Selection and reconstruction of νμ and νμ CC π0 production interactions on Argon with the Short-Baseline Near Detector

As the field of neutrino physics moves into the precision era, where all parameters related to neutrino oscillations have been determined, it has become imperative to further enhance our understanding of neutrino-nucleus interactions to support the upcoming generation of oscillation experiments. Improvements in both theoretical modelling and experimental measurements of these interactions are required for progress in this regard. The Short- Baseline Near Detector (SBND) represents a significant step in this direction. It is a 112-ton Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) designed to reduce uncertainties for the search for sterile neutrinos as part of the Short-Baseline Neutrino (SBN) program. Additionally, SBND aims to provide precise interaction measurements within the Booster Neutrino Beam (BNB), which is set to commence in 2024. The ability of SBND to measure the cross section for νμ Charged Current (CC) π0 production interactions is assessed in this thesis. Enhancements to SBND reconstruction process, specifically in relation to photon showers, are introduced, resulting in an improved capability to both identify and measure these interactions. These νμ CC π0 production interactions are selected with an efficiency of 39.44% and a purity of 67.16%, effectively rejecting over 98.45% of neutrino-induced events and 99.997% of cosmogenic background events. A procedure for conducting an exclusive cross section analysis of the νμ CC π0 production interactions is outlined, taking into account both statistical and systematic uncertainties. It is found that the integrated cross-section values, derived from the reconstructed information, exhibit a minor discrepancy of approximately 0.14% when compared to the true calculated value.