Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on whether neutrino mass eigenstates can couple to an SU(2) doublet without imposing flavor symmetry. Participants explore the implications of such a coupling and the structure of weak interactions in the Standard Model.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions if a neutrino mass eigenstate can be represented as a doublet alongside an electron, suggesting a specific form.
- Another participant expresses confusion about the question, asking for clarification on the meaning of coupling and the specific doublet in question.
- A participant explains that in the Standard Model (SM), fermions acquire mass through Yukawa terms and notes that neutrinos are initially massless, implying the need for right-handed neutrinos to generate mass.
- It is stated that neutrino mass eigenstates can be expressed as linear combinations of flavor states, emphasizing that altering the doublet structure would fundamentally change weak interactions and eliminate neutrino oscillations.
- One participant shares their attempt to derive a charge current using mass eigenstates, questioning the correctness of their approach and noting that it resembles the flavor-changing currents seen in quarks.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach consensus on the original question. There are competing views regarding the implications of using mass eigenstates in the context of SU(2) doublets and weak interactions.
Contextual Notes
There are unresolved assumptions regarding the treatment of flavor symmetries and the implications of modifying the standard doublet structure on weak interactions and neutrino behavior.