Active–sterile neutrino conversion: consequences for the r-process and supernova neutrino detection

Abstract

We examine active–sterile neutrino conversion in the late time post-core-bounce supernova environment. By including the effect of feedback on the Mikheyev–Smirnov–Wolfenstein (MSW) conversion potential, we obtain a large range of neutrino mixing parameters which produce a favorable environment for the r-process. We look at the signature of this effect in the current generation of neutrino detectors now coming on line. We also investigate the impact of the neutrino–neutrino forward-scattering-induced potential on the MSW conversion.