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Cosmological implications of massive, unstable neutrinos

Journal Article · · Astrophys. J.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/156031· OSTI ID:6844100
We consider the cosmological consequences of the existence of massive, neutral, weakly interacting leptons (v/sub H/). Bounds are calculated on the v/sub H/ mass, lifetime, and allowed interaction strength by assuming minimal modification of the standard big-bang model. Our chief conclusions are :(1) The v/sub H/ may be stable if its mass is greater than a few GeV. (2) For intermediate masses, for which the v/sub H/ must be unstable, if its principal decay mode creates photons, masses less than 10/sup -/2 MeV are ruled out and its lifetime must be less than 1 year. (3) If the v/sub H/ decays exclusively into neutrinos, it may have a considerably longer lifetime and give rise to a present-day enerfy density sufficiently high to make the universe radiation-dominated and closed.
Research Organization:
Center for Particle Theory, Uneversity of Texas at Austin
OSTI ID:
6844100
Journal Information:
Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 221:1; ISSN ASJOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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