What are the differences between photon and neutrino oscillations?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the differences in oscillations and wave properties between photons and neutrinos, exploring concepts of probability ranges, energy levels, and the nature of their respective waves. The scope includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications regarding particle physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether neutrinos have a wider probability range or greater amplitude for possible locations compared to photons, specifically when not considering wavelength but rather the height of the wave.
  • Another participant challenges the initial use of the term "photon oscillation," noting that there is only one kind of photon, which may imply a different understanding of oscillation in this context.
  • A participant acknowledges the misuse of the term "oscillation" and clarifies that they meant differences in wave properties.
  • There is a discussion about the energy levels of photons and neutrinos if they were to have the same wavelength, with one participant suggesting that neutrinos would have more energy, while another provides a nuanced view on the relationship between momentum, energy, and mass for both particles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the concept of oscillation as it applies to photons and neutrinos, with some uncertainty about the definitions and implications of wave properties. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the comparison of energy levels and probability ranges.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of oscillation and wave properties, as well as the assumptions made about energy comparisons between photons and neutrinos. The relationship between momentum and energy for massless versus massive particles is also not fully resolved.

jojoistherealking
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
i'm wondering about the differences in oscillations between a photon and neutrino, does a neutrino have a wider probability range (or a greater amplitude for a possible location than does a photon) how do the probability ranges for a photon and a neutrino compare when not looking at wavelength but the height of the wave?

if a photon and neutrino had the same wavelength (like 1/1000meter), it's safe to assume that the neutrino would have a lot more energy right?

thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What do you mean by photon oscillation? Unlike neutrinos, there's only one kind of photon.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
oscillation was the wrong word, unsurprisingly, i guess i mean differences in the wave
 
jojoistherealking said:
if a photon and neutrino had the same wavelength (like 1/1000meter), it's safe to assume that the neutrino would have a lot more energy right?
A de-Broglie wavelength of 1mm corresponds to a momentum of 1.2 meV/c, two of the neutrino mass eigenstates are slow at this speed, for the third we don't know. At a given momentum a photon (as every massless particle) has the largest possible energy, so the kinetic energies of the neutrinos would be lower, especially for the heavier types. The total energy (if you include the rest energy for neutrinos) is higher.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
6K