First Differential Measurement of the Single π^{+} Production Cross Section in Neutrino Neutral-Current Scattering

Area of Science:

• Particle Physics
• High Energy Physics
• Nuclear Physics

Background:

• Neutrino-induced neutral-current single positive pion production (NC1π⁺) is a poorly understood interaction.
• This process is a significant background in neutrino oscillation experiments.
• Understanding NC1π⁺ is critical for next-generation neutrino physics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the first double-differential cross-section measurement of NC1π⁺ interactions.
• To compare experimental data with predictions from neutrino interaction generators and final-state-interaction models.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the ND280 detector of the T2K experiment.
• Collected data in neutrino-beam mode.
• Measured the flux-averaged integrated cross section on a hydrocarbon target.

Main Results:

• The measured flux-averaged integrated cross section is (6.07±1.22)×10⁻⁴¹ cm²/nucleon.
• Differential results show agreement with model predictions.
• Data suggest a cross-section normalization approximately 30% higher than most models predict.

Conclusions:

• This measurement provides essential data for understanding NC1π⁺ interactions.
• The findings highlight a potential discrepancy between theoretical models and experimental observations.
• Further investigation is needed to refine neutrino interaction models.