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Enhancing DUNE’s Solar Neutrino Capabilities with Neutral-Current Detection

Stephan A. Meighen-Berger1,2,*, Jayden L. Newstead1,3,†, John F. Beacom2,4,5,‡, Nicole F. Bell1,3,§, and Matthew J. Dolan1,3,∥

  • *Contact author: stephan.meighenberger@unimelb.edu.au
  • †Contact author: jnewstead@unimelb.edu.au
  • ‡Contact author: beacom.7@osu.edu
  • §Contact author: n.bell@unimelb.edu.au
  • ∥Contact author: matthew.dolan@unimelb.edu.au
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Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 011803 – Published 2 July, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/htfm-tbdq

Abstract

We show that the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) has the potential to make a precise measurement of the total active flux of B8 solar neutrinos via neutral-current (NC) interactions with argon. This would complement proposed precise measurements of solar-neutrino fluxes in DUNE via charged-current (CC) interactions with argon and mixed CC/NC interactions with electrons. Together, these would enable DUNE to make a Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO)-like comparison of rates and thus to make the most precise measurements of sin2θ12 and Δm212 using solar neutrinos. Realizing this potential requires dedicated but realistic efforts to improve DUNE’s low-energy capabilities and separately to reduce neutrino-argon cross-section uncertainties. Comparison of mixing-parameter results obtained using solar neutrinos in DUNE and reactor antineutrinos in the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) would allow for unprecedented tests of new physics.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 011803– Published 2 July, 2025
  • Received 8 October 2024
  • Revised 29 May 2025
  • Accepted 2 June 2025
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