Improving track reconstruction in the ICARUS detector

The Short-Baseline Neutrino (SBN) program at Fermilab investigates anomalies that deviate from the standard three neutrino oscillation model, suggesting the possible existence of a so-called sterile neutrino. The ICARUS detector, located at the SBN far site 600 m from the Booster Neutrino Beam proton target, comprises three subsystems: a 470 t Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC), a photon detection system, and a Cosmic Ray Tagger (CRT) based on scintillator bars. This thesis focuses on calibrating the Top CRT and enhancing track reconstruction in the TPC. The CRT calibration aims to ensure uniform detector response by estimating and equalizing pedestal and gain values for each CRT channel, maintaining consistent performance over time. Enhancing track reconstruction accuracy in the TPC addresses issues where single particle trajectories are mistakenly segmented into multiple tracks. A “track stitching” algorithm was developed and validated through Monte Carlo simulations to improve track reconstruction accuracy and momentum estimation. The analysis shows that applying a 20-degree cut on the angle between reconstructed tracks optimizes momentum estimation, significantly reducing the bias and slightly improving the resolution.