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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 ?
Does Helicity or Chirality Govern the Weak Process in Neutrino Interactions?
In summary, a left-handed neutrino with right helicity can still interact because the interaction is based on chirality, not helicity. This was explained by resident neutrino expert @Orodruin. The conversation also touched on double beta decay and the role of chirality and helicity in the process. While the process is typically governed by chirality, there are some cases where helicity may play a role, causing confusion for some experts.
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@Orodruin is our resident neutrino expert :)
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Vanadium 50
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Education Advisor
2023 Award
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The short answer is "yes". The interaction cares about chirality, not helicity.
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He is also relatively indisposable at the moment.Greg Bernhardt said:
V50 seems to be handling this just fine.
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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...
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...
1. What is helicity flip for neutrinos?
Helicity flip for neutrinos refers to the phenomenon where the spin direction of a neutrino changes from its initial state to its final state. This change in spin direction is a result of the weak interaction between the neutrino and other particles.
2. Why is helicity flip important for neutrinos?
The helicity flip for neutrinos is important because it provides evidence for the existence of the weak interaction and helps us understand the behavior of neutrinos in particle interactions. It also allows us to study the properties of neutrinos, such as their mass and flavor, which are crucial for understanding the fundamental laws of physics.
3. How does helicity flip occur for neutrinos?
Helicity flip for neutrinos occurs through the weak interaction, which is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. This interaction is responsible for changing the spin direction of the neutrino as it interacts with other particles, such as electrons or quarks.
4. Can helicity flip be observed in experiments?
Yes, helicity flip for neutrinos can be observed in experiments. For example, in the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory experiment, scientists observed the helicity flip of solar neutrinos as they traveled through the Earth's layers. Other experiments, such as the MINOS and T2K experiments, have also observed helicity flip in accelerator-produced neutrinos.
5. How does helicity flip affect neutrino oscillations?
Helicity flip plays a crucial role in neutrino oscillations, which is the phenomenon where neutrinos change from one flavor to another as they travel. The helicity flip of neutrinos affects the probability of neutrino oscillations as it changes the spin direction of the neutrino, which in turn affects the strength of the weak interaction and the oscillation probability.
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