Title: Presupernova neutrino signals as potential probes of neutrino mass hierarchy

Abstract

We assess the potential of using presupernova neutrino signals at the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) to probe the yet-unknown neutrino mass hierarchy. Using models for stars of 12, 15, 20, $$M_\bigodot$$, we find that if the $$\overline{v}_e$$ signals from such a star can be predicted precisely and the star is within ≈440–880 pc, the number of events detected within one day of its explosion allows to determine the hierarchy at the confidence level. For determination at this level using such signals from Betelgeuse, which is at a distance of $$≈$$222 pc, the uncertainty in the predicted number of signals needs to be $$≲$$14–30%. In view of more realistic uncertainties, we discuss and advocate a model-independent determination using both $$v_e$$ and $$\overline{v}_e$$ signals from Betelgeuse. This method is feasible if the cosmogenic background for $ν-$e scattering events can be reduced by a factor of ~ 2.5–10 from the current estimate. Such reduction might be achieved by using coincidence of the background events, the exploration of which for JUNO is highly desirable.

Authors:

Guo, Gang ;

• Search DOE PAGES for author "Guo, Gang"
• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0003-0859-3245"

Qian, Yong-Zhong; Heger, Alexander

Publication Date:

Tue Jul 16 00:00:00 EDT 2019

Research Org.:

Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE Office of Science (SC); German Research Foundation (DFG); Australian Research Council (ARC); National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC); Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality

OSTI Identifier:

1542680

Alternate Identifier(s):

OSTI ID: 1610085

Grant/Contract Number:  

FG02-87ER40328

Resource Type:

Published Article

Journal Name:

Physics Letters. B

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Name: Physics Letters. B Journal Volume: 796 Journal Issue: C; Journal ID: ISSN 0370-2693

Publisher:

Elsevier

Country of Publication:

Netherlands

Language:

English

Subject:

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS; Astronomy & Astrophysics; Physics