Least-Informative Priors for $0\nu \beta \beta$ Decay Searches

Abstract

Bayesian parameter inference techniques require a choice of prior distribution which can strongly impact the statistical conclusions drawn. We discuss the construction of least-informative priors for neutrinoless double beta decay searches. Such priors attempt to be objective by maximizing the information gain from an experimental setup. In a parametrization using the lightest neutrino mass $m_l$ and an effective Majorana phase parameter $\Phi$, we construct such a prior using two different approaches and compare them with the standard flat and logarithmic priors in $m_l$.

19 pages, 6 figures, matches published version