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Nucleon Decays into Light New Particles in Neutrino Detectors.

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Proton and neutron decays into new particles X create unique experimental signatures. Large water-Cherenkov and tracking detectors can detect these rare events, offering new insights into fundamental physics.

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Area of Science:

  • Particle Physics
  • Astrophysics
  • Nuclear Physics

Background:

  • Proton and neutron decays into new light particles (X) alter experimental signatures.
  • Complementarity of large water-Cherenkov detectors (Super-Kamiokande, Hyper-Kamiokande) and tracking detectors (JUNO, DUNE) is crucial.
  • Specific decay modes (p→ℓ⁺X, p→π⁺X) near phase-space closure produce sub-Cherenkov threshold charged particles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of nucleon decays into new light particles on experimental signatures.
  • To explore the capabilities of different detector types in observing these rare events.
  • To present a model for nucleon decays into sterile neutrinos and their subsequent detection.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of proton and neutron decay signatures in various detector types.
  • Modeling nucleon decays into sub-GeV sterile neutrinos.
  • Simulation of sterile neutrino production and decay via active-sterile mixing.
  • Event rate estimation for Super-Kamiokande and other detectors.

Main Results:

  • Decays producing sub-Cherenkov threshold particles are challenging for Super-Kamiokande but detectable in JUNO and DUNE.
  • Nucleon decays can generate a significant flux of X particles detectable in underground experiments.
  • A simple model predicts a promising number of events in Super-Kamiokande within seesaw-motivated parameter space.

Conclusions:

  • JUNO and DUNE are uniquely positioned to detect specific baryon-number-violating nucleon decay signatures.
  • The proposed model offers a viable pathway for observing sterile neutrino decays.
  • These studies enhance our understanding of fundamental particle interactions and the early universe.