Muon $g$$-$$2$: blinding for data-driven hadronic vacuum polarization

Abstract

The KNT(W) data-driven determinations of the hadronic vacuum polarization (HVP) are crucial inputs to previous and future Standard Model (SM) predictions of the muon's anomalous magnetic moment, $a_\mu$. With the muon $g$$-$$2$'s new physics case uncertain due to disagreeing HVP evaluations, new SM predictions and experimental measurements of $a_\mu$ expected soon, and a complete revamp of the KNTW analysis framework underway, this letter motivates and describes a blinding scheme for data-driven HVP determinations that has been implemented for future KNTW analyses.