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DOE OSTI2026

Improving MicroBooNE's Inclusive Single-Photon Search with Low-Energy Hadronic Identification

This analysis aims to further investigate MicroBooNE’s inclusive single-photon search results, which reported a 2.2$\sigma$ excess below 600 MeV in shower energy for events with no reconstructed protons using roughly half of MicroBooNE's dataset. Taken together with MiniBooNE’s long-standing low-energy excess and MicroBooNE’s recent electron-like search results showing no observable excess with respect to Standard Model predictions, this result provides strong impetus for expanded exploration of the single-photon channel in Fermilab’s short-baseline liquid-argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) experiments. By identifying and classifying isolated MeV-scale energy depositions, or blips, in the vicinity of single-photon events selected by the Wire-Cell reconstruction framework, we establish a more comprehensive labeling scheme for nearby hadronic content. In particular, blips found backwards along the shower axis indicate the presence of previously-unidentified final-state protons, while elevated blip counts at wide angles signal the presence of final-state neutrons. By applying this new technique to its full dataset, MicroBooNE will perform a purer and higher-statistics test of the truly isolated nature of its modest photon-like excess, furthering its hunt for the presence of unexpected new physics beyond the Standard Model.

Andrade Aldana, Diego [Los Alamos; IIT, Chicago (m↗

DOE OSTI2026

Reaching For New Physics With MeV-scale Reconstruction In The MicroBooNE LArTPC Neutrino Detector

Large neutrino liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) experiments can broaden their physics reach by reconstructing MeV-Scale energy depositions, or blips, in their data. We demonstrate new calorimetric and particle discrimination capabilities at the MeV scale using reconstructed blips in MicroBooNE LArTPC data at Fermilab. A concentration of low-energy ($<$3 MeV) blips is observed around fiberglass mechanical support struts along the TPC edges, with spectral features consistent with the Compton edge of the 2.614 MeV $^{208}$Tl decay $\gamma$ ray. With these features we perform the electron energy scale calibration to few-percent precision and yield the specific activity of $^{208}$Tl in the struts, $(11.7 \pm 0.2 \text{(stat)} \pm 2.8 \text{(syst)})$ Bq/kg. Using cosmogenic blips above 3 MeV, we demonstrate the ability of large LArTPCs to discriminate low-energy proton and electron depositions. An enriched low-energy proton sample selected with this technique is smaller in data than in dedicated CORSIKA simulations, pointing to possible mismodeling in CORSIKA incident cosmic fluxes or Geant4 particle transport. These methods are applied to MicroBooNE's inclusive single-photon search, which reported a 2.2$\sigma$ excess below 600 MeV in shower energy for events with no reconstructed protons. By identifying and classifying blips near single-photon events selected by the WireCell reconstruction framework, a more comprehensive labeling of nearby hadronic activity is established: blips upstream of the shower axis indicate previously unidentified final-state protons, while elevated blip counts at wide angles signal final-state neutrons. Taken together with MiniBooNE's long-standing low-energy excess (LEE) and MicroBooNE electron-like and sterile neutrino searches disfavored as possible explanations of the MiniBooNE anomaly, this analysis motivates an expanded exploration of the single-photon channel in Fermilab's short-baseline LArTPC program. This thesis documents the current status of this enhanced analysis, which will form a key part of MicroBooNE's final low-energy-excess results.

Andrade Aldana, Diego Armando [IIT, Chicago (main)↗

DOE OSTI2025

Selection Algorithm for electron neutrino charged current interactions in SBND

The Short Baseline Neutrino (SBN) program at Fermilab is a joint proposal by three experimental collaborations primarily for the investigation of the cause behind the low-energy electron-like event excess observed by the MiniBoone experiment. This dissertation focuses on the near detector of the project, named the Short Baseline Near Detector (SBND), a Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber apparatus which will conduct searches for sterile neutrinos in the mass range of 1 ${eV}^2/{c}^4$, as well as provide cross-section measurements for neutrino interactions in argon and perform other beyond the standard model studies.\\ \indent As is the case for all detectors in the program, the SBND will use the Booster Neutrino Beam as its source, which will provide it with both muon and electron neutrinos. Given that the ability to discern between the neutrino flavors will be crucial to the fulfillment of the detector's physics goals, the objective of this work is to provide the collaboration with a tool capable of doing so. As such, we here present the development process for an inclusive selection algorithm for the identification of electron neutrino charged current (CC) events regardless of their interaction channel. This is done through a combination of traditional techniques, such as the implementation of cuts on the reconstructed interaction properties, with the use of the Convolutional Visual Network, a machine learning algorithm capable of classifying particle interactions through the analysis of the topology of their final states. With this approach, we have developed a selection process that is capable of identifying $\nu_e$ CC interactions across a wide range of topologies with 34.4\% efficiency, as well as a purity of 91.2\%, making it especially promising for use in cross section studies.

Freire, Hector Moya [ABC Federal U.] (ORCID:000900↗

DOE OSTI2025

Hidden frustration in the triangular-lattice antiferromagnet NdCd 3 ⁢P 3

We report a study of the magnetic ground state and crystal electric field (CEF) scheme in the triangular-lattice antiferromagnet NdCd 3 ⁢P 3 . Combined neutron scattering, magnetization, and heat capacity measurements demonstrate that the Nd 3+ moments occupying the triangular lattice in this material harbor hidden signs of frustration not detected in typical Curie-Weiss-based parametrization of the frustration index (𝑓 = Θ 𝐶⁢𝑊 /𝑇 𝑁 ). This is evidenced by a zero-field splitting of the Kramers' ground state and first excited state doublets at temperatures far in excess of 𝑇 𝑁 as well as signatures of low-energy fluctuations for 𝑇 ≫ 𝑇 𝑁 . As a result, a suppression of the zero-field ordered moment relative to its field saturation value is observed, and the impacts of this magnetic frustration as well as the coexisting bond frustration in the CdP honeycomb network on the physical properties of NdCd 3 ⁢P3 are discussed.

Frustrated magnetism↗

NASA NTRS1977

Observational constraints on the models for Cygnus X-3

Observations of Cygnus X-3 made by the ANS and Uhuru satellites have shown significant X-ray flux variability on a time scale of hours. No spectral change was observed associated with these fluctuations. Significant intensity and spectral changes were found on a time scale of months with an inverse correlation between the source intensity and the temperature, and possibly the low-energy cutoff. The spectrum studies have confirmed the existence of an excess above the fitted continuum which can be interpreted as line emission of Fe XXIV and/or Fe XXV at about 6.7 keV. Phenomenological models for Cygnus X-3 are discussed; the observational data are best interpreted by assuming that a scattering and absorbing shell is symmetrically placed around the X-ray source.

Parsignault, D. R.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Low-Energy Radon Backgrounds from Electrode Grids in Dual-Phase Xenon TPCs

The dual-phase xenon time projection chamber (TPC) is a powerful technology to detect rare interactions such as scatters of dark matter particles on nuclei. In particular, the built-in gain of ionization signals in a dual-phase TPC makes it sensitive to events in the few-electron regime, as expected from low-mass dark matter interactions. The pursuit of this low-energy sensitivity through ionization-only signal detection has so far been hindered by excessive electron backgrounds observed across experiments. Much of this background is attributed to the plate-out of $^{222}$Rn decay chain isotopes on the high voltage electrode grid surfaces that span the full cross section of the TPC. This work presents a first-principle model constructed for this background, the predictions of which are consistent with data from the LZ and LUX experiments. We then discuss mitigation strategies of this background in future dual-phase TPCs and the possibility of applying this grid background model to ionization-only dark matter searches.

Akerib, D. S. [SLAC; KIPAC, Menlo Park]↗

DOE OSTI2025

Search for an Anomalous Production of Charged-Current 𝜈 𝑒 Interactions without Visible Pions across Multiple Kinematic Observables in MicroBooNE

This Letter presents an investigation of low-energy electron-neutrino interactions in the Fermilab Booster Neutrino Beam by the MicroBooNE experiment, motivated by the excess of electron-neutrino-like events observed by the MiniBooNE experiment. This is the first measurement to use data from all five years of operation of the MicroBooNE experiment, corresponding to an exposure of 1.11 × 10 21 protons on target, a 70% increase on past results. Two samples of electron neutrino interactions without visible pions are used, one with visible protons and one without any visible protons. The MicroBooNE data show reasonable agreement with the nominal prediction, with 𝑝 values ≥26.7% when the two 𝜈 𝑒 samples are combined, though the prediction exceeds the data in limited regions of phase space. The data are further compared to two empirical models that modify the predicted rate of electron-neutrino interactions in different variables in the simulation to match the unfolded MiniBooNE low energy excess. In the first model, this unfolding is performed as a function of electron neutrino energy, while the second model aims to match the observed shower energy and angle distributions of the MiniBooNE excess. This measurement excludes an electronlike interpretation of the MiniBooNE excess based on these models at >99% CLs in all kinematic variables.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Low-Energy Isomers of the Magic Number H + (H 2 O) 21 Cluster

Electronic structure calculations are used to characterize low-energy isomers of H + (H 2 O) 21 . Eleven different classes of isomers, based on the (H 2 O) 20 pentagonal dodecahedron with the excess proton localized on the surface (as a hydrated hydronium ion) and the “extra” water molecule located in the interior of the cluster, are characterized. In 10 of these classes, the internal water molecule is engaged in six 5-membered rings, but in the remaining class, which is predicted to start at only 0.6 kcal/mol above the global minimum, the internal water is engaged in a 4- membered ring, an additional 6-membered ring, and four 5- membered rings. In addition, isomers with two 4-membered rings and two 6-membered rings on the cluster surface are predicted to start at only ∼1.3 kcal/mol above the lowest-energy dodecahedralbased structure.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

NASA NTRS1982

Gamma-ray spectroscopy of the galactic center region: Confirmation of the time-variability of the positron annihilation line

The GSFC Low-Energy Gamma-Ray Spectrometer observed the region of the galactic center during a balloon flight from Alice Springs, Australia, on 1981 November 20. No significant excess over background was evident in the 511 keV annihilation line. A 98 percent confidence upper limit is derived for this line of 1.2 x .001 photons/sq. cm-s. Continuum emission was detected above 100 keV with a best-fitting power law spectrum.

Paciesas, W. S.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Adiabatic expansion of cosmic ray sources and the consequences for secondary antiprotons

The low-energy antiproton flux measurement of Buffinton et al. (1981) is more than an order of magnitude higher than can be explained by interstellar production. It has been suggested that the excess antiprotons may be created by supernovae in very dense regions of ISM. These sources would provide the additional target material necessary to produce the excess cosmic ray antiprotons; in addition, adiabatic energy losses due to supernova expansion will increase the flux of low-energy antiprotons. The antiproton flux from such sources is examined here, with attention given to the energy loss effects of the adiabatic and collisional losses of both the primary and secondary cosmic ray fluxes. Ionization losses of the antiprotons are also considered.

Mauger, B. G.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Observations of discrete gamma ray sources with SAS-2

Compact gamma ray sources centered on the Crab nebula and the Vela X supernova remnant are considered. An excess in the galactic radiation was observed in both regions. Data indicate that a large fraction of this flux is pulsed. The excess from the Vela region could reflect either a large-scale galactic feature, such as a superposition of spiral arm segments, or it could be associated with the Vela supernova remnant. Low-energy gamma ray bursts were observed in the SAS-2 anticoincidence shielding.

Thompson, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Solar and geomagnetic modulation of low-energy secondary cosmic ray electrons.

Balloon exposures of hodoscope instruments at Churchill, Manitoba; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, have established that the flux of return albedo electrons does not depend upon launch latitude and varies with solar modulation in proportion to the intensity of atmospheric secondary electrons. Only one flight out of 21 showed any indication of a magnetospheric electron flux significantly in excess of that attributable to albedo. Diurnal changes in geomagnetic cutoffs exhibit marked variability from day to day, as was illustrated by one flight in which a low cutoff was observed at Churchill throughout the daytime hours. The intensity increase of 15- to 65-MeV primary cosmic ray electrons due to solar modulation was no more than a factor of 2 from 1969-1970 to 1971.

Luhmann, J. G.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Observations of the galactic center with the GSFC low-energy gamma-ray spectrometer - Preliminary results

The results of measurements made of the gamma ray emission originating from the galactic center are reviewed. The data were gathered with balloon borne gamma ray spectrometers, with the scans centering on 511 keV. Minimum Chi-sq fits were calculated for the recorded emissions, assuming a constant source modulated by the detector response and superimposed on a constant background. A time history of the 511 keV line intensity demonstrated variability in the feature, whereas the continuum spectrum showed a high correlation with previous measurements. An excess in the continuum just below the 511 keV line was taken as an indication of positronium formation.

Paciesas, W. S.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Limits on the Low-energy Electron Antineutrino Flux from the Brightest Gamma-Ray Burst of All Time

The electron antineutrino flux limits are presented for the brightest gamma-ray burst (GRB) of all time, GRB221009A, over a range of 1.8–200 MeV using the Kamioka Liquid Scintillator Antineutrino Detector. Using multiple time windows ranging from minutes to days surrounding the event to search for electron antineutrinos coincident with the GRB, we set an upper limit on the flux under the assumption of several power-law neutrino source spectra, with power-law indices ranging from 1.5 to 3 in steps of 0.5. No excess was observed in any time windows ranging from seconds to days around the event trigger time T 0 . For a power-law index of 2 and a time window of T 0 ± 500 s, a flux upper limit of 2.34 × 10 9 cm −2 was calculated. The limits are compared to the results presented by IceCube.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Ultrafast Formation of Jahn–Teller Polarons Revealed by State-Selective Excitation in Correlated Spinel Co 3 O 4

Jahn–Teller polarons are quasiparticles that stem from symmetry breaking and strong local electron–phonon coupling. They originate from an excess charge carrier being dressed by a local lattice distortion, caused by the Jahn–Teller effect, and they critically impact electrical, structural, and magnetic properties in transition metal oxides. The observation of the microscopic steps involved in their formation is essential for enabling control over material properties through the targeted activation of local, site-specific modifications with light pulses. While Jahn–Teller distortion associated with polaron formation was predicted to contribute significantly to changes in electronic band gap and optical properties in Co 3 O 4 , its experimental observation remains elusive, requiring signatures of local symmetry reduction. In this work, we demonstrate Jahn–Teller polaron formation in spinel Co 3 O 4 . By exciting electronic transitions at 3.10 eV and 1.55 eV, we target either the Oh Cobalt(III) or the Td Cobalt(II) ions, and drive the subsequent coherent responses of the system through two different pathways. For the former, we demonstrate that ligand-to-metal charge transfer leads to Jahn–Teller polaron formation, which is linked to the deformation potential and magnetoelastic coupling. For the latter, we identify the coherent excitation of a T 2g phonon mode launched by on-site d-d electronic transitions. Key to our observations is the ability to target site-specific electronic excitations in spinel Co 3 O 4 using ultrafast optical pulses, while monitoring the ensuing low-energy collective modes through the coherent time-domain response of the material. Our approach, which combines the comparative analysis of experimental fingerprints with the support from density functional theory calculations, is broadly applicable to systems in which Jahn–Teller polaron physics has been theoretically predicted but remains experimentally unverified, and it underscores the potential of electronic-state targeting as a route to selectively excite and probe quasiparticle dynamics in solids.

Lattices↗

DOE OSTI2025

Tuning the low-energy band structure in twisted bilayer WSe2

Tuning the electronic structures of two-dimensional (2D) material-based heterostructures is of crucial importance for their use in functional next-generation electronics. Here, through angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with nanoscale spatial resolution (nano-ARPES), we systematically track the evolution of the near-Fermi-level electronic structure of bilayer WSe2 over a large range of twist angle. While the momentum positioning of the valence-band maxima (VBM) is independent of twist angle, we find that the energetic separation between the hole bands at the K point of the Brillouin zone and the higher binding-energy hole band at Γ can be varied in excess of 100 meV. We explore the mechanisms underpinning this evolution and discuss the implications for tuning both the size of the band gaps, and the efficiency of the spin-dependent electron-phonon coupling channels in homobilayer transition-metal dichalcogenide devices.

Vu, T-H-Y↗

NASA NTRS1971

Low-energy diffuse X-rays

Diffuse low energy cosmic X rays rocket measurements, noting excess over extrapolated power law valid for higher energies

Bunner, A. N.↗

NASA NTRS1975

A reinterpretation of the reported energetic particle fluxes in the vicinity of Mercury

During the Mercury flyby of Mariner 10, observations of large fluxes of energetic electrons (energies in excess of 0.3 MeV) and protons (energies between 0.53 and 1.9 MeV) were reported by Simpson et al. (1974). The reported simultaneous enhancements of protons and electrons in the magnetic field of Mercury have raised some perplexing planetology questions. It is shown here that the response of the proton detector in the Mariner 10 experiment is most plausibly attributable to the pileup of low-energy electrons rather than the presence of protons in the vicinity of Mercury. Further, the reported lower-limit electron differential spectrum exponent of at least 9 and the 300-keV electron fluxes are probably in quantitative error, especially where the count rates are highest. It is concluded that no 'new' acceleration mechanism has been identified at Mercury.

Armstrong, T. P.↗