The Axial Form Factor Extracted from Elementary Targets

Next generation neutrino oscillation experiments are poised to provide answers to key questions about the nature of the neutrino. The nucleon axial form factor is a vital ingredient for constructing nucleon amplitudes and predicting quasielastic scattering cross sections, a primary measurement process for flagship oscillation experiments. The uncertainty on this form factor has been historically underestimated and a model independent determination is not well constrained by elementary target data. To fulfill this experimental need, first principles Lattice QCD computations yield the interaction of a nucleon with a weak current in the absence of a nuclear medium. Results from LQCD calculations will significantly improve constraints on the form factor and permit factorization of uncertainties originating from nucleon and nuclear sources. In this talk, I will discuss the application of deuterium scattering and preliminary results from hydrogen scattering and LQCD calculations for extracting the axial form factor and its uncertainty. I will examine some of the discrepancies between extractions and outline a path toward improving the form factor uncertainty for next-generation neutrino experiments.