Resonant and non-resonant neutrino oscillation refer to different mechanisms by which neutrinos can change from one type to another as they travel through space. In resonant oscillation, the neutrino changes type when it encounters a specific energy level or resonance in the medium it is traveling through. Non-resonant oscillation, on the other hand, occurs when the neutrino changes type due to differences in the mass and energy of the different types of neutrinos.
In resonant neutrino oscillation, the neutrino changes from one type to another when it reaches a specific energy level or resonance in the medium it is traveling through. This can occur when the neutrino's energy matches the energy needed to interact with the particles in the medium, causing it to change type.
Non-resonant neutrino oscillation occurs due to the difference in mass and energy between the different types of neutrinos. As the neutrino travels through space, it can change type because of the differences in these properties, resulting in oscillation between different types of neutrinos.
The main difference between resonant and non-resonant neutrino oscillation is the mechanism by which the neutrino changes from one type to another. Resonant oscillation occurs when the neutrino encounters a specific energy level, while non-resonant oscillation occurs due to differences in mass and energy between the different types of neutrinos.
Understanding resonant and non-resonant neutrino oscillation is important in the field of particle physics as it can help us better understand the fundamental properties of neutrinos. Additionally, it has implications for various astrophysical phenomena, such as the behavior of neutrinos in supernovae and their role in the evolution of the universe.