Lorentz- and CPT-violating neutrinos from string/D-brane model

Abstract

We show that the space-time foam model from string/D-brane theory predicts a scenario in which neutrinos can possess linearly energy dependent speed variation, together with an asymmetry between neutrinos and antineutrinos, indicating the possibility of Lorentz and CPT symmetry violation for neutrinos. Such a scenario is supported by a phenomenological conjecture from the possible associations of IceCube ultrahigh-energy neutrino events with the gamma-ray bursts. It is also consistent with the constraints set by the energy-losing decay channels (e.g., e+e− pair emission, or neutrino splitting) upon superluminal neutrino velocities. We argue that the plausible violations of energy-momentum conservation during decay may be responsible for the stable propagation of these neutrinos, and hence for the evasion of relevant constraints.