Feasibility study of the MUonE experiment

The latest measurement of the muon g-2 exhibits a $4.2\sigma$ discrepancy from the currently accepted Standard Model prediction. The main source of uncertainty on the theoretical value is represented by the leading order hadronic contribution $a_\mu^{HLO}$, which is traditionally determined through a data-driven dispersive approach. A recent calculation of $a_\mu^{HLO}$ based on lattice QCD is in tension with the dispersive evaluation, and weakens the discrepancy between theory and experiment to $1.5\sigma$. An independent crosscheck of $a_\mu^{HLO}$ is thus required to solve this tension and consolidate the theoretical prediction. The MUonE experiment proposes a novel approach to determine $a_\mu^{HLO}$ by measuring the running of the electromagnetic coupling constant in the space-like region, via $\mu−e$ elastic scattering. The measurement will be performed by scattering a 160 GeV muon beam, currently available at CERN’s North Area, on the atomic electrons of a low-Z target. A Test Run on a reduced detector is planned in 2023 to validate this proposal. A feasibility study of the MUonE experiment is presented in this Thesis, covering several aspects in view of the Test Run and in preparation of the full experimental proposal. The optimization of the tracking system geometry, preliminary results on the commissioning of the first tracking system prototype and the development of a strategy to include the presence of systematic effects in the analysis workflow will be discussed.