Absolute neutrino mass scale: session summary

Abstract

Oscillation experiments have by now established beyond doubt that neutrinos have a mass. The absolute scale of neutrino masses is the target of single beta decay and neutrinoless double beta-decay (0νDBD) experiments, and can also be measured through cosmological observations, like those of the cosmic microwave background anisotropy spectrum or of the clustering of cosmic structures. Here we summarize the “Absolute neutrino mass scale“ session of the Neutrino Oscillation Workshop 2014. In the session, recent experimental results on the absolute neutrino mass scale from single and double beta decay experiments and from cosmology were presented, as well as proposals for future experiments in these and related fields. On the theoretical side, the talks discussed the issues concerning the uncertainties in 0νDBD experiments, the role of neutrinos in the non-linear evolution of cosmic structures, non-standard cosmological scenarios with sterile neutrinos, and flavour evolution in the early Universe.