$Z^\prime$s in neutrino scattering at DUNE

Abstract

Novel leptophilic neutral currents can be tested at upcoming neutrino oscillation experiments using two complementary processes, neutrino trident production and neutrino-electron ($\nu-e$) elastic scattering. Considering generic anomaly-free $U(1)$ extensions of the Standard Model, we discuss the characteristics of $\nu-e$ scattering as well as $e^+e^-$ and $\mu^+\mu^-$ trident production at the DUNE near detector in the presence of such BSM scenarios. We then determine the sensitivity of DUNE in constraining the well-known $L_e - L_\mu$ and $L_\mu - L_\tau$ models. We conclude that DUNE will be able to probe these leptophilic models with unprecedented sensitivity, covering unproved explanations of the $(g-2)_\mu$ discrepancy.