Loop-level corrections to the neutrino mass

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SUMMARY

The Standard Model (SM) cannot generate neutrino masses through loop-level interactions due to the absence of right-handed neutrinos and explicit lepton number violation. While the SM does exhibit non-perturbative lepton number violation, it is accompanied by baryon number violation, which conserves B-L. Consequently, the generation of Dirac or Majorana masses for neutrinos is not feasible within the framework of the SM.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Standard Model of particle physics
  • Familiarity with Dirac and Majorana mass concepts
  • Knowledge of lepton number and baryon number conservation
  • Basic grasp of non-perturbative interactions in quantum field theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of right-handed neutrinos in neutrino mass generation
  • Explore lepton number violation mechanisms in particle physics
  • Study the implications of Majorana mass on neutrino physics
  • Investigate B-L conservation and its significance in the Standard Model
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Particle physicists, theoretical physicists, and students studying neutrino mass generation and the limitations of the Standard Model.

ryanwilk
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Hi,

Quick question. In the SM, why can't we have loop-level interactions that give neutrinos their small masses?
(It seems like we must also have Majorana neutrinos)Thanks.
 
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Giving neutrinos a Dirac mass requires there to be right-handed neutrinos and giving them Majorana masses requires a source of explicit lepton number violation. The standard model has neither of these*; so, it can't generate any sort of neutrino masses.

*Well, strictly, the SM does have non-perturbative lepton number violation; but, only with a compensating violation of baryon number that leaves B-L conserved. Majorana mass requires that this be broken as well.
 

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