Search for proton decay via and with a 0.37 Mton-year exposure of Super-Kamiokande
N. Taniuchi (Department of Physics, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan); K. Abe (Kamioka Observatory, Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, Kamioka, Gifu 506-1205, Japan, Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (WPI), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8583, Japan); S. Abe (Kamioka Observatory, Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, Kamioka, Gifu 506-1205, Japan); Y. Asaoka (Kamioka Observatory, Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, Kamioka, Gifu 506-1205, Japan); C. Bronner (Kamioka Observatory, Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, Kamioka, Gifu 506-1205, Japan); et al - Show all 290 authors
A search for proton decay into and a meson has been performed using data from a exposure (6050.3 live days) of Super-Kamiokande. Compared to previous searches this work introduces an improved model of the intranuclear interaction cross section, resulting in a factor of 2 reduction in uncertainties from this source and increase in signal efficiency. No significant data excess was found above the expected number of atmospheric neutrino background events resulting in no indication of proton decay into either mode. Lower limits on the proton partial lifetime of for and for at the 90% CL were set. These limits are around 1.5 times longer than our previous study and are the most stringent to date.