Data-Driven Model Validation to Enable Robust Neutrino Cross Section Measurements

by London Cooper-Troendle (member@pitt.edu;staff@pitt.edu;employee@pitt.edu;faculty@pitt.edu;member@pitt.edu;staff@pitt.edu;employee@pitt.edu;faculty@pitt.edu)

Thursday 10 Apr 2025, 15:00 → 17:00 US/Eastern

small seminar room

Neutrino cross section measurements are needed to improve neutrino interaction modeling to meet the needs of upcoming precision oscillation measurements. These cross section measurements rely on model validation to demonstrate their limited susceptibility to mismodeling and support their accuracy. This talk presents a data-driven model validation procedure that enables the measurement of highly important cross sections including those as a function of neutrino energy. Underpinning this approach is an enhanced sensitivity to mismodeling that is achieved through the simultaneous examination of correlated kinematic distributions. Multiple cross section measurements from the MicroBooNE experiment that leverage this model validation procedure are presented, and the applicability of this approach to other fields is discussed.