Supernova heavy element nucleosynthesis: Can it tell us about neutrino masses?

Abstract

Here we describe a new probe of neutrino properties based on heavy element nucleosynthesis. This technique is in many ways akin to the familiar light element Primordial Nucleosynthesis probe of conditions in the early universe. Our new probe is based on the fact that neutrino masses and vacuum mixings can engender matter-enhanced neutrino flavor transformation in the post core bounce supernova environment. Transformations of the type νμ(r)⇌νe in this site will have significant effects on the synthesis of the rapid neutron capture (r-Process) elements and the light p-nuclei. We suggest that an understanding of the origin of these nuclides, combined with the measured abundances of these species, may provide a “Rosetta Stone” for neutrino properties. Heavy element nucleosynthesis abundance considerations give either constraints/evidence for neutrino masses and flavor mixings, or strong constraints on the site of origin of r-Process nucleosynthesis. The putative limits on neutrino characteristics are complime...