Neutrino propagation in matter with general interactions

Mar, 1999
14 pages
Published in:
  • Phys.Rev.D 60 (1999) 093008
e-Print:
Report number:
  • SLAC-PUB-8083,
  • WIS-99-11-DPP,
  • UDEA-PE-99-001,
  • WIS-99-11-MAR.-DPP

Citations per year

199920062013202020250246810
Abstract:
We present a general analysis of the effective potential for neutrino propagation in matter, assuming a generic set of Lorentz invariant non-derivative interactions. We find that in addition to the known vector and axial vector terms, in a polarized medium also tensor interactions can play an important role. We compute the effective potential arising from a tensor interaction. We show that the components of the tensor potential transverse to the direction of the neutrino propagation can induce a neutrino spin-flip, similar to the one induced by a transverse magnetic field.
Note:
  • 14 pages, revtex, no figures. Final version to appear in PRD; a short discussion of the relevance of new tensor interactions for solar and supernova neutrinos has been added
  • neutrino: oscillation
  • neutrino: interaction
  • matter
  • four-fermion interaction
  • effective Hamiltonian
  • invariance: Lorentz
  • effective potential
  • fermion: background
  • field equations
  • energy: gap