A Search for Neutron-Antineutron Oscillation in the NOvA Experiment
This dissertation presents the search for neutron-antineutron oscillation using the data collected in the Far Detector of the NOvA experiment. Searching for neutron anti-neutron oscillation is becoming an active research direction that promises immense values for the field of particle physics and cosmology. Experimental observation of the phenomenon would offer the possibility of new physics associated with anomalous $$B$$ and $B-L$$ violating processes. This work is opening with a general introduction of the neutron-antineutron oscillation, its theoretical motivations, and recent empirical results related to the topic. The data-driven trigger that allows the NOvA experiment to collect the signal-like events constitutes a significant work of this study and will be described in detail. Following the discussion of the trigger, the thesis focuses on the development of a selection method to further classify collected events into the signal candidates and the background. This search chooses an analysis approach in which the real data is partially unblinded to assist the development and evaluation of the event selection. Because this is an ongoing work and essential aspects of the analysis have not been all finalized, this thesis closes out with a sensitivity study. By analyzing the data from 4 months of Far Detector exposure, a 90\% C.L. sensitivity limit of $$4\times10^{30}$$\,years is placed on the oscillation lifetime of bound neutrons inside the $$^{12}$C targets. This limit is equivalent to a sensitivity of $$0.57\times10^{8}$$\,s placed on the oscillation lifetime of free neutrons. The NOvA's sensitivity is a factor of 5 below the most stringent limit of $$2.7\times10^8$$\,s set by the Super-Kamiokande experiment.
- Research Organization:
- Fermi National Accelerator Lab. (FNAL), Batavia, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), High Energy Physics (HEP)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-07CH11359
- OSTI ID:
- 1682272
- Report Number(s):
- FERMILAB-THESIS-2020-13; oai:inspirehep.net:1823842
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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