General Quantum Field Theory of Flavor Mixing and Oscillations

We review the canonical transformation in quantum physics known as the Bogoliubov transformation and present its application to the general theory of quantum field mixing and oscillations with an arbitrary number of mixed particles with either boson or fermion statistics. The mixing relations for quantum states are derived directly from the definition of mixing for quantum fields and the unitary inequivalence of the Fock space of energy and flavor eigenstates is shown by a straightforward algebraic method. The time dynamics of the interacting fields is then explicitly solved and the flavor oscillation formulas are derived in a unified general formulation with emphasis on antiparticle content and effect introduced by nontrivial flavor vacuum.

Neutrino oscillations in a trapping potential

A number of derivations of the standard neutrino oscillation formula are known, each one providing its own unique insights. Common to all treatments is the assumption that neutrinos propagate freely between source and detector, as indeed they do in all experiments thus far conducted. Here, we consider how neutrinos oscillate when contrary to the usual setup, they are bound in a potential well. The focus in particular is on nonrelativistic neutrinos with quasi-degenerate masses, for which oscillations in free space are described by the same formula, to lowest order, as relativistic neutrinos. Trapping these particles engenders corrections to their oscillation frequencies because the interference terms are between discrete energy levels rather than continuous spectra. Especially novel is the frequency shift that occurs due to the dependence of the energy levels on the mass of the neutrino: this part of the correction is nonvanishing even in the extremely nonrelativistic limit, reflecting the fact that the neutrino mass states have different zero-point energies in the well. Building an apparatus that can trap neutrinos is a futuristic prospect to say the least, but these calculations nonetheless shine a light on certain basic aspects of the flavor-oscillation phenomenon.

Highlight Talk from Super-Kamiokande

Super-Kamiokande (SK), a 50 kton water Cherenkov detector in Japan, is observing both atmospheric and solar neutrinos. It is also searching for supernova (relic) neutrinos, proton decays and dark matter-like particles. A three-flavor oscillation analysis was conducted with the atmospheric neutrino data to study the mass hierarchy, the leptonic CP violation term, and other oscillation parameters. In addition, the observation of solar neutrinos gives precise measurements of the energy spectrum and oscillation parameters. In this proceedings, we given an overview of the latest results from SK and the prospect toward the future project of SK-Gd.

Covariant asymmetric wave packet for a field-theoretical description of neutrino oscillations

We consider a class of models for the relativistic covariant wave packets (WPs) which can be used as asymptotically free in and out states in the quantum field theoretical formalisms for description of the neutrino flavor oscillation phenomenon. We demonstrate that the new “asymmetric” wave packet (AWP) is an appropriate alternative to the more conventional “symmetric” WPs, like the so-called relativistic Gaussian packet (RGP) widely used in the quantum field theory (QFT)-based approaches to neutrino oscillations. We show that RGP is not a particular case of AWP, although many properties of these models are almost identical in the quasistable regime. We discuss some features of AWP distinguishing it from RGP.

Velocity-induced neutrino oscillation and its possible implications for long baseline neutrinos

If the three types of active neutrinos possess different maximum attainable velocities and the neutrino eigenstates in the velocity basis are different from those in the flavor (and mass) basis, then this will induce a flavor oscillation in addition to the normal mass-flavor oscillation. Here we study such an oscillation scenario in three neutrino framework including also the matter effect and apply our results to demonstrate its consequences for long baseline (LBL) neutrinos. We also predict the possible signatures in terms of yields in a possible LBL neutrino experiment.

Physics Potential of Long-Baseline Experiments

The discovery of neutrino mixing and oscillations over the past decade provides firm evidence for new physics beyond the Standard Model. Recently,θ13has been determined to be moderately large, quite close to its previous upper bound. This represents a significant milestone in establishing the three-flavor oscillation picture of neutrinos. It has opened up exciting prospects for current and future long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments towards addressing the remaining fundamental questions, in particular the type of the neutrino mass hierarchy and the possible presence of a CP-violating phase. Another recent and crucial development is the indication of non-maximal 2-3 mixing angle, causing the octant ambiguity ofθ23. In this paper, I will review the phenomenology of long-baseline neutrino oscillations with a special emphasis on sub-leading three-flavor effects, which will play a crucial role in resolving these unknowns. First, I will give a brief description of neutrino oscillation phenomenon. Then, I will discuss our present global understanding of the neutrino mass-mixing parameters and will identify the major unknowns in this sector. After that, I will present the physics reach of current generation long-baseline experiments. Finally, I will conclude with a discussion on the physics capabilities of accelerator-driven possible future long-baseline precision oscillation facilities.

Flavor Oscillation of Neutrino with Mass Matrix

There is evidence that atmospheric, solar, accelerator, and reactor neutrinos changes from one flavor to another as observed in experiment.MiniBooNE and KamLAND are experimental set up used for their observations. Thus it is obvious that neutrino have mass hierarchy with changing flavor.The Himalayan Physics Vol. 4, No. 4, 2013 Page: 83-86 Uploaded date: 12/23/2013