Giessen Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck Research Articles

Hadronization and Color Transparency

In this paper, the earlier studies by us on the production of hadrons in a nuclear environment are reviewed. A string-breaking model for the initial production of hadrons and a quantum-kinetic Giessen-Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) transport model are used to describe the final state interactions of the newly formed (pre)hadrons. The latter are determined both by the formation times and by the time-development of the hadron–hadron cross section. First, it is shown that only a linear time dependence is able to describe the available hadronizatin data. Then, the results are compared with detailed data from HERMES and Jefferson Laboratory (JLAB) experiments; a rather good agreement is reached for all reactions, studied without any tuning of parameters. Predictions of spectra for pions and kaons for JLAB experiments at 12 GeV are also repeated. Finally, the absence of color transparency (CT) effects in the recent experiment on proton transparencies in quasi-elastic (QE) scattering events on nuclei is discussed. We propose to look instead for CT effects on protons in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS) events.

Muon-neutrino-induced charged-current pion production on nuclei

[Background] Long-Baseline experiments such as T2K, NOvA or the planned Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) require theoretical descriptions of the complete event in a neutrino-nucleus reaction. Since nuclear targets are used this requires a good understanding of neutrino-nucleus interactions. [Purpose] One of the dominant reaction channels in neutrino-nucleus interactions is pion production. This paper aims for a coherent view on all charged current charged pion production data that are avaible from the experiments MiniBooNE, the near detector experiment at T2K and MINERvA. [Methods] Pion production is treated through excitations of nucleon resonances, including background terms, and deep inelastic scattering. The final state interactions of the produced pions are described within the Giessen-Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) implementation of quantum-kinetic transport theory. [Results] Results are given for MiniBooNE, the near detector experiment at T2K and for MINERvA. While the theoretical results for MiniBooNE differ from the data both in shape and magnitude, their agreement both with the T2K and the MINERvA data is good for all pion and lepton observables. Predictions for pion spectra are shown for MicroBooNE and NOvA. [Conclusions] Based on the GiBUU model of lepton-nucleus interactions a consistent, good theoretical description of CC charged pion production data from the T2K ND and the MINERvA experiments is possible, without any parameter tunes. The MiniBooNE data cannot be reproduced.

Neutrino-induced reactions on nuclei

Background: Long-baseline experiments such as the planned Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) require theoretical descriptions of the complete event in a neutrino-nucleus reaction. Since nuclear targets are used this requires a good understanding of neutrino-nucleus interactions. Purpose: Develop a consistent theory and code framework for the description of lepton-nucleus interactions that can be used to describe not only inclusive cross sections, but also the complete final state of the reaction. Methods: The Giessen-Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) implementation of quantum-kinetic transport theory is used, with improvements in its treatment of the nuclear ground state and of 2p2h interactions. For the latter an empirical structure function from electron scattering data is used as a basis. Results: Results for electron-induced inclusive cross sections are given as a necessary check for the overall quality of this approach. The calculated neutrino-induced inclusive double-differential cross sections show good agreement with data from neutrino- and antineutrino reactions for different neutrino flavors at MiniBooNE and T2K. Inclusive double-differential cross sections for MicroBooNE, NOvA, MINERvA and LBNF/DUNE are given. Conclusions: Based on the GiBUU model of lepton-nucleus descriptions a good theoretical description of inclusive electron-, neutrino- and antineutrino-nucleus data over a wide range of energies, different neutrino flavors and different experiments is now possible. Since no tuning is involved this theory and code should be reliable also for new energy regimes and target masses. \end{description}

Pion production in high-energy neutrino reactions with nuclei

[Background] A quantitative understanding of neutrino interactions with nuclei is needed for precision era neutrino long baseline experiments (MINOS, NOvA, DUNE) which all use nuclear targets. Pion production is the dominant reaction channel at the energies of these experiments. [Purpose] Investigate the influence of nuclear effects on neutrino-induced pion production cross sections and compare predictions for pion-production with available data. [Method] The Giessen Boltzmann--Uehling--Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) model is used for the description of all incohrent channels in neutrino-nucleus reactions. [Results] Differential cross sections for charged and neutral pion production for the MINER$\nu$A neutrino and antineutrino flux are calculated. An estimate for the coherent cross section is obtained from a comparison of data with theoretical results. The invariant mass ($W$) distribution of the $\Delta$ resonances produced is analyzed. [Conclusions] Final state interactions affect the pion kinetic energy spectra significantly. The data for charged pion production at MINER$\nu$A are compatible with the results of calculations using elementary data taken from an old Argonne National Laboratory experiment. Remaining differences can be attributed to coherent production; the data for antineutrino induced neutral pion production, where no coherent contribution is present, are reproduced quite well. In contrast, the MiniBooNE data, taken at a lower energy, are consistently higher than the theoretical description. The analysis of $W$-distributions shows that experimental cuts on this quantity lead to shape distortions for nuclear targets.

Erratum: Many-body interactions of neutrinos with nuclei: Observables [Phys. Rev. C86, 014614 (2012)

Background: The total inclusive cross sections obtained for quasielastic (QE) scattering in the Mini Booster Neutrino Experiment (MiniBooNE) are significantly larger than those calculated by all models based on the impulse approximation and using the world average value for the axial mass of $M_A \approx 1 \GeV$. This discrepancy has led to various, quite different explanations in terms of increased axial masses, changes in the functional form of the axial form factor, increased vector strength in nuclei, and initial two-particle interactions. This is disconcerting since the neutrino energy reconstruction depends on the reaction mechanism. Purpose: We investigate whether exclusive observables, such as nucleon knock-out, can be used to distinguish between the various proposed reaction mechanisms. We determine the influence of 2p-2h excitations on the energy reconstruction. Method: We use the Giessen Boltzmann--Uehling--Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) model to predict numbers and spectra of knock-out nucleons. The model is extended by incorporating a simple, but realistic treatment of initial 2p-2h excitations. Results: We show numbers and spectra of knock-out nucleons and show their sensitivity to the presence of 2p-2h initial excitations. We also discuss the influence of 2p-2h excitations on the neutrino energy reconstruction. Conclusions: 2p-2h excitations do lead to an increase in the number $n$ of knock-out nucleons for $n \ge 2$ while only the $n=1$ knock-out remains a clean signal of true QE scattering. The spectra of knock-out nucleons do also change, but their qualitative shape remains as before. In the energy reconstruction 2p-2h interactions lead to a downward shift of the reconstructed energy; this effect of 2p-2h excitations disappears at higher energies because the 2p-2h influence is spread out over a wider energy range.

Reaction mechanisms atMINERνA

The MINER$\nu$A experiment investigates neutrino interactions with nucleons needed for an understanding of electroweak interactions of hadrons. Since nuclear targets are being used many-body effects may affect the extracted cross sections and the energy reconstruction. The latter is essential for the extraction of neutrino oscillation properties. We investigate the influence of nuclear effects on neutrino interaction cross sections and make predictions for charged current quasielastic (QE) scattering, nucleon-knock-out and pion- and kaon-production on a CH target. The Giessen Boltzmann--Uehling--Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) model is used for the description of neutrino-nucleus reactions. Integrated and differential cross sections for inclusive neutrino scattering, QE processes and particle production for the MINER$\nu$A neutrino flux are calculated. The influence of final state interactions on the identification of these processes is discussed. In particular, energy and $Q^2$ reconstruction for the MINER$\nu$A flux are critically examined. The $Q^2$ dependence of the inclusive cross sections is found to be sensitive to the energy reconstruction. Cut-offs in flux distributions have a large effect. Final state interactions affect the pion kinetic energy spectra significantly and increase the kaon cross sections by cross feeding from other channels.

Neutrino-nucleus interaction models and their impact on oscillation analyses

In neutrino oscillation experiments, neutrino interactions at the detector are simulated using event generators which attempt to reflect our understanding of nuclear physics. We study the impact of different neutrino interactions and nuclear models on the determination of neutrino oscillation parameters. We use two independent neutrino event generators, Generates Events for Neutrino Interaction Experiments (GENIE) 2.8.0 and Giessen Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) 2.6, and apply them to a setup with a conventional neutrino beam aiming at a water \ifmmode \check{C}\else \v{C}\fi{}erenkov detector, for which only the charged-current quasielastic--like sample is selected. Subsequently, we perform a fit to the oscillation parameters in the ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ disappearance channel.

Pion production in the T2K experiment

Background: Pion production gives information on the axial form factors of nucleon resonances. It also introduces a noticeable background to quasi-elastic measurements on nuclear targets and thus has a significant impact on precision studies of neutrino oscillation parameters. Purpose: To clarify neutrino-induced pion production on nucleons and nuclei. Method: The Giessen Boltzmann--Uehling--Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) model is used for the description of neutrino-nucleus reactions. Results: Theoretical results for differential cross sections for the T2K neutrino flux at the ND280 detector and integrated cross sections as a function of neutrino energy are given. Two sets of pion production data on elementary targets are used as inputs to obtain limits for pion production in neutrino-nucleus reactions. Conclusions: Pion production in the T2K ND280 detector can help to narrow down the uncertainties in the elementary pion production cross sections. It can also give valuable information on the nucleon-Delta axial form factor.

Pion production in the MiniBooNE experiment

Background: Charged current pion production gives information on the axial formfactors of nucleon resonances. It also introduces a noticeable background to quasi-elastic measurements on nuclear targets. Purpose: Understand pion production in neutrino interactions with nucleons and the reaction mechanism in nuclei. Method: The Giessen Boltzmann--Uehling--Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) model is used for an investigation of neutrino-nucleus reactions. Results: Theoretical results for integrated and differential cross sections for the MiniBooNE neutrino flux are compared to the data. Two sets of pion production data on elementary targets are used to obtain limits for the neutrino-nucleus reactions. Conclusions: The MiniBooNE pion production data are consistent with the BNL elementary data if a small flux renormalization is performed while the ANL input data lead to significantly too low cross sections. A final determination of in-medium effects requires new data on elementary (p,D) targets.

Many-body interactions of neutrinos with nuclei: Observables

Background: The total inclusive cross sections obtained for quasielastic (QE) scattering in the Mini Booster Neutrino Experiment (MiniBooNE) are significantly larger than those calculated by all models based on the impulse approximation and using the world average value for the axial mass of ${M}_{A}\ensuremath{\approx}1\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GeV}$. This discrepancy has led to various, quite different explanations in terms of increased axial masses, changes in the functional form of the axial form factor, increased vector strength in nuclei, and initial two-particle interactions. This is disconcerting since the neutrino energy reconstruction depends on the reaction mechanism.Purpose: We investigate whether exclusive observables, such as nucleon knockout, can be used to distinguish between the various proposed reaction mechanisms. We determine the influence of 2p-2h excitations on the neutrino energy reconstruction.Method: We extend the Giessen Boltzmann--Uehling--Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) model by explicitly incorporating initial 2p-2h excitations.Results: We calculate inclusive cross sections and numbers and spectra of knockout nucleons and show their sensitivity to the presence of 2p-2h initial excitations. We also discuss the influence of 2p-2h excitations on the neutrino energy reconstruction.Conclusions: Inclusive double-differential cross sections, depending only on muon variables, are fairly insensitive to the reaction mechanism. 2p-2h excitations lead to an increase in the number $n$ of knockout nucleons for $n\ensuremath{\geqslant}2$, while only the $n=1$ knockout remains a clean signal of true QE scattering. The spectra of knockout nucleons are also changed, but their shape is hardly affected. In the energy reconstruction, 2p-2h interactions as well as $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ excitations lead to a downward shift of the reconstructed energy; this effect of 2p-2h excitations disappears at higher energies because the 2p-2h influence is spread out over a wider energy range.

Neutrino- and antineutrino-induced reactions with nuclei between 1 and 50 GeV

Background: Nuclear effects can have a significant impact on neutrino-nucleus interactions. In particular, data from neutrino experiments with broad energy distributions require complex theoretical models that are able to take all the relevant channels into account as well as incorporate nuclear effects in both initial and final-state interactions. Purpose: We investigate neutrino and antineutrino scattering on iron and carbon in the energy range from 1 to 30 GeV, which is relevant to current and coming experiments (MINOS, NOvA, and Minerva). Method: The Giessen Boltzmann--Uehling--Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) model, which implements all reaction channels relevant for neutrino energies under consideration, is used for an investigation of neutrino-nucleus reactions. Results: Our calculations are compared with the recent NOMAD and MINOS data for the integrated inclusive cross sections. Predictions are made for the differential cross sections for semiinclusive final states (pions, kaons, and nucleons) for the MINOS and NOvA beams. Conclusions: Nuclear effects in the initial-state interactions may slightly change the inclusive nuclear cross section as compared to the free nucleon ones. Final-state interactions noticeably change the spectra of the outgoing hadrons. In the Minerva and NOvA experiments these effects should be visible in the kinetic energy distributions of the final pions, kaons, and nucleons. Secondary interactions play an important role for strangeness production.

Formation of double-Λ hypernuclei at PANDA

We study the formation of single- and double- Λ hypernuclei in antiproton-induced reactions relevant for the forthcoming PANDA experiment at FAIR. We use the Giessen Boltzmann–Uehling–Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) transport model with relativistic mean-fields for the description of non-equilibrium dynamics and the statistical multifragmentation model (SMM) for fragment formation. This combined approach describes the dynamical properties of strangeness and fragments in low energy p ¯ -induced reactions fairly well. We then focus on the formation of double- Λ hypernuclei in high energy p ¯ -nucleus collisions on a primary target including the complementary Ξ -induced reactions to a secondary one, as proposed by the PANDA Collaboration. Our results show that a copious production of double- Λ hyperfragments is possible at PANDA. In particular, we provide first theoretical estimations on the double- Λ production cross section, which strongly rises with decreasing energy of the secondary Ξ -beam.

Cold compression of nuclei induced by antiprotons

On the basis of a dynamical Relativistic Mean Field (RMF) model we study the response of a nucleus on the antiproton implanted in its interior. We solve the Vlasov equation for the antiproton-nuclear system and show assuming a moderately attractive antiproton optical potential that the compressed state is formed on a rather short time scale of about 4-10 fm/c. The evolution of the system after antiproton annihilation is simulated using the Giessen Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) transport model. Finally, several sensitive observables to the antiproton annihilation in a compressed nuclear configuration are proposed, e.g. the nucleon kinetic energy spectra and the total invariant mass distributions of produced mesons.

Three-body collisions in Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck theory

Aiming at a microscopic description of heavy ion collisions in the beam energy region of about $10A$ GeV, we extend the Giessen Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) transport model by including a relativistic mean field, in-medium baryon-baryon cross sections, and three-body collisions. The model is then compared with experimental data for central Au+Au collisions at $2A\text{\ensuremath{-}}10A$ GeV and central Pb+Pb collisions at $30A$ and $40A$ GeV on the proton rapidity spectra, the midrapidity yields of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+},{K}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}},$ and $(\ensuremath{\Lambda}+{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{0})$, and the transverse mass spectra of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ and ${K}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$. The three-body collisions increase the inverse slope parameters of the hadron ${m}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$ spectra to good agreement with the data.

Kaon Production from 1 to 40 AGeV

Kaon production is studied within the Giessen Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) model. Results are compared with experiment and with other models. The influence of the kaon potential on the kaon azimuthal distributions at SIS energies is considered. We also discuss the role of the many-body collisions at high-density phase of reaction.

Charged current neutrino-nucleus interactions at intermediate energies

We have extended our model for charged current neutrino-nucleus interactions developed in Phys. Rev. C 73, 065502 (2006) to neutral current reactions. For the elementary neutrino-nucleon interaction, we take into account quasielastic scattering, {delta} excitation, and the excitation of the resonances in the second resonance region. Our model for the neutrino-nucleus collisions includes in-medium effects such as Fermi motion, Pauli blocking, nuclear binding, and final-state interactions. They are implemented by means of the Giessen Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck (GiBUU) coupled-channel transport model. This allows us to study exclusive channels, namely pion production and nucleon knockout. We find that final-state interactions modify considerably the distributions through rescattering, charge-exchange, and absorption. Side-feeding induced by charge-exchange scattering is important in both cases. In the case of pions, there is a strong absorption associated with the in-medium pionless decay modes of the {delta}, while nucleon knockout exhibits a considerable enhancement of low-energy nucleons because of rescattering. At neutrino energies above 1 GeV, we also obtain that the contribution to nucleon knockout from {delta} excitation is comparable to that from quasielastic scattering.