Oscillations: Neutral Kaon vs neutrino

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of particle and mass eigenstates in relation to neutrinos and quarks. It is explained that while we detect mass eigenstates of neutrinos, they are actually a mixture of weak eigenstates. Similarly, quarks have different mass and weak eigenstates. The conversation also mentions that we observe superpositions in both cases, but the time scales and interactions are different. This is due to the weak interaction, which is what allows us to "observe" these superpositions.
  • #1
Dmitry67
2,567
1
I understand that
[tex]K_l = \frac{d\bar{s} + s\bar{d}}{\sqrt{2}}[/tex]
[tex]K_s = \frac{d\bar{s} - s\bar{d}}{\sqrt{2}}[/tex]
This happens because [tex]K_0[/tex] is oscillating into its own antiparticle.
My question is, why the same is not applicable to the neutrinos? They do oscillate. So instead of ‘pure’ e, mu, tau neutrinos we do not observe superposition?
 
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  • #2
We detect mass eigenstates of neutrinos, but a mass eigenstate is a mixture of weak eigenstates. Similar for quarks, their mass and weak eigenstates are not the same.
 
  • #3
We DO observe superpositions; we observe one of three mass eigenstates, each of which is a linear superposition of flavors.
 
  • #4
In each case, the mass eigenstate propagates, but the particle eigenstate (d sbar or
say e-neutrino) interacts in the weak interaction. The time scales are different.
When you say "observe" that is the weak interaction.
 
  • #5
clem said:
In each case, the mass eigenstate propagates, but the particle eigenstate (d sbar or
say e-neutrino) interacts in the weak interaction. The time scales are different.
When you say "observe" that is the weak interaction.

that is correct, i mixed them up. Sorry OP
 
  • #6
ansgar said:
that is correct, i mixed them up. Sorry OP

So your thoughts are in superposition? :)

Thank you
 

1. What is an oscillation in the context of neutrinos and neutral kaons?

An oscillation refers to the phenomenon where a particle can change from one type to another as it travels through space. In the case of neutrinos and neutral kaons, this means that they can change from one flavor (electron, muon, or tau) to another as they move through space.

2. How do neutrinos and neutral kaons oscillate?

Neutrinos and neutral kaons oscillate through a process called flavor mixing, where the particles interact with the weak force and can change into a different flavor. This is possible because neutrinos and neutral kaons are quantum particles and exist in a superposition of different flavors.

3. What causes neutrinos and neutral kaons to oscillate?

The oscillation of neutrinos and neutral kaons is caused by the difference in mass between the different flavors. This mass difference allows for the particles to change from one flavor to another as they travel through space.

4. What is the significance of studying neutrino and neutral kaon oscillations?

The study of neutrino and neutral kaon oscillations is crucial in understanding the fundamental properties of these particles and the laws of physics that govern them. It also has important implications in areas such as cosmology and particle physics research.

5. Can oscillations in neutrinos and neutral kaons be observed?

Yes, oscillations in neutrinos and neutral kaons have been observed in various experiments, providing strong evidence for the existence of flavor mixing and the mass differences between the different flavors. These observations have greatly advanced our understanding of these particles and their behavior.

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