Conversions of propagation eigenstates of supernova neutrinos by atomic electrons

Abstract

Electron number densities in stars and the Earth are inhomogeneous because of atomic electrons. The large inhomogeneities on atomic-scale tend to form at tops of respective layers of stars, and 1s electrons of O locally produce weak potentials higher than that of the high MSW resonance. Then, supernova neutrinos experience vast numbers of non-adiabatic transitions. This inhomogeneous electron potential generates finite amplitudes of all three propagation eigenstates, and wave packets effectively separate. Then, spectral differences between three flavors significantly diminishes after propagation.

Neutrino oscillations unlocked

“…Superposition principle and linearity of evolution equation allow to solve first, equation for , and then integrate over (which takes care about WP nature). No new effects predicted in [13] are realized. In the − space WP can change form in the course of evolution, but result integrated over time coincides with result in the − representation [14].…”

“…Number density profile of electrons in atom (O, C, He) is non adiabatic. The interplay of non-adiabatic evolution and separation (relative shift) of the WP's leads to new effects: additional averaging of oscillations [13] with applications to supernova neutrinos. No new effects is expected without WP separation and in the case of adiabatic evolution [13].…”

“…The interplay of non-adiabatic evolution and separation (relative shift) of the WP's leads to new effects: additional averaging of oscillations [13] with applications to supernova neutrinos. No new effects is expected without WP separation and in the case of adiabatic evolution [13]. Also no new effects appear for a profile with very sharp (step-like) density changes (as in castle wall case).…”