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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Performance and Stability Characterization of the ICARUS Light Detection System

The ICARUS detector, a key component of the Short Baseline Neutrino (SBN) Program at Fermilab, consists of two identical T300 modules filled with liquid argon. It is equipped with a Light Detection System (LDS) based on 360 8-inch Hamamatsu R5912-MOD photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) arranged behind the wire planes to collect Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV, $\sim$ 128 nm) scintillation light. Operating under cryogenic conditions ( $\sim$ 87 K), the LDS is essential for determining the event start time (t0) with nanosecond precision for beam spill synchronization, improving longitudinal spatial resolution, and contributing to the event trigger and cosmic-ray mitigation. The performance of the LDS was investigated addressing both hardware and data analysis aspects. Following a progressive degradation in PMT gain observed during operations at FNAL, systematic gain measurements were first carried out from room temperature down to low temperatures. The results show stable performance at room temperature but a significant, irreversible reduction in gain at low temperatures. Based on these findings, a series of mitigation strategies were implemented in the ICARUS detector to preserve PMT performance and ensure reliable cryogenic operation. Currently, ongoing waveform analysis of the PMT signals is being performed to characterize signal shape, charge integration, and timing properties, aiming to refine and improve the agreement between experimental data and Monte Carlo simulations.

Saia, Clara [U. Catania (main); INAF, Catania; Cat↗
DOE OSTI2026

Improving MicroBooNE's Inclusive Single-Photon Search with Low-Energy Hadronic Identification

This analysis aims to further investigate MicroBooNE’s inclusive single-photon search results, which reported a 2.2$\sigma$ excess below 600 MeV in shower energy for events with no reconstructed protons using roughly half of MicroBooNE's dataset. Taken together with MiniBooNE’s long-standing low-energy excess and MicroBooNE’s recent electron-like search results showing no observable excess with respect to Standard Model predictions, this result provides strong impetus for expanded exploration of the single-photon channel in Fermilab’s short-baseline liquid-argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) experiments. By identifying and classifying isolated MeV-scale energy depositions, or blips, in the vicinity of single-photon events selected by the Wire-Cell reconstruction framework, we establish a more comprehensive labeling scheme for nearby hadronic content. In particular, blips found backwards along the shower axis indicate the presence of previously-unidentified final-state protons, while elevated blip counts at wide angles signal the presence of final-state neutrons. By applying this new technique to its full dataset, MicroBooNE will perform a purer and higher-statistics test of the truly isolated nature of its modest photon-like excess, furthering its hunt for the presence of unexpected new physics beyond the Standard Model.

Andrade Aldana, Diego [Los Alamos; IIT, Chicago (m↗
DOE OSTI2026

Studying the SBND Cathode Structure

The Short-Baseline Near Detector (SBND) is a Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) located at Fermilab. It utilizes electrons ionized by passing particles inside the detector to create 3D reconstructions of interactions. This is achieved by drifting ionized electrons towards the instrumented wire planes. Structurally, the cathode can be mapped using cosmic ray muons by using information of their trajectories and their timing. This study shows that the cathode has rich structure. Though preliminary, this work shows evidence of non-negligible effects and warrants further investigation of these structures which could lead to improved detector simulations and more reliable event reconstructions.

Cataldo, Aedan [Notre Dame U.]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Improving Detector Systematic Uncertainties Through Data-Driven Machine Learning

Detector simulation in liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) is a constant challenge. In particular the modeling of electrons response on wires is highly nontrivial. However, new machine learning techniques exist which can be leveraged to ameliorate these concerns. We present a novel methodology to attempt to learn from cosmic muon data in the ICARUS detector how reconstructed wire signals are influenced by features of the hits such as location, particle direction, angle relative to the wire plane, etc. A model can then be generated which can apply the learned mapping to Monte Carlo events to create a more data-like simulation sample. By creating such a sample we expect to reduce the systematic uncertainties at ICARUS due to our detector modeling.

Hausner, Harry [Fermilab] (ORCID:0000000188932280)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Improving Detector Systematic Uncertainties Through Data-Driven Machine Learning

Detector simulation in liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) is a constant challenge. In particular the modeling of electrons response on wires is highly nontrivial. However, new machine learning techniques exist which can be leveraged to ameliorate these concerns. We present a novel methodology to attempt to learn from cosmic muon data in the ICARUS detector how reconstructed wire signals are influenced by features of the hits such as location, particle direction, angle relative to the wire plane, etc. A model can then be generated which can apply the learned mapping to Monte Carlo events to create a more data-like simulation sample. By creating such a sample we expect to reduce the systematic uncertainties at ICARUS due to our detector modeling.

Hausner, Harry [Fermilab] (ORCID:0000000188932280)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Machine Learning-Based Anomaly Detection for PMT Data Quality Monitoring in the SBN and DUNE

Maintaining high-quality detector data is essential for achieving the scientific objectives of the Short-Baseline Neutrino (SBN) Program at Fermilab. Current data quality monitoring (DQM) procedures rely primarily on threshold-based metrics and manual inspection of detector monitoring plots, making the detection of subtle or gradually developing anomalies both time-consuming and dependent on expert interpretation. This project developed and evaluated a machine-learning workflow for automatically identifying anomalous photomultiplier tube (PMT) channels in the Short-Baseline Near Detector (SBND) using optical-hit amplitude data. A Python-based analysis program was developed to process ROOT files, extract statistical features describing individual PMT amplitude distributions, and generate feature vectors for anomaly detection. These features were used to train an Isolation Forest model using data representing normal detector operation. The trained model was subsequently applied to independent detector runs to identify channels exhibiting statistically unusual behavior relative to the learned reference response. To support expert interpretation, the workflow generated complementary diagnostic products, including anomaly score distributions, normalized amplitude comparisons, decision-tree visualizations, and principal component analysis (PCA) projections. This project demonstrated the feasibility of integrating unsupervised machine learning into detector data-quality monitoring and developed a complete workflow for automated PMT performance assessment to aid expert-driven review. Beyond its technical contributions, the VFP appointment fostered a research collaboration between Aurora University and Fermilab and provided direct workforce development benefits by training the visiting faculty member in detector-scale machine-learning methods that are now being incorporated into undergraduate coursework and research. The methodology developed here provides a foundation for future applications to ProtoDUNE and other liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) detectors, contributing to ongoing efforts to improve detector reliability, reduce manual monitoring requirements, and enable scalable data quality monitoring for future large-scale neutrino experiments, including the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE).

Colón Santana, Juan A. [Unlisted, US, IL]↗
DOE OSTI2026

SBND Detector Status and First Results

The Short-Baseline Near Detector (SBND) is one of three liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) neutrino detectors positioned along the axis of the Booster Neutrino Beam (BNB) at Fermilab, and serves as the near detector in the Short-Baseline Neutrino (SBN) Program. The detector just completed its second year of running, collecting over 6.5e20 POT, equivalent to an unprecedented sample of over 5 million neutrino interactions. Initial data has demonstrated superb performance of the detector’s subsystems, enabling precise tracking and calorimetric reconstruction of events. With this large statistical data set, SBND is performing multi-dimensional cross section measurements of inclusive and exclusive topologies and precise searches for beyond the Standard Model (BSM) processes. As the near detector in the SBN Program, it will enable the full potential of the joint sterile neutrino measurements program by precisely characterizing the unoscillated neutrino beam, constraining BNB flux and neutrino-argon cross-section systematic uncertainties. In this talk, the current status of the experiment, first results from SBND’s neutrino interaction program, as well as status and prospects for BSM and oscillation searches are discussed.

Paton, Josephine [Fermilab] (ORCID:000000032651489↗
DOE OSTI2026

Towards a Public Event Display for DUNE

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a next generation long baseline neutrino experiment based at Fermilab, with a near detector near the beam target and a Far Detector (FD) in South Dakota. As the experiment prepares for its first data runs, creating pathways for public engagement and data transparency is essential. We present the first-ever DUNE event display designed for public outreach and education. Developed using data from the ProtoDUNE detectors at the CERN Neutrino Platform, this tool provides an intuitive and interactive interface that allows non-experts to visualise and explore particle interactions in a Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC). By translating raw experimental data into a browser-accessible format, we establish the essential infrastructure for DUNE’s pathway to open data. This talk will detail the technical development of the display, its current implementation with ProtoDUNE data, and the strategic roadmap for integrating it into DUNE’s long-term open-access framework.

Sabater, Eva [U. Sussex (main)] (ORCID:00090001748↗
DOE OSTI2020

Recent Cross-Section Results from MicroBooNE

MicroBooNE is a liquid argon time projection chamber in the Booster Neutrino Beam at Fermilab. The large event rate and 3 mm wire spacing of the detector provide high-statistics, precise-resolution imaging of neutrino interactions leading to low-threshold, high-efficiency event reconstruction with full angular coverage. As such, this is an ideal place to probe neutrino-argon interactions in the hundreds-of-MeV to few-GeV energy range, and to study the impact of nuclear effects through detailed measurements of hadronic final states. These proceedings present recent measurements of neutrino interactions in MicroBooNE, including inclusive charged-current interactions, neutral-pion production, and measurements of low-energy protons.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

The System for on-Axis Neutrino Detection at the DUNE Near Detector complex

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment Near Detector complex aims at constraining the systematic uncertainties and deconvolving the neutrino beam flux and cross-section models. The System for on-Axis Neutrino Detection (SAND) is the Near Detector component permanently on-axis. SAND is based on the 0.6 T superconducting magnet and electromagnetic calorimeter previously used in the KLOE experiment. The 40 m3 magnetic volume will be filled with an active target/tracker system. One considered option foresees an upstream liquid Argon active target (about 1.5 t) and a Straw Tube Tracker (about 5 t). In this talk the design of SAND will be described and its performances discussed in view of the SAND primary goals, namely the beam monitoring and neutrino flux measurements.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Status of the MicroBooNE Low Energy Excess Search

MicroBooNE is a neutrino experiment that utilizes a liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) located on-axis in the Booster Neutrino Beam (BNB) at Fermilab. One of the experiment’s main goals is to search for excess low-energy electromagnetic-like events as seen by the MiniBooNE experiment, located just downstream of MicroBooNE in the BNB. As MicroBooNE nears the completion of its first single-electron-like and single-photon-like searches, these proceedings present the status of MicroBooNE's low-energy excess search as of early summer 2020. In addition to presenting an overview of the approach to these analyses, we showcase results from $\pi^0$ calibrations and $e$/$\gamma$ separation, and sample results from sidebands aimed at validating the analysis' progress outside the low-energy signal region.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Neutron-antineutron oscillation search with MicroBooNE and DUNE

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is an international project aiming at neutrino physics and astrophysics and a search for phenomena predicted by theories beyond the standard model (BSM). The excellent imaging capability of Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) technology, particle tracking and identification utilized in the Far Detector, as well as the Far Detector size and underground placement, allow the experiment to achieve high sensitivity to various rare processes. BSM theories predict the existence of baryon number non-conservation effects, in particular when the baryon number changes by 2. Here we discuss the sensitivity of DUNE to neutron-antineutron oscillation. With full event simulation and reconstruction using the LArSoft package, we have investigated the background to potential signal events from atmospheric neutrino interactions and particle misidentification, and utilized machine learning techniques to enhance the discrimination between signal and background. The methodologies being developed for a high-sensitivity search for neutron-antineutron oscillation in DUNE can also be demonstrated with the currently running MicroBooNE LArTPC. We discuss progress on demonstrating the developed techniques with the first-ever search for neutron-antineutron oscillation in a LArTPC using MicroBooNE data.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Charged-Current Electron Neutrino Measurement with the MicroBooNE Detector

MicroBooNE is the first phase of Fermilab’s Short Baseline Neutrino (SBN) Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) programme.This proceeding outlays the first characterisation of electron neutrinos in a muon neutrino beam with the LArTPC detector technology. The Booster Neutrino Beam has an energy peaking around 1GeV and an electron content of approximately 0.5%. The analysis investigates electrons produced in charged-current electron neutrino interactions. The kinematics of the electrons are measured along with comparisons to simulation. Most of the systematic uncertainties are constrained using a data-driven sample of charged-current muon neutrino events. The measurement of electron neutrinos originating from the Booster Neutrino Beam is a crucial component to understand the nature of the observed excess of low energy electromagnetic-like events at MiniBooNE.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Beyond the Standard Model physics prospects at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is an international project for neutrino physics and proton-decay searches, currently in the design and planning stages. Once built, DUNE will consist of two detectors exposed to the world's most intense neutrino beam. The near detector at Fermilab will record neutrino interactions near the beginning of the beam line. The other, much larger, detector, comprising four 10-kton liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs), will be installed at a depth of 1.5 km at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota, about 1,300 km away from the neutrino source. The unique combination of the high-intensity neutrino beam, DUNE's high-resolution near detector system, and massive LArTPC far detector enables a variety of probes of Beyond-the-Standard-Model (BSM) physics, from the discovery of new particles (sterile neutrinos or dark matter), to precision tests of beyond the three-flavor mixing paradigm, non-standard neutrino interactions (NSIs), heavy neutral leptons, and the detailed study of rare processes (e.g., neutrino trident production). This article reviews these physics topics and discusses the prospects for their discovery at the DUNE experiment.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Core-Collapse Supernove Burst Neutrinos in DUNE

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), a 40-kton fiducial mass underground liquid argon time projection chamber experiment, will be sensitive to the electron-neutrino-flavor component of the burst of neutrinos expected from the next Galactic core-collapse supernova. Such an observation will bring unique insight into the astrophysics of core collapse as well as into the properties of neutrinos. The recent progress on detection and reconstruction of supernova burst neutrinos in DUNE, including the contribution of the light detection systems are presented.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Construction, installation and operation of ProtoDUNE-SP

The single-phase liquid argon TPC at CERN (ProtoDUNE-SP) is an engineering prototype for the first module of the DUNE far detector. This prototype, which has dimensions of a cube of about 10 m edge, provides full validation of the use of the membrane tank technology for large dimension cryostats. Furthermore, the very high performance of the protoDUNE-SP TPC with more than 500 days of continuous and stable operation, demonstrated the reliability of the LAr detection technology at a scale never tested before. In this talk we will review the main characteristics and milestones of the construction and installation of protoDUNE-SP which provide a series of benchmarks for DUNE. The performance for several different detector working points will also be discussed.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Calibrating the DUNE LArTPC detectors for precision physics

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is an international collaboration focused on studying neutrino oscillation over a long baseline (1300 km). DUNE will make use of a near detector and $\mathcal{O}$(GeV) neutrino beam originating at Fermilab in Batavia, IL, and a far detector operating 1.5 km underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota. The near and far detectors will use the LArTPC (Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber) technology to image neutrino interactions. In order to make precise physics measurements at DUNE, such as the amount of CP violation in the neutrino sector, it is essential to be able to accurately reconstruct particle energies and other kinematic quantities; this in turn necessitates an extensive calibration program for DUNE s LArTPC detectors. In this presentation, we describe the requirements for calibrating the DUNE detectors, emphasizing the challenges of massive multi-kiloton LArTPC detectors which are to operate for multiple years deep underground. A preliminary DUNE detector calibration program, including use of both dedicated calibration hardware and cosmogenic/beam-induced calibration sources, is presented. First results on detector calibration at the ProtoDUNE-SP prototype detector located at CERN, and associated impact on calibrations at the DUNE far detector, are also emphasized.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

ICARUS: new voyage to sterile neutrino search in the Short Baseline Program

The ICARUS collaboration operated the 760-ton T600 detector in a successful three-year physics run at the underground LNGS laboratories studying neutrino oscillations with the CNGS neutrino beam from CERN, and searching for atmospheric neutrino interactions. ICARUS performed a sensitive search for LSND-like anomalous νe appearance in the CNGS beam, which contributed to the constraints on the allowed parameters to a narrow region around $Δm^2=1 e\text{V}^2$, where all the experimental results can be coherently accommodated at 90% C.L. After a significant overhaul at CERN, the T600 detector has been installed at Fermilab. In 2020 cryogenic commissioning began with detector cool down, liquid Argon filling and recirculation. ICARUS has started operations and is presently in its commissioning phase with the aim of collecting its first neutrino events from the Booster Neutrino Beam and the NuMI off-axis beam. The main goal of the first year of ICARUS data taking will then be the definitive verification of the recent claim by NEUTRINO-4 short baseline reactor experiment both in the $ν_μ$ channel with the BNB and in the $ν_e$ with NuMI. After the first year of operations, ICARUS will commence its search for evidence of a sterile neutrino jointly with the SBND near detector, within the Short Baseline Neutrino (SBN) program. The ICARUS exposure to the NuMI beam will also give the possibility for other physics studies such as light dark matter searches and neutrino-Argon cross section measurements. The proposed contribution addresses ICARUS achievements, its status and plans for the new run at Fermilab and the ongoing developments of the analysis tools needed to fulfill its physics program.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗