Effect of Siegert's Theorem on Low-Energy Neutrino-Nucleus Interactions

Abstract

We examine the importance of conserving the vector current in calculating low-energy neutrino-nucleus interactions by implicitly invoking Siegert's Theorem in describing the vector transverse electric current. We find that at low neutrino energies (E? <50 MeV), Siegert's Theorem can change neutrino cross sections for normal-parity non-spin-flip excitations by about a factor of two.The same is true of muon capture rates. At higher neutrino energies the effect of Siegert's Theorem diminishes, and by about 100 MeV the effect is very small.