Significance of L/E in neutrino oscillations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the significance of the term (L/E) in neutrino oscillations, exploring its implications for experimental setups and the observation of different oscillation modes. Participants seek to clarify how varying the baseline length (L) and neutrino beam energy (E) can influence the detection of neutrino types, such as muon and electron neutrinos.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Lee, inquires about the significance of (L/E) in determining the oscillation mode and its application in experiments.
  • Another participant suggests that (L/E) is proportional to the proper time experienced by the neutrino, which is relevant for oscillations.
  • Lee further questions whether varying L and E allows for the investigation of different regimes, such as solar neutrinos.
  • A later reply explains that to observe oscillation, one can either keep L fixed and vary E or vice versa, referencing a specific equation related to two-neutrino oscillation scenarios.
  • The complexity of oscillations involving three neutrinos is noted, though the phase still depends on (L/E).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and application of (L/E) in neutrino oscillations, but no consensus is reached on its implications or the best experimental approaches.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the complexities involved in three-neutrino oscillations or the specific conditions under which (L/E) applies.

penguindecay
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Dear fellow Physicists,

I am writing to ask what the significance of the term (L/E) in neutrino oscillation is? From my initial understanding it determines the oscillation mode, so if you have an experiment of a baseline of 300km, you can adjust the neutrino beam energy to suit the particular oscillation you wish to observe? For example muon to electron. Can someone explain in detail the significance of this term for me? Thank you,

Lee
 
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It's proportional to the proper time the neutrino experiences, which is the relevant quantity for oscillations.
 
Thank you, and its application is as I stated above? That one can have investigate the different regimes like solar neutrinos by changing length and/or energy?
 
To observe the oscillation (periodic variation) in the probability of finding a particular neutrino type, you can either keep L fixed and vary E, or you can keep E fixed and vary L.

For example, see the equation at the bottom of this page:

http://www.ps.uci.edu/~superk/oscmath3.html

which shows the result for a simple two-neutrino oscillation scenario. For three neutrinos the oscillations are more complex, in general, but the phase of the oscillation still depends on L/E.
 

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