Constraining systematic uncertainties in the T2K neutrino oscillation analysis using samples from the off-axis near detector
Lead Research Organisation:
Lancaster University
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
Charged-current (CC) neutrino interactions are of particular importance to the T2K experiment and its oscillation analyses. The expected number of CC interactions at the far detector in the case of no oscillations can be predicted using information frm the near detectors. Charged-current samples at the T2K off-axis near detector (ND280) are split into three categories depending on how many charged pions are present in the final state. The three categories are CC0pi, CC1pi and CCother which refer to events with 0, 1 and >1 charged pions respectively. The "CCother" sample contains all CC samples with a final-state pi0. Therefore, a subset of CCother sample will contain photons, primarily from pi0 decays. This thesis will develop a new selection to divide the CCother selection into "CCother with photon" and "CCother without photon". Results from the selection will be implemented into the T2K oscillation analysis framework and thus used to improve the systematic uncertainty associated with such events. Knowledge of CC interactions with a gamma in the final state is especially important for the joint NoVA-T2K analysis which will begin in the timeframe of this thesis. This project will therefore develop a new set of samples using data from the near detector and incorporate them into the oscillation analysis for the experiment.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Helen Mary O'Keeffe (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Tristan Doyle (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST/S505481/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2022 | |||
| 2067105 | Studentship | ST/S505481/1 | 01/10/2018 | 31/03/2022 | Tristan Doyle |
| Description | I have developed a new selection of neutrino events in the T2K near detector, which is used as an input for the T2K neutrino oscillation analysis. This new selection will improve constraints on the flux and cross section models used in this analysis. In turn, this will be used to set new limits on CP violation in the lepton sector. |
| Exploitation Route | The selection work has been added to the T2K oscillation analysis and will continue to be used in future iterations of the analysis. Inspiration is already being taken from the work to develop a complementary selection by another analyst that will provide additional benefit to the oscillation analysis. |
| Sectors | Education,Other |
| URL | https://t2k-experiment.org/ |
| Description | The results of my selection work have been included in the T2K oscillation analysis, which will produce world-leading measurements of the neutrino oscillation parameters. I have presented my work, and the work of T2K as a whole, at an international conference this year. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2021 |
| Sector | Education |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | Hyper-Kamiokande Collaboration |
| Organisation | Hyper-Kamiokande |
| Country | Global |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| PI Contribution | I have been a member of the Hyper-Kamiokande collaboration since October 2018. In that time I have been an active member of the DAQ (data acquisition) group, helping to develop the DAQ triggering system. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Hyper-Kamiokande is expected to begin taking physics data later this decade. Members of the collaboration are working towards making that a reality. Collaborators are working on detector design and physics sensitivity studies, as well as many other contributions. |
| Impact | List of publications can be found at the Hyper-Kamiokande website linked above. |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Description | T2K Collaboration |
| Organisation | T2K Collaboration |
| Country | Global |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I have been a member of the T2K collaboration since October 2018. In that time I have developed a selection of events and associated systematic uncertainties that will contribute to the main T2K oscillation analysis of 2021 (and subsequent years). I am also a DAQ (data acquisition) expert at the near detector complex, ensuring the near detectors remain operational. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaborators can focus their time on the near detectors, far detector or beam (or a combination of these), with an appropriate balance of effort in these areas required to ensure the experiment continues to produce world-leading results. |
| Impact | List of publications can be found at the T2K website linked above. |
| Description | Outreach with Lancaster University Physics Department |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The Lancaster University Physics Department hosts many outreach activities aimed at schools. These include open days, masterclasses and roadshows for students, as well as open days for teachers. During these activities I have had the chance to present the work T2K and Hyper-Kamiokande do to those attending, helping to generate interest amongst the next generation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019 |