Publications ⇤
Mu2e run I sensitivity projections for the neutrinoless μ−→ e− conversion search in aluminum
Mu2e Collaboration
Tags:
physics
Venue: Universe
The Mu2e experiment at Fermilab will search for the neutrinoless µ− → e− conversion in the field of an aluminum nucleus. The Mu2e data-taking plan assumes two running periods, Run I and Run II, separated by an approximately two-year-long shutdown. This paper presents an estimate of the expected Mu2e Run I search sensitivity and includes a detailed discussion of the background sources, uncertainties of their prediction, analysis procedures, and the optimization of the experimental sensitivity. The expected Run I 5σ discovery sensitivity is R_µe = 1.2 × 10−15, with a total expected background of 0.11 ± 0.03 events. In the absence of a signal, the expected upper limit is R_µe < 6.2 × 10−16 at 90% CL. This represents a three order of magnitude improvement over the current experimental limit of R_µe < 7 × 10−13 at 90% CL set by the SINDRUM II experiment.