JUNO sensitivity on proton decay p → ν K ⁺ searches*

Abstract

The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is a large liquid scintillator detector designed to explore many topics in fundamental physics. In this paper, the potential on searching for proton decay in p → ν K+ mode with JUNO is investigated. The kaon and its decay particles feature a clear three-fold coincidence signature that results in a high efficiency for identification. Moreover, the excellent energy resolution of JUNO permits to suppress the sizable background caused by other delayed signals. Based on these advantages, the detection efficiency for the proton decay via p → ν K+ is 36.9%±4.9% with a background level of 0.2±0.05(syst)±0.2(stat) events after 10 years of data taking. The estimated sensitivity based on 200 kton-years exposure is 9.6 × 1033 years, which is competitive with the current best limits on the proton lifetime in this channel and complementary using different detection technologies. Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI. Article funded by SCOAP3 and published under licence by Chinese Physical Society and the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Science and the Institute of Modern Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and IOP Publishing Ltd.