Realizing Low-Energy Physics in Future Accelerator Neutrino Detectors

Liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) loom large in the future of neutrino physics as the technology of choice for current and upcoming accelerator neutrino oscillation experiments. Due to their unique combination of 3D pixellation and calorimetric capabilities, LArTPCs will be relied upon in the coming decades to perform wide-ranging physics measurements from solar and supernova neutrino detection to precision accelerator neutrino physics. LArTPC technology is currently at a crossroads: while physics capabilities of LArTPC technology have been recently exercised at the highest relevant neutrino energies, there has been no quantitative demonstration of performance with low-energy neutrinos. In this talk, I will explain how LArTPCs work, describe the fascinating wealth of data they produce, and outline how the Experimental Neutrino Physics Group at Illinois Tech is working to provide first demonstrations of LArTPCs' capabilities in the MeV energy regime.