Neutrino Mass Ordering Obscured by Nonstandard Interactions
Francesco Capozzi, Sabya Sachi Chatterjee, A. Palazzo
Abstract
One of the major open questions in particle physics is the issue of the neutrino mass ordering (NMO). The current data of the two long-baseline experiments NOνA and T2K, interpreted in the standard three-flavor scenario, provide a ∼2.4σ indication in favor of the normal neutrino mass ordering. We show that such an indication is completely washed out if one assumes the existence of neutral-current nonstandard interactions (NSI) of the flavor changing type involving the e-τ flavors. This implies that the claim for a discovery of the NMO will require a careful consideration of the impact of hypothetical NSI.
Topics & Concepts
NeutrinoPhysicsParticle physicsFlavorPhysics beyond the Standard ModelStandard Model (mathematical formulation)Current (fluid)Baseline (sea)Theoretical physicsNeutrino oscillationGeologyThermodynamicsHistoryMedicineArchaeologyOceanographyGauge (firearms)PathologyNeutrino Physics ResearchParticle physics theoretical and experimental studiesAstrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena