ar X iv : h ep - p h / 04 10 39 9 v 1 2 9 O ct 2 00 4 A New Neutrino Cross Section Data Resource

We describe a new web based data resource being developed to provide access to accurate and validated cross sections of low energy neutrino and antineutrino interactions. The proposed content of this database are outlined which cover total and differential cross from inclusive, quasi-elastic and exclusive pion production processes from charged and neutral current interactions. Efforts to obtain these data, which come mainly from old bubble chamber experiments, are described as well as the implementation of an embryonic web site to make the resource generally accessible. This talk will introduce a new and developing resource, namely a database of cross sections of low energy neutrino interactions. This is being constructed by the author in collaboration with those listed below. Several earlier talks at this conference have emphasised the importance of a good knowledge of the low energy neutrino cross sections, the vast majority of which come from bubble chamber experiments performed many years ago. In particular they are needed for Monte Carlo (MC) tuning and model development. It is very important when adjusting the parameters of a MC programme to fit new data, that agreement with older data sets is not lost. In the past comparisons with data have tended to be qualitative rather than rigorously quantitative. There have been many cross section compilation plots at various workshops [1] and there is a danger of data being transfered from plot to plot with the possibility of inaccuracies creeping in and the original sources of the data being lost. In addition since the data has previously been unavailable in a useful central form, these plots * work done in collaboration with: have often been arrived at independently by each of the various speakers. Our aim here is to produce the definitive quantitative database of validated low energy neutrino cross sections together with their associated statistical and systematic errors. 2. THE DURHAM HEPDATA PROJECT 2.1. HEPDATA-introduction The development of this data resource is linked to the Durham HEP Database project, HEP-DATA, with which the author is involved. A very brief description of the HEPDATA project is given here specifically to demonstrate its relevance to the neutrino data resource. HEPDATA is a PPARC(UK) funded project which has been in existence now for over 25 years. Its three primary aims have remained essentially the same over this period, namely: (a) To compile scattering data from all types of HEP reactions (cross sections, polarisations, etc...)(b) To …