Design, calibration, and performance of the MINERvA detector

TLDR

The detector design and operation methods are relevant to future neutrino experiments using segmented scintillator tracking. The study aims to detail the MINERvA detector and its ex situ and in situ characterization techniques for precision neutrino–nucleus scattering measurements with 1–20 GeV νμ and ν̄μ beams. The detector features a finely segmented scintillator inner tracker with surrounding electromagnetic and hadronic calorimetry, and upstream graphite, iron, and lead planes interleaved with tracking layers to study nuclear effects. The paper reports observations of the detector response over extended running periods.

Abstract

The MINERvA experiment is designed to perform precision studies of neutrino-nucleus scattering using $\nu_\mu$ and ${\bar\nu}_\mu$ neutrinos incident at 1-20 GeV in the NuMI beam at Fermilab. This article presents a detailed description of the \minerva detector and describes the {\em ex situ} and {\em in situ} techniques employed to characterize the detector and monitor its performance. The detector is comprised of a finely-segmented scintillator-based inner tracking region surrounded by electromagnetic and hadronic sampling calorimetry. The upstream portion of the detector includes planes of graphite, iron and lead interleaved between tracking planes to facilitate the study of nuclear effects in neutrino interactions. Observations concerning the detector response over sustained periods of running are reported. The detector design and methods of operation have relevance to future neutrino experiments in which segmented scintillator tracking is utilized.