Abstract
Localized wave packet treatments of neutrino oscillations by various groups lead to mutually inconsistent predictions. The neutrino wave packet description arises as an approximate substitute for the evolution of an entangled state which is not localized. The disagreements arise from qualitative differences in the framework which are not specific to electroweak interactions, and so have analogues in simpler models. Therefore in this note we introduce a toy model which allows one to explicitly test these predictions while consistently keeping track of the entanglement of the neutrinos and the source particles. Our study is robust as we use only the Schrodinger picture evolution equations on the entangled state, which are solved explicitly without recourse to the wave packet approximation.
Highlights
In the standard, wave packet treatment of neutrino oscillations [1, 2], neutrino wave packets of each mass eigenstate are created simultaneously at the same position
8 Conclusions In Ref. [9] we constructed a toy model of neutrino production, considering the full entanglement of the quantum states. This entanglement exists in the full quantum field theory description, and so, as has been emphasized in Ref. [7], should be considered in any calculation
We have modified the model of [9] to include neutrino detection and we have tested that it produces the standard cosine squared (6.16) behavior that is expected for maximal neutrino oscillations
Summary
Wave packet treatment of neutrino oscillations [1, 2], neutrino wave packets of each mass eigenstate are created simultaneously at the same position. They separate with time leading to decoherence. At most one of these discriptions is realized in Nature, but the neutrino wave packet description does not allow one to determine which. The difference, as is described in Ref. [6], arises from a difference in the assumptions regarding the kind of wave packet considered. The wave packet model gives no guidance as to the initial conditions of the wave packets
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
