Production of Charmed Lambda Baryons in the NuWro Neutrino Event Generator

Abstract

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) project currently under construction is expected to start taking data in the early 2030's, and the completion of its first phase is considered a top priority in particle physics research, due to its broad impact on our understanding of fundamental physics. Its main goals include measuring neutrino oscillation parameters, solving the mass ordering problem, and searching for CP violation. To fulfil its science goals, DUNE needs to constrain the hadron models through cross section measurements in the near detector, and minimise uncertainties in oscillation analyses. The primary objective of this thesis is to model the cross section of the quasielastic production of the charmed lambda baryon, in neutrino-nucleon interactions, such as those that will be observed in the DUNE near detector. I consider different models of the hadron that yield varying form-factors, explore their differences, their suitability, regions of validity based on existing experimental data, and how future data will help in constraining them further. The model is then implemented into the NuWro event generator, and simulations run to further explore how the different models affect the experimental signature of the interaction. The models and simulations indicate that the LQCD model requires further data to reduce uncertainties, which at high energies become very significant. The DUNE neutrino beam energy range is well suited for this purpose. Overall, none of the models presented are valid at all energies, however the NRQM agrees with more existing data points than any of the other models.

Date of Award	1 Aug 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Elena Gramellini (Supervisor) & Stefan Söldner-Rembold (Supervisor)