Oscillations: Neutral Kaon vs neutrino

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the oscillation of neutral kaons (K_0) and neutrinos, highlighting the differences in their behavior. K_l and K_s are defined as linear combinations of quark states, demonstrating how K_0 oscillates into its antiparticle. In contrast, neutrinos exhibit oscillation as well, but they are detected as mass eigenstates, which are mixtures of weak eigenstates. This distinction is crucial, as it explains why neutrinos do not exhibit the same pure superposition as kaons, despite both phenomena involving oscillation.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and particle physics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of mass eigenstates and weak eigenstates
  • Knowledge of neutral kaon oscillation and its mathematical representation
  • Basic principles of particle interactions, particularly weak interactions
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  • Study the mathematical framework of K_0 oscillation and its implications in particle physics
  • Research the properties of neutrino oscillation and the significance of mass eigenstates
  • Explore the differences between quark and lepton behavior in weak interactions
  • Investigate experimental methods for observing neutrino oscillations and their applications
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Physicists, students of particle physics, and researchers interested in the behavior of neutral kaons and neutrinos, particularly in the context of quantum mechanics and weak interactions.

Dmitry67
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I understand that
K_l = \frac{d\bar{s} + s\bar{d}}{\sqrt{2}}
K_s = \frac{d\bar{s} - s\bar{d}}{\sqrt{2}}
This happens because K_0 is oscillating into its own antiparticle.
My question is, why the same is not applicable to the neutrinos? They do oscillate. So instead of ‘pure’ e, mu, tau neutrinos we do not observe superposition?
 
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We detect mass eigenstates of neutrinos, but a mass eigenstate is a mixture of weak eigenstates. Similar for quarks, their mass and weak eigenstates are not the same.
 
We DO observe superpositions; we observe one of three mass eigenstates, each of which is a linear superposition of flavors.
 
In each case, the mass eigenstate propagates, but the particle eigenstate (d sbar or
say e-neutrino) interacts in the weak interaction. The time scales are different.
When you say "observe" that is the weak interaction.
 
clem said:
In each case, the mass eigenstate propagates, but the particle eigenstate (d sbar or
say e-neutrino) interacts in the weak interaction. The time scales are different.
When you say "observe" that is the weak interaction.

that is correct, i mixed them up. Sorry OP
 
ansgar said:
that is correct, i mixed them up. Sorry OP

So your thoughts are in superposition? :)

Thank you
 

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