Maximizing the DUNE early physics output with current experiments

Abstract

The deep underground neutrino experiment (DUNE) is a proposed next generation superbeam experiment at Fermilab. Its aims include measuring the unknown neutrino oscillation parameters—the neutrino mass hierarchy, the octant of the mixing angle $$\theta _{23}$$ , and the CP-violating phase $$\delta _\mathrm{{CP}}$$ . The current and upcoming experiments T2K, NO $$\nu $$ A, and ICAL@INO will also be collecting data for the same measurements. In this paper, we explore the sensitivity reach of DUNE in combination with these other experiments. We evaluate the least exposure required by DUNE to determine the above three unknown parameters with reasonable confidence. We find that for each case, the inclusion of data from T2K, NO $$\nu $$ A, and ICAL@INO help to achieve the same sensitivity with a reduced exposure from DUNE thereby helping to economize the configuration. Further, we quantify the effect of the proposed near detector on systematic errors and study the consequent improvement in sensitivity. We also examine the role played by the second oscillation cycle in furthering the physics reach of DUNE. Finally, we present an optimization study of the neutrino–antineutrino running of DUNE.