Mass of Neutrino: Upper Limit & How Measured

In summary, the current upper limit on the mass of the most massive neutrino is in the range of 0.3 to 2.4eV, depending on the measurement method used. The mass of neutrino flavors is not known, as they are a combination of mass eigenstates. Various methods, such as Tritium, Pion, and Tau weak decays, can give limits on the neutrino mass. The hierarchy of mass eigenstates is still unknown, but the delta mass squared result has provided a lower bound of at least 0.04eV for one neutrino.
  • #1
edpell
282
4
What is the current upper limit on the mass of the most massive neutrino? How is that limit measured? Thanks.
 
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  • #3
We don't know the masses of the neutrino flavors, just because the neutrino flavors are a combination of neutrino mass eigenstates. A mean value would only make sense. The straightforward searches are based on Tritium, Pion and Tau weak decays. They all can give limits. Of course there are other means that can give lower limits, such as cosmological observations...

Some insight you can find here
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/neutrino-mass-paper.789275/page-2
posts #39 and post #34 (as an answer to my question)

As for the mass eigenstates, we still don't know their hierarchy... The difference of mass squared measured by the neutrino oscillation hasn't given us an insight of what is the lowest and highest mass (that's why when people give the mass eigenstates in presentations, they draw two diagrams, the one inversed to the other)
 
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  • #4
From reading around it seems the upper limit is in the range 0.3 to 2.4eV depending on which measurement method you favor. From the delta mass squared result we have a lower bound of at least one neutrino >= 0.04eV mass.
 
  • #5
The question of the OP has been answered. I am closing this thread.
 

1. What is the upper limit of the mass of a neutrino?

The current upper limit of the mass of a neutrino is estimated to be less than 2 eV (electron volts). This is a very small mass, as neutrinos are considered to be almost massless particles.

2. How is the mass of a neutrino measured?

The mass of a neutrino is a very difficult quantity to measure due to its elusive nature. Scientists use a variety of methods, including studying the properties of nuclear reactions and analyzing the cosmic microwave background, to indirectly estimate the mass of neutrinos.

3. Why is there an upper limit on the mass of a neutrino?

The upper limit on the mass of a neutrino is based on the current understanding of the Standard Model of particle physics. According to this model, neutrinos are considered to be massless particles, and any deviation from this would require a major revision of our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of the universe.

4. Can the mass of a neutrino ever be measured directly?

At the moment, there is no experimental evidence or technology that allows for the direct measurement of the mass of a neutrino. However, ongoing research and advancements in technology may one day make this possible.

5. Why is the measurement of the mass of a neutrino important?

The measurement of the mass of a neutrino is important for understanding the fundamental laws of physics and the structure of the universe. It can also provide insights into the behavior of neutrinos, which are the most abundant particles in the universe and play a crucial role in many astrophysical events.

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