Does antineutrino capture preferentially form neutrons?

In summary, the process of antineutrino capture can change quark flavor, with the most preferred reaction being p+ν=n+e+. However, at high energies, the conversion of proton into n is still preferred over conversion into any specified flavor of Λ. This is due to the different CKM matrix elements involved.
  • #1
snorkack
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Besides the energetic preference (lower threshold, and more phase space above)?
Antineutrino capture is a weak process, so it can and does change quark flavour.
p+ν=n+e+
is actually
uud+ν=udd+e+
that is
u+ν=d+e+
But given enough energy (like cosmic ray neutrinos), do antineutrinos also get captured:
p+ν=Λ+e+?
Because this is just
udu+ν=uds+e+
that is
u+ν=s+e+
As you see, even though baryon charges match, a process
p+ν=Ξ+e+
would be obstructed, because Ξ has 2 s quarks. But process
p+ν=Λb+e+
should be just
u+ν=b+e+

Obviously these processes are impossible below energy threshold, and above they have a phase space factor. But at high energies, does proton conversion into n vs conversion into any specified flavour of Λ approach ratio of unity, or will any difference remain?
 
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  • #2
You would have different CKM matrix elements in there. And ##|V_{ud}| > |V_{us}| > |V_{ub}|##. So I would say yes, ##p+\bar{\nu}\to n+e^+## is preferred over ##p+\bar{\nu}\to \Lambda+e^+## even setting aside phase space constraints.

Edit: changed ##\nu\to\bar{\nu}##, see below
 
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  • #3
But it should be ##p+\bar{\nu} \rightarrow n+ e^+##.
 
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  • #4
Indeed, I just copied the reactions as noted in the OP (all ##\nu## there should also be ##\bar{\nu}## but the text correctly says antineutrino).
 
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FAQ: Does antineutrino capture preferentially form neutrons?

1. What is antineutrino capture?

Antineutrino capture refers to the process in which an antineutrino interacts with a nucleus, resulting in a transformation of a proton into a neutron or the emission of a neutron. This process is significant in nuclear physics and is particularly relevant in the context of beta decay and neutrino interactions in stellar environments.

2. How do antineutrinos interact with matter?

Antineutrinos interact with matter primarily through the weak nuclear force. They can scatter off nucleons (protons and neutrons) or be captured by nuclei, leading to various reactions. The weak interaction is characterized by its low probability, which means that antineutrinos can pass through large amounts of matter with little chance of interacting.

3. Why is neutron formation important in antineutrino capture?

Neutron formation during antineutrino capture is important for several reasons. It plays a crucial role in nuclear reactions, especially in stellar nucleosynthesis and supernova processes. The production of neutrons can influence the stability of nuclei, affect the neutron-to-proton ratio, and contribute to the formation of heavier elements through processes like the r-process (rapid neutron capture process).

4. Is there evidence that antineutrino capture preferentially forms neutrons?

Yes, experimental evidence suggests that antineutrino capture does preferentially lead to neutron formation under certain conditions. Studies involving reactors and supernovae have shown that the interaction rates and resulting products favor neutron production, which can be attributed to the properties of the weak force and the types of nuclei involved in the capture process.

5. What are the implications of antineutrino capture for astrophysics?

The implications of antineutrino capture for astrophysics are significant. It affects our understanding of stellar evolution, supernova dynamics, and the synthesis of elements in the universe. By studying antineutrino interactions, scientists can gain insights into the processes that govern the life cycles of stars and the formation of the elements that make up the universe.

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