A question about mass eigenstates

In summary, the concept of mass eigenstates can be confusing when it comes to neutrinos. In the absence of neutrino masses, all superpositions of neutrino states are mass eigenstates. However, with the introduction of neutrino masses, the mass eigenstates can differ from flavor eigenstates and are determined by the PMNS matrix.
  • #1
ndung200790
519
0
I am very confuse about mass eigenstate. In some books they say'' If neutrinos are massless then lepton mixing is unobservable.Any Cabibbo-like rotation still leaves us with neutrino mass eigenstates''.
I do not understand that statement.Why the mixing of some states gives a state being mass eigenstate?
Please forgive me if it is bad question,I have to self-study physics in Vietnamese society.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Without neutrino masses, every superposition of neutrino states is a mass eigenstate, and therefore remains this superposition. In particular, every flavor eigenstate is a mass eigenstate, and does not mix.

With neutrino masses, the mass eigenstates can be different from flavor eigenstates. You can get 3 different mass eigenstates, and their flavor composition is given by the PMNS matrix (similar to the CKM matrix, just for neutrinos).
 

1. What are mass eigenstates?

Mass eigenstates are the states in which a particle's mass is well-defined and unchanging. They are the states that diagonalize the mass matrix and correspond to the particle's distinct masses.

2. How are mass eigenstates related to flavor eigenstates?

Mass eigenstates and flavor eigenstates are related through a unitary transformation. Flavor eigenstates are the states in which a particle's flavor is well-defined, while mass eigenstates correspond to the particle's actual masses.

3. Why are mass eigenstates important in particle physics?

Mass eigenstates are important in particle physics because they are the physical states of particles that can be observed in experiments. They also play a crucial role in determining the properties and interactions of particles.

4. How does the concept of superposition relate to mass eigenstates?

In quantum mechanics, particles can exist in a state of superposition, meaning they can have more than one possible mass value at the same time. However, when a measurement is made, the particle will be found in one of its mass eigenstates with a specific mass value.

5. Can particles change between mass eigenstates?

Yes, particles can change between mass eigenstates through processes such as particle decay or oscillation. This is because the mass eigenstates are not always the same as the states in which the particles are produced or detected.

Similar threads

Mass eigenstates of the leptons
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
11
Views
6K
A Field operator eigenstates & Fock states(Hatfield's Sch rep)
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K
I How do the collider experiments measure the mass of the W boson?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Open Questions about Neutrinos Today
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
3
Replies
80
Views
11K
Gauge eigenstates vs. Mass eigenstates
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
7
Views
10K
The difference between the weak and mass eigenstates in the PNMS matrix
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
16
Views
8K
A What is the problem with the particle masses in the Standard Model?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Multiple questions about eigenstates and eigenvalues
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
867
Understanding the Relationship Between Neutrino Flavours and Mass Eigenstates
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
6K
Neutral particle oscillation and energy conservation
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top