Inclusive Neutrino Scattering in C-12: Implications for nu_mu to nu_e Oscillations

Abstract

We study inclusive nu_e and nu_mu cross sections in C-12 in a theory that takes into account significant nuclear renormalization of strengths. Our calculation is in excellent agreement with the measured inclusive muon capture rate and the flux-averaged nu_e cross section, but overestimates the flux-averaged nu_mu inclusive cross section. These reactions are of crucial relevance to the issue of possible nu_mu to nu_e oscillations.We also calculate the flux-averaged cross sections in C-13 and Al-27, which are found to be consistent with the available experimental result.