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  • Open Access

Radiative Corrections to Inverse Beta Decay: Precision Analysis for Reactor Neutrinos

Oleksandr Tomalak*

  • *Contact author: tomalak@itp.ac.cn
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Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 131806 – Published 25 September, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/zbcz-nkpd

Abstract

We present a complete calculation of radiative corrections to the inverse beta decay reaction, ν¯e+p→e++n, at reactor antineutrino energies using heavy-baryon chiral perturbation theory. Our analysis consistently incorporates quantum electrodynamics, chromodynamics, and electroweak contributions for the first time within this framework. We provide updated, high-precision cross-section predictions with a full error budget and present the positron energy spectrum, including radiative effects. The results are essential for normalizing the reactor antineutrino flux, determining neutrino oscillation parameters with subpercent accuracy, and searching for new physics at nuclear power plants.

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Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

See Also

Theory of inverse beta decay for reactor antineutrinos

Oleksandr Tomalak, Qishan Liu, and Yu-Feng Li
Phys. Rev. D 114, 053010 (2026)

Article Text

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 131806– Published 25 September, 2026
  • Received 11 December 2025
  • Accepted 27 May 2026
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