Physics Studies for the LBNF Graphite Target Design

Abstract

We present the simulated physics performance of the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) graphite target that is being designed by the RAL High Power Targets Group for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). We first compare three conceptual cylindrical target design options as a function of target length (up to 2.2 m): downstream supported, two individual targets and an upstream-supported cantilever. Choosing the cantilever design as the baseline, we show the effect of widening the upstream inner conductor of the first focusing horn to provide extra space for supporting the target. We also give estimates of the expected performance of the 1.5 m prototype and 1.8 m production cantilevered targets. Furthermore, we show the effects of the main engineering updates made to the other two focusing horns since the DUNE TDR.