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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1. What is antineutrino capture?

Antineutrino capture is a process in which an antineutrino particle interacts with a nucleus, resulting in the creation of a neutron and a positron.

2. How does antineutrino capture preferentially form neutrons?

Antineutrino capture preferentially forms neutrons because the interaction between the antineutrino and the nucleus is more likely to result in the creation of a neutron rather than a proton.

3. Why is antineutrino capture important in nuclear physics?

Antineutrino capture is important in nuclear physics because it is one of the main processes involved in the production of neutrons, which are essential for nuclear reactions and energy production.

4. Can antineutrino capture occur in all types of nuclei?

Yes, antineutrino capture can occur in all types of nuclei, although the probability of it happening may vary depending on the specific nucleus.

5. How is antineutrino capture studied in scientific research?

Scientists study antineutrino capture by using detectors to detect the particles produced during the interaction, and by analyzing the data collected to understand the underlying processes and properties of the particles involved.

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