$\sigma$ (5$\sigma$) after an exposure of 5 (10) years, for 50\% of all $\delta_{\mathrm{CP}}$ values. It will also make precise measurements of other parameters governing long-baseline neutrino oscillation, and after an exposure of 15 years will achieve a similar sensitivity to $\sin^{2} 2\theta_{13}$ to current reactor experiments.

Overview of DUNE's Neutrino Oscillation Physics Potential

The research paper discusses the comprehensive sensitivity analysis of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) in the context of long-baseline neutrino oscillation physics. The DUNE experiment is designed to provide significant insights into neutrino mixing by analyzing high-intensity neutrino and antineutrino beams over a considerable long baseline. The principal goals include determining the neutrino mass ordering, observing charge-parity violation (CPV) in the neutrino sector, and accurately measuring neutrino oscillation parameters.

Key Numerical Results and Claims

1. Mass Ordering and CP Violation: DUNE is predicted to resolve the neutrino mass ordering with a 5$\sigma$ confidence level after two years of operation. For CP violation, a 3$\sigma$ observation is anticipated for over 50% of possible values of the charge-parity phase δ after five years, and a 5$\sigma$ sensitivity is achievable after ten years based on certain parameter values.
2. Parameter Precision: The experiment is set to achieve unprecedented precision in measuring oscillation parameters, especially δCP, θ23, and θ13.
3. Neutrino Oscillation Analysis: Utilizing advanced detector designs, the paper details DUNE's capability to distinguish between normal and inverted mass orderings across the entire range of possible δCP values.

Theoretical and Practical Implications

The research well-establishes the theoretical framework for investigating neutrino physics, particularly in elucidating phenomena like CP violation, which has profound implications for the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe. Thorough understanding of the neutrino oscillation parameters also aids in refining the standard model of particle physics, where any observed deviations might suggest new physics.

Detector and Simulation Details

The paper highlights the robust simulation, reconstruction, and event selection methodologies deployed, emphasizing the effective simulation of the far detector and the parameterized analysis approach for the near detector. The detailed account of systematic uncertainties from various sources including flux prediction and interaction models underscores the rigor of the paper.

Future Prospects and Developments

While not all results are definitive due to their dependency on certain assumptions and configurations, the paper projects that DUNE will enable high-precision tests of the three-flavor neutrino oscillation framework. The outlined potential and DUNE's substantial expected contribution to neutrino physics are anticipated to guide future investigations and theoretical developments in the field.

In conclusion, the research provides a comprehensive sensitivity analysis for DUNE, solidifying its role in advancing neutrino oscillation physics, and sets a significant future course for experimental neutrino paper.