Optimizing observables with machine learning for better unfolding

Most measurements in particle and nuclear physics use matrix-based unfolding algorithms to correct for detector effects. In nearly all cases, the observable is defined analogously at the particle and detector level. We point out that while the particle-level observable needs to be physically motivated to link with theory, the detector-level need not be and can be optimized. We show that using deep learning to define detector-level observables has the capability to improve the measurement when combined with standard unfolding methods.