First measurement of electron neutrino appearance in NOvA

Collaboration
Jan 19, 2016
7 pages
Published in:
  • Phys.Rev.Lett. 116 (2016) 15, 151806
  • Published: Apr 13, 2016
e-Print:
Report number:
  • FERMILAB-PUB-15-262-ND
Experiments:

Citations per year

20142017202020232025020406080
Abstract: (APS)
We report results from the first search for νμ→νe transitions by the NOvA experiment. In an exposure equivalent to 2.74×1020 protons on target in the upgraded NuMI beam at Fermilab, we observe 6 events in the Far Detector, compared to a background expectation of 0.99±0.11(syst) events based on the Near Detector measurement. A secondary analysis observes 11 events with a background of 1.07±0.14(syst). The 3.3σ excess of events observed in the primary analysis disfavors 0.1π<δCP<0.5π in the inverted mass hierarchy at the 90% C.L.
Note:
  • 7 pages, 4 figures. Minor updates to match version accepted by journal
  • neutrino: oscillation
  • neutrino/mu: beam
  • neutrino/e: particle identification
  • neutrino: mixing angle
  • neutrino: mass difference
  • mass: hierarchy
  • background
  • NOvA
  • near detector
  • far detector