Neutrino Index Of Refraction Research Articles

One-loop correction effects on supernova neutrino fluxes: a new possible probe for Beyond Standard Models

We present the consequences of a large radiative correction term coming from Supersymmetry (SUSY) upon the electron neutrino fluxes streaming off a core-collapse supernova using a 3-flavour neutrino-neutrino interaction code. We explore the interplay between the neutrino-neutrino interaction and the effects of the resonance associated with the μ−τ neutrino index of refraction. We find that sizeable effects may be visible in the flux on Earth and, consequently, on the number of events upon the energy signal of electron neutrinos in a liquid argon detector. Such effects could lead to a probe for Beyond Standard Model (BSM) physics and, ideally, to constraints in the SUSY parameter space.

Neutrino–electron scattering theory**This manuscript has been authored under contract number DE-AC02-98CH10886 with the US Department of Energy. Accordingly, the US Government retains a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to publish or reproduce the published form of this contribution, or allow others to do so, for US Government purposes.

Standard model predictions for neutrino–electron scattering cross-sections, including effects of electroweak radiative corrections, are reviewed. The sensitivity of these quantities to neutrino dipole moments, Z′ bosons and dynamical symmetry breaking is described. Neutrino indices of refraction in matter are also discussed. A perspective on future initiatives with intense neutrino sources, such as from stopped pion decays at a neutron spallation source, superbeams or neutrino factories, is given.

Neutrino coherent forward scattering and its index of refraction.

It is pointed out that, if neutrinos are to maintain coherence over the required distance for the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein solutions to the solar-neutrino problem, effects arising from neutrino multiple scattering must be considered. We give a simple derivation for the neutrino index of refraction that takes into account this effect. The same method is also shown to be useful for situations with varying matter densities and neutrino mixing. We also examine the question whether the coherence of propagating neutrinos in matter will be affected by switching on an external magnetic field, assuming neutrinos have a large magnetic moment.