Neutrino decay catalyzed by the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein effect
Journal
Physical Review D
Journal Volume
38
Journal Issue
4
Pages
1317-1320
Date Issued
1988
Author(s)
Abstract
A new mechanism for neutrino () decay in the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein (MSW) regime of weak mixing and small mass differences is pointed out. Even though electron-neutrinos (e) in this regime are practically stable, in solar matter, conversion of the e to a heavier flavor by the MSW effect can catalyze decay. MSW decay into Majorons can lead to a strong solar antineutrino signal in proposed experiments, directly probing -Majoron couplings 700 times smaller than the present laboratory bound of g2<4.5×10-5. © 1988 The American Physical Society.
Type
journal article