Does Helicity or Chirality Govern the Weak Process in Neutrino Interactions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the roles of helicity and chirality in neutrino interactions, particularly in the context of weak processes such as double beta decay. Participants explore whether chirality or helicity is the governing factor in these interactions, examining implications for particle behavior and interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a left-handed neutrino can exhibit right helicity due to a Lorentz boost and question whether it can still interact based on its chirality.
  • Others assert that interactions depend on chirality rather than helicity.
  • A participant raises concerns about the validity of the chirality-based argument by referencing double beta decay, suggesting that the process may actually be governed by helicity, as the emitted antineutrino's helicity can flip while retaining its chirality.
  • The same participant expresses confusion over the implications of chirality and helicity in weak processes, particularly in relation to the conservation laws involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; multiple competing views regarding the influence of helicity and chirality on weak interactions remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of chirality and helicity, as well as the specific conditions under which neutrino interactions occur. The implications of massive neutrinos and their behavior in weak processes are also not fully explored.

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A left handed neutrino (chirality) can be seen with a right helicity due to a lorentz boost. Can this neutrino interact ? Yes because it is still left-handed chirality ?
 
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The short answer is "yes". The interaction cares about chirality, not helicity.
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
@Orodruin is our resident neutrino expert :)
He is also relatively indisposable at the moment. :rolleyes:
V50 seems to be handling this just fine.
 
Thanks !
But in fact I am not sure it is right...
Look double beta decay : right (chirality) antineutrino is first emitted, then its helicity is flipped (massive neutrino) : it becomes a left helicity antineutrino still with right chirality. And, if Majorana, this left helicity antineutrino is equal to a left helicity neutrino which is absorbed by the second neutron...
From the beginning to the end it is a right chiral particle and a right chiral particle cannot give the weak process V-A : n + neutrino -> p + e-
So here it seems that the process is governed by the helicity ! and not by the chirality ! This is where I am lost...
 

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