A Simulation-Based Inference Evaluation of Tension Between MicroBooNE and MiniBooNE Results in a 3+1 Sterile Neutrino Global Fit
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2026
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| author | Woodward, Julia P. Villarreal, Joshua Hardin, John M. Schneider, Austin Conrad, Janet M. |
| author_facet | Woodward, Julia P. Villarreal, Joshua Hardin, John M. Schneider, Austin Conrad, Janet M. |
| contents | Compatibility between different datasets in a global fit is essential for determining whether a chosen model adequately describes the data. In a 3+1 sterile neutrino global fit, long-standing tensions between datasets sensitive to $ν_e$ appearance and $ν_e/ν_μ$ disappearance indicate a failure of the model to explain the observed data, despite an overall $> 5σ$ improvement over the $3ν$ Standard Model (SM) based on a $χ^2$ fit. Overall, a global preference for the 3+1 sterile-neutrino hypothesis with significant tension between experiments motivates consideration of more complex models, but these are currently computationally prohibitive to evaluate. This paper is the third in a series aimed at reducing computational cost by developing a Simulation-Based Inference (SBI) framework for global fits. Previous papers focused on rapidly fitting the data sets using frequentist (Feldman-Cousins) and Bayesian approaches, while in this work, we formalize a definition of tension within the SBI framework.
As an example, we perform a full 3+1 fit to the charged-current quasi-elastic neutrino data from the MiniBooNE experiment and the inclusive neutrino data from the MicroBooNE experiment, located on the same beamline. Using experiment-supplied systematics as is, we find these data sets favor 3+1 at $3.6σ$ and $1.8σ$ respectively, while the tension between the two is $3.3σ$, when fit with the SBI procedure. After correcting for normalization differences between data and Monte Carlo in the MicroBooNE $ν_μ$ samples, the tension relaxes to $2.2σ$, indicating reduced but non-negligible disagreement. The observed tension may reflect both limitations of the 3+1 model in describing the datasets and the presence of systematic effects that impact the experiments differently. |
| format | Preprint |
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arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2603_15322 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | A Simulation-Based Inference Evaluation of Tension Between MicroBooNE and MiniBooNE Results in a 3+1 Sterile Neutrino Global Fit Woodward, Julia P. Villarreal, Joshua Hardin, John M. Schneider, Austin Conrad, Janet M. High Energy Physics - Experiment Compatibility between different datasets in a global fit is essential for determining whether a chosen model adequately describes the data. In a 3+1 sterile neutrino global fit, long-standing tensions between datasets sensitive to $ν_e$ appearance and $ν_e/ν_μ$ disappearance indicate a failure of the model to explain the observed data, despite an overall $> 5σ$ improvement over the $3ν$ Standard Model (SM) based on a $χ^2$ fit. Overall, a global preference for the 3+1 sterile-neutrino hypothesis with significant tension between experiments motivates consideration of more complex models, but these are currently computationally prohibitive to evaluate. This paper is the third in a series aimed at reducing computational cost by developing a Simulation-Based Inference (SBI) framework for global fits. Previous papers focused on rapidly fitting the data sets using frequentist (Feldman-Cousins) and Bayesian approaches, while in this work, we formalize a definition of tension within the SBI framework. As an example, we perform a full 3+1 fit to the charged-current quasi-elastic neutrino data from the MiniBooNE experiment and the inclusive neutrino data from the MicroBooNE experiment, located on the same beamline. Using experiment-supplied systematics as is, we find these data sets favor 3+1 at $3.6σ$ and $1.8σ$ respectively, while the tension between the two is $3.3σ$, when fit with the SBI procedure. After correcting for normalization differences between data and Monte Carlo in the MicroBooNE $ν_μ$ samples, the tension relaxes to $2.2σ$, indicating reduced but non-negligible disagreement. The observed tension may reflect both limitations of the 3+1 model in describing the datasets and the presence of systematic effects that impact the experiments differently. |
| title | A Simulation-Based Inference Evaluation of Tension Between MicroBooNE and MiniBooNE Results in a 3+1 Sterile Neutrino Global Fit |
| topic | High Energy Physics - Experiment |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.15322 |