Quantum mechanics of neutrino oscillation

Journal Article · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981 · Phys. Rev. D; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.24.110· OSTI ID:6382878

Kayser, B

We try to understand and to develop some of the basic quantum mechanics of neutrino oscillation. First, we observe that measurements which identify the physical neutrino (mass eigenstate) involved in each event of an experiment destroy any oscillation pattern. We explain how these measurements do that. Then, we construct a wave-packet treatment of neutrino oscillation. We find that it gives the same results as the standard treatment. Next, we estimate the distance a beam must travel before its different physical neutrinos, which have different speeds, will stop interfering with each other. Finally, we consider the possibility of observing the difference in the arrival times of the various physical neutrinos at a given point.

• Research Organization: Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00515
• OSTI ID: 6382878
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. D; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. D; (United States) Vol. 24:1; ISSN PRVDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

645201* -- High Energy Physics-- Particle Interactions & Properties-Theoretical-- General & Scattering Theory
657002 -- Theoretical & Mathematical Physics-- Classical & Quantum Mechanics
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
EIGENSTATES
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FERMIONS
FUNCTIONS
LEPTONS
MASS
MASSLESS PARTICLES
MECHANICS
NEUTRINOS
OSCILLATIONS
QUANTUM MECHANICS
WAVE FUNCTIONS