Can Neutrino Mass Eigenstates Ever Change into Other Mass Eigenstates?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of neutrino oscillations and whether a mass eigenstate can change into a different mass eigenstate. It is believed that a neutrino in a specific mass eigenstate will remain in that state and the mass eigenstates are considered the "real" fundamental particles. This is due to the fact that the weak interaction Hamiltonian produces neutrino flavors as its eigenstates.
  • #1
McLaren Rulez
292
3
Hi,

We know that when we have one flavour of neutrino, it can change into another flavour by neutrino oscillations. However, if we consider a mass eigenstate, then is it true that it can never change into a different mass eigenstate? In other words is a [itex]|v_{1}>[/itex] neutrino forever a [itex]|v_{1}>[/itex]? I think the answer is yes but I would like to clarify.

If so, are the mass eigenstates the "real" fundamental particles then but it just happens to be that we can only observe neutrino flavours?

Thank you!
 
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  • #2
That sounds about right.
 
  • #3
McLaren Rulez said:
If so, are the mass eigenstates the "real" fundamental particles then but it just happens to be that we can only observe neutrino flavours?
It's not only a matter of observation, but also of production. Since the neutrino flavors are the eigenstates of the weak interaction Hamiltonian, these are the particles which are produced in weak interactions.
 
  • #4
Thank you very much, Parlyne and kith.
 

What is a neutrino mass eigenstate?

A neutrino mass eigenstate is a specific state or flavor of a neutrino that has a definite mass. There are three types of neutrinos: electron neutrinos, muon neutrinos, and tau neutrinos, and each type has a corresponding mass eigenstate.

How does the mass of a neutrino affect its behavior?

The mass of a neutrino affects its behavior in several ways. First, it determines how quickly it travels, as neutrinos with larger masses travel slower than those with smaller masses. Additionally, the mass of a neutrino can affect its ability to change from one flavor to another, a phenomenon known as neutrino oscillation.

What is the relationship between a neutrino's mass eigenstate and its flavor?

The relationship between a neutrino's mass eigenstate and its flavor is complex. While each flavor of neutrino has a corresponding mass eigenstate, a neutrino can change from one flavor to another as it travels, meaning that its flavor is not fixed but its mass eigenstate is.

How is the mass of a neutrino measured?

The mass of a neutrino is incredibly difficult to measure, as neutrinos interact very weakly with other particles. Scientists use a variety of methods, including studying the effects of neutrino oscillation and observing the shape of the energy spectrum of beta decays, to estimate the mass of neutrinos.

Why is understanding neutrino mass eigenstates important in physics?

Understanding neutrino mass eigenstates is important in physics because it can help us better understand the fundamental nature of matter and the universe. It also has implications for cosmology, as the mass of neutrinos can affect the large-scale structure of the universe. Additionally, studying neutrino mass eigenstates can help us refine our understanding of the Standard Model of particle physics.

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