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Neural-network-driven proton decay sensitivity in the p → $$ \overline{\nu} $$K+ channel using large liquid argon time projection chambers

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We report on an updated sensitivity for proton decay via p → $$ \overline{\nu} $$ K+ at large, dual phase liquid argon time projection chambers (LAr TPCs). Our work builds… Click to show full abstract

We report on an updated sensitivity for proton decay via p → $$ \overline{\nu} $$ K+ at large, dual phase liquid argon time projection chambers (LAr TPCs). Our work builds on a previous study in which several nucleon decay modes have been simulated and analyzed [1]. At the time several assumptions were needed to be made on the detector and the backgrounds. Since then, the community has made progress in defining these, and the computing power available enables us to fully simulate and reconstruct large samples in order to perform a better estimate of the sensitivity to proton decay. In this work, we examine the benchmark channel p → $$ \overline{\nu} $$ K+, which was previously found to be one of the cleanest channels. Using an improved neutrino event generator and a fully simulated LAr TPC detector response combined with a dedicated neural network for kaon identification, we demonstrate that a lifetime sensitivity of τ /Br (p → $$ \overline{\nu} $$ K+) > 7 × 1034 years at 90% confidence level can be reached at an exposure of 1 megaton · year in quasi-background-free conditions, confirming the superiority of the LAr TPC over other technologies to address the challenging proton decay modes.

Keywords: time; proton; proton decay; sensitivity; liquid argon

Journal Title: Journal of High Energy Physics
Year Published: 2021

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