Massive neutrinos and neutrino oscillations

Abstract

The theory of neutrino mixing and neutrino oscillations, as well as the properties of massive neutrinos (Dirac and Majorana), are reviewed. More specifically, the following topics are discussed in detail: (i) the possible types of neutrino mass terms; (ii) oscillations of neutrinos (iii) the implications of $\mathrm{CP}$ invariance for the mixing and oscillations of neutrinos in vacuum; (iv) possible varieties of massive neutrinos (Dirac, Majorana, pseudo-Dirac); (v) the physical differences between massive Dirac and massive Majorana neutrinos and the possibilities of distinguishing experimentally between them; (vi) the electromagnetic properties of massive neutrinos. Some of the proposed mechanisms of neutrino mass generation in gauge theories of the electroweak interaction and in grand unified theories are also discussed. The lepton number nonconserving processes $\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}e\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and $\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3e$ in theories with massive neutrinos are considered. The basic elements of the theory of neutrinoless double-$\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay are discussed as well. Finally, the existing data on neutrino masses, oscillations of neutrinos, and neutrinoless double-$\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay are briefly reviewed. The main emphasis in the review is on the general model-independent results of the theory. Detailed derivations of these are presented.