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Neutron-antineutron oscillation search with MicroBooNE and DUNE

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is an international project aiming at neutrino physics and astrophysics and a search for phenomena predicted by theories beyond the standard model (BSM). The excellent imaging capability of Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) technology, particle tracking and identification utilized in the Far Detector, as well as the Far Detector size and underground placement, allow the experiment to achieve high sensitivity to various rare processes. BSM theories predict the existence of baryon number non-conservation effects, in particular when the baryon number changes by 2. Here we discuss the sensitivity of DUNE to neutron-antineutron oscillation. With full event simulation and reconstruction using the LArSoft package, we have investigated the background to potential signal events from atmospheric neutrino interactions and particle misidentification, and utilized machine learning techniques to enhance the discrimination between signal and background. The methodologies being developed for a high-sensitivity search for neutron-antineutron oscillation in DUNE can also be demonstrated with the currently running MicroBooNE LArTPC. We discuss progress on demonstrating the developed techniques with the first-ever search for neutron-antineutron oscillation in a LArTPC using MicroBooNE data.

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The DUNE Near Detector

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is an upcoming long-baseline neutrino experiment which will study neutrino oscillations. Neutrino oscillations will be detected at the DUNE Far Detector 1300 km away from the start of the beam at Fermilab. The DUNE Near Detector (ND) will be located on-site at Fermilab, and will be used to provide an initial characterization of the neutrino beam, as well as to constrain systematic uncertainties on neutrino oscillation measurements. The detector suite consists of a modular LArTPC (ND-LAr), a magnetized gaseous argon time projection chamber (ND-GAr) surrounded by an electromagnetic calorimeter, and the System for on-Axis Neutrino Detection (SAND), composed of a magnetized electromagnetic calorimeter and inner tracker. In these proceedings, these detectors and their physics goals will be discussed.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Beyond the Standard Model physics prospects at DUNE

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is an international project for neutrino physics and proton-decay searches, currently in the design and construction stages. Once built, DUNE will consist of two detectors exposed to the world's most intense neutrino beam. The near detector will record neutrino interactions near the beginning of the beamline, at Fermilab. The other, much larger, detector, comprising four 17-kton liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs), will be installed at a depth of 1.5 km at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota, about 1300 km away from the neutrino source.The unique combination of the high-intensity neutrino beam with DUNE's high-resolution near detector system and massive LArTPC far detector enables a variety of probes of BSM physics, either novel or with unprecedented sensitivity, from the potential discovery of new particles (sterile neutrinos or dark matter), to precision tests of the three-flavour neutrino mixing paradigm, or the detailed study of rare processes.

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DUNE experiment physics

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will feature a 40-kton liquid argon TPC detector situated a mile below the surface at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. A new broadband high-intensity neutrino source and Near Detector complex will be located at Fermilab, 1300 kilometers away. This arrangement will provide unprecedented sensitivity in the search for neutrino CP violation, determination of the neutrino mass ordering, and precision measurements of neutrino mixing parameters. The underground Far Detector also allows for low background, low threshold observations of supernova neutrinos, with a unique sensitivity to the electron neutrino flux. Further, DUNE will conduct a wide range of searches for physics beyond the Standard Model, including baryon number violation, rare scattering processes, and non-standard flavor transitions. In this poster, we review DUNE's extensive physics program and show updated sensitivities.

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SAND - System for on-Axis Neutrino Detection - in the DUNE Near Detector Complex

The DUNE experiment aims to precisely measure the long baseline neutrino oscillation parameters. The DUNE Far Detector consists of four liquid argon time-projection chambers (total LAr mass of 17 kton for each cryostat), that will be installed at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in South Dakota, 1300 km from the proton beam target. The Near Detector complex, located at Fermilab, is fundamental for limiting the systematic uncertainties, due to the neutrino/antineutrino flux and to the cross-section. It comprises three complementary detectors: ND-Lar, ND-Gar and SAND (System for on-Axis Neutrino Detection). ND-Lar and ND-Gar can move off-axis, while SAND is the only detector permanently on-axis, whose primary goal is to monitor the beam and to measure the flux. In this talk, the SAND design and the expected performances will be described together with its role within the Near Detector complex for the DUNE physics program.

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Sensitivity of DUNE to low energy physics searches

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), a next-generation long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment, is a powerful tool to perform low energy physics searches. DUNE will be uniquely sensitive to the electron-neutrino-flavour component of the burst of neutrinos expected from the next Galactic core-collapse supernova, and also capable of detecting solar neutrinos. DUNE will have four modules of 70-kton liquid argon mass in total, placed 1.5 km underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in the USA. These modules are being designed exploiting different liquid argon time projection chamber technologies and based on the physics requirements that take into account the particularities of the low energy physics searches.

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The interaction of unidirectional winds with an isolated barchan sand dune

Velocity profile measurements are determined on and around a barchan dune model inserted in the roughness layer on the tunnel floor. A theoretical investigation is made into the factors influencing the rate of sand flow around the dune. Flow visualization techniques are employed in the mapping of streamlines of flow on the dune's surface. Maps of erosion and deposition of sand are constructed for the barchan model, utilizing both flow visualization techniques and friction velocities calculated from the measured velocity profiles. The sediment budget found experimentally for the model is compared to predicted and observed results reported. The comparison shows fairly good agreement between the experimentally determined and predicted sediment budgets.

Gad-El-hak, M.↗

Radar imaging of volcanic fields and sand dune fields: Implications for VOIR

A number of volcanic fields and sand dune fields in the western part of North America were studied using aircraft and Seasat synthetic aperture radar images and LANDSAT images. The capability of radars with different characteristics (i.e., frequency, polarization and look angles was assessed to identify and map different volcanic features, lava flows and sand dune types. It was concluded that: (1) volcanic features which have a relatively large topographic expression (i.e., cinder cones, collapse craters, calderas, etc.) are easily identified; (2) lava flows of different ages can be identified, particularly on the L-band images; and (3) sand dunes are clearly observed and their extent and large scale geometric characteristics determined, provided the proper imaging geometry exists.

Elachi, C.↗

Spaceborne and airborne imaging radar observations of sand dunes

An assessment of the ability of orbital synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging systems to provide useful information about aeolian features, and to determine how such a system might be constrained by the need to image these features, is presented. Seasat and aircraft radar imagery of five areas of sand dunes are studied, and compared to Landsat imagery and air photos, for two wavelengths (3.0 and 23.5 cm) and incidence angles ranging from 0 to 70 deg. It is shown that the illumination direction of the radar beam is important, since directional dune features must be oriented within 60 deg of perpendicular to the radar illumination direction in order to be imaged. It is concluded that the availability of radar imagery for two directions greatly facilitates interpretation of dune morphology and derivation of conclusions about causative wind regimes.

Blom, R.↗

Reflectance characteristics and surface processes in stabilized dune environments

Analysis of multitemporal TM data for three environmentally related field areas yields information on the response characteristics of stabilized dunes and desert-fringe environments. The three field sites studied include dune fields in Egypt, Mali, and Botswana, ranging in climate from hyperarid to semiarid, and may be classed as an environmental series relating surface processes under Saharan, Sahelian, and Savanna conditions. Sites were field mapped and monitored with TM data for lengths of time up to a year. The complexity of spectral response characteristics is greatest where vegetation is dense and diverse, but study of the three environments together places constraints on the importance of vegetation to spectral response as well as to mechanisms of sand transport. In both Mali and Botswana, the Sahelian and Savanna environments, contrast reversals occur on dune crests and reflectance patterns change through the dry season to resemble the response curves of the hyperarid study site in Egypt. In these analyses, overall surface brightness is controlled by sand composition, while spectral features are controlled by vegetation dynamics.

Jacobberger, P. A.↗

Geomorphology and reflectance patterns of vegetation-covered dunes at the Tsodilo Hills, north-west Botswana

Seasonal reflectance variations in semigrid environments provide a means of assessing vegetation health and density as well as monitoring landform processes. Multitemporal Landsat Thematic Mapper scenes with field measurements are used to map geomorphology and vegetation density in a stabilized dune environment and to measure seasonal reflectance changes for a series of ten geomorphological and vegetation units on the Kalahari-age linear dunes. Units were chosen based on differences in landform and proportion of trees, forbs and bare soil. Reflectance curves and normalized-difference vegetation indices (NDVI) show that dune crests have the strongest seasonal variability in color and brightness. The geomorphological link with reflectance and NDVI values are linked to biomass production and zoning of vegetation with slope, drainage and subtle soil differences.

Jacobberger, P. A.↗

Polar Dunes Resolved by the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter Gridded Topography and Pulse Widths

The Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) polar data have been refined to the extent that many features poorly imaged by Viking Orbiters are now resolved in densely gridded altimetry. Individual linear polar dunes with spacings of 0.5 km or more can be seen as well as sparsely distributed and partially mantled dunes. The refined altimetry will enable measurements of the extent and possibly volume of the north polar ergs. MOLA pulse widths have been recalibrated using inflight data, and a robust algorithm applied to solve for the surface optical impulse response. It shows the surface root-mean-square (RMS) roughness at the 75-m-diameter MOLA footprint scale, together with a geological map. While the roughness is of vital interest for landing site safety studies, a variety of geomorphological studies may also be performed. Pulse widths corrected for regional slope clearly delineate the extent of the polar dunes. The MOLA PEDR profile data have now been re-released in their entirety (Version L). The final Mission Experiment Gridded Data Records (MEGDR's) are now provided at up to 128 pixels per degree globally. Densities as high as 512 pixels per degree are available in a polar stereographic projection. A large computational effort has been expended in improving the accuracy of the MOLA altimetry themselves, both in improved orbital modeling and in after-the-fact adjustment of tracks to improve their registration at crossovers. The current release adopts the IAU2000 rotation model and cartographic frame recommended by the Mars Cartography Working Group. Adoption of the current standard will allow registration of images and profiles globally with an uncertainty of less than 100 m. The MOLA detector is still operational and is currently collecting radiometric data at 1064 nm. Seasonal images of the reflectivity of the polar caps can be generated with a resolution of about 300 m per pixel.

Gregory A Neumann↗

How High is that Dune? A Comparison of Methods Used to Constrain the Morphometry of Aeolian Bedforms on Mars

Methods traditionally used to estimate the relative height of surface features on Mars include: photoclinometry, shadow length and stereography. The MOLA data set enables a more accurate assessment of the surface topography of Mars. However, many small-scale aeolian bedforms remain below the sample resolution of the MOLA data set. In response to this a number of research teams have adopted and refined existing methods and applied them to high resolution (2-6 m/pixel) narrow angle MOC satellite images. Collectively, the methods provide data on a range of morphometric parameters (many not previously available for dunes on Mars). These include dune height, width, length, surface area, volume, longitudinal and cross profiles). This data will facilitate a more accurate analysis of aeolian bedforms on Mars. In this paper we undertake a comparative analysis of methods used to determine the height of aeolian dunes and ripples.

Bourke, M.↗

Design of the DUNE APATF cryogenic system

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) is developing the international Long- Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) to advance neutrino science. The flagship of the DUNE project consists of a large particle detector constructed one-mile (1.6 km) beneath the surface at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, SD. The SURF detector is the largest of its type ever built and is comprised of four cryostats totaling 70,000 tons of liquid argon (LAr) to record neutrino interactions with unprecedented precision. Each cryostat houses a detector, the first includes 150 Anode Panel Assemblies (APA) submersed within 17,500 tons of LAr. Before installing 150 APA within the SURF detector they will be cryogenically cooled to nominally 90 K at the APA Test Facility (APATF) utilizing nitrogen flows. The APATF cryogenic system is entirely located one-mile underground at the SURF facility and includes nominally 13 kW of refrigeration at 80 K, cryogenic transfer lines, APA test cryostats, a cryogenic control system, and various control and pressure safety elements to ensure performance and safety requirements are achieved. The APATF preliminary design is in progress and major considerations include an efficient, costeffective mechanism to deliver the required refrigeration to the APATF underground, support of rigid testing intervals to support the DUNE operating schedule, temperature stability of the APA and electronics within cryostats, efficient cryogenic system operation to minimize heat leak and/or liquid nitrogen consumption, thermo-mechanical stability and flexibility of components, and pressure safety of the APATF cryogenic system. Installation and integration of the APATF cryogenic system within the footprint and to adjacent sub-systems is also discussed.

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The DUNE Vertical Drift Photon Detection System

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a long-baseline neutrino experiment designed to mainly investigate oscillation parameters, supernova physics and proton decay. Its far detector will be composed of four liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) underground modules, in South Dakota-USA, which will detect a neutrino beam produced at Fermilab, 1300 km away, where a near detector will be in place. The second DUNE far detector module, Vertical Drift, will be a single phase LArTPC with electron drift along the vertical axis with two volumes of 13.5 m x 6.5 m x 60 m dimensions separated by a cathode plane. The charge collection will be performed by two anode planes placed at the top and bottom of the module, each composed by stacked layers of a perforated PCB technology with electrode strips. The photon detection system (PDS) will make use of large size X-Arapuca tiles distributed over three detection planes. One plane will consist of a horizontal arrangement of double sided tiles installed on the high voltage cathode plane and two vertical planes, each placed on the longest cryostat membrane walls. A light active coverage of 14.8% over the cathode and 7.4% over the laterals should allow improvements in the low energy physics range that can be probed in DUNE, especially regarding supernova neutrinos (~10 MeV). We present the initial characterization of the Vertical Drift PDS using a Monte Carlo simulation and preliminary studies on its reconstruction capabilities at the MeV scale. The information obtained with the PDS alone should allow determination of a neutrino interaction region with a precision of at least 65 cm for events with deposited energy above 5 MeV and the deposited energy can be reconstructed with precision better than 10%, both at the center of the volume.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Studies on the scintillation light detection in the ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid-argon TPC and its capability for the supernova trigger in DUNE

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment that aims at addressing key questions in neutrino physics in the next decades. Its scientific program includes the detection of the neutrino flux from a core-collapse supernova. The DUNE far detector will have four 17-kt mass liquid-argon (LAr) time-projection chamber (TPC) modules. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP), a dual-phase LAr TPC with 300 t of active mass and 6 m of drift distance, was operated with cosmic muons in 2019-2020 as part of an R&D program at the CERN Neutrino Platform to demonstrate the feasibility of the technology at such a large scale. In a LAr TPC, the photon detection system (PDS) provides fun- damental timing information and trigger capabilities. The PDS of ProtoDUNE-DP, which consisted of 36 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), counted on a dedicated light calibration system (LCS) to monitor the PMT response. In this dissertation, the characterization and validation of the ProtoDUNE-DP PDS and LCS components before their installation will be reviewed, highlighting the results of general interest for experiments that use liquid noble gasses as target medium. The results from the stable performance of both systems in the detector during 15 months will be presented next as well as the studies on the scintillation light detection in ProtoDUNE-DP, where the collection of light produced in LAr at 7 m from the photosensors has been achieved for the first time. It is worth pointing out that the excellent LAr purity and the large size of the detector have enabled to develop a unique data-driven investigation on aspects that are critical for LAr- based experiments but that are not completely understood. The analyses cover the characterization of the low-energy background detected by the PDS, the quantification of the electric field impact on the light yield, the evaluation of the Rayleigh scattering affecting the light propagation, and the analysis of the PMT detection efficiency. The effect of the VUV reflectivity of the detector materials will be also discussed. In addition, the estimation of the cosmic muon flux crossing the TPC and the study of the observed light yield by the PDS will be reported. Finally, the results from the simulation-based study of the supernova burst trigger capability with the PDS of a 12.1-kt active mass dual-phase LAr TPC as the one proposed for DUNE will be summarized. Several configurations of reflective foils installed in the TPC to enhance the light collection will be compared

Gallego-Ros, Ana↗

Machine Learning for DUNE Supernova Trigger

One of the major scientific goals of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is to detect and measure the neutrino flux originating from galactic core-collapse supernovae. These neutrinos provide an opportunity to study the end of life evolution of massive stars, and reveal information about the structure of core-collapse that is not visible in observations of the electromagnetic spectrum. Because of the rarity of these events, it is crucial that DUNE is able to detect supernova neutrino interactions when they occur. However, this will require sifting through a large quantity of data, motivating the development of a trigger algorithm to identify significant events and discard irrelevant data. Machine learning provides a potential approach to building this trigger. This project generates ADC and ground truth images of simulated neutrino interactions in a LArTPC detector to be used for machine learning, and uses them to train a sparse Convolutional Neural Network (C NN). The performance of this model when applied to the task of pixel classification based on interaction type is examined. This project found that the sparse CNN approach has the potential to have high accuracy in pixel classification, meaning it may be highly relevant to the development of a supernova neutrino trigger for the DUNE far detector.

Damish, S.↗

Achilles and GENIE Model Comparisons Between Quasi-Elastic Proton Exclusive Events in DUNE PRISM ND-LAr

In this study, we analyze simulated CCQE proton exclusive events in DUNE s ND-LAr using Achilles and GENIE Monte Carlo event generators. We generate events using muon neutrino exclusive flux files of DUNE s on-axis and 20m off-axis PRISM positions and compare various kinematics of proton exclusive events between the event generators. Events are further analyzed in categories according to the number of final-state protons. This study was motivated by QE s dominance in statistics for off-axis events over other channels in which off-axis events are very useful for characterizing DUNE s flux. Furthermore, our motivation for comparing results between generators is driven by off-axis QE neutrino spectra peaking below 1 GeV. In this region, many low-energy proton events are produced in which models have been shown to have disagreements.

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