Neutrino Arrival Time: 3 Periods or 1?

In summary, the arrival time of neutrinos after traveling a certain distance depends on their rest mass and speed. If neutrinos are produced with a precise energy and production time, they will separate into their three mass eigenstates over time. However, due to the high speeds of neutrinos, it is difficult to test this and typical distances for gamma ray flashes are too far for any significant separation to occur. It is also uncertain if gamma ray flashes emit neutrinos.
  • #1
snorkack
2,190
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If you produce a lot of neutrinos over a short period of time, and then let them travel a distance long enough that their rest mass makes an appreciable difference in their travel time compared to photons emitted at the same time:

Will they arrive:
1) At 3 separate periods of time because the 3 mass eigenstates each have a different rest mass, speed and arrival time, or
2) At the same time, because each neutrino oscillates through all 3 mass eigenstates, and over several oscillation periods has a single average speed and a single valued average rest mass?
 
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  • #2
It depends on what exactly you mean by "If you produce a lot of neutrinos over a short period of time".
 
  • #3
You can always describe the time-evolution in terms of the independent mass eigenstates (neglecting interaction with matter on its path). The production is a superposition of those 3. If you somehow manage to produce a neutrino with a very precise, well-defined energy and production time, I would expect separation of the mass eigenstates with flight distance.
However, I do not see any way to test this - even with low-energetic neutrinos from fusion processes, the gamma factors are somewhere at ~10^9, giving v=(1-10^18)c or 1ns separation after several years (and light-years!) of flight.
 
  • #4
mfb said:
However, I do not see any way to test this - even with low-energetic neutrinos from fusion processes, the gamma factors are somewhere at ~10^9, giving v=(1-10^18)c or 1ns separation after several years (and light-years!) of flight.

Or 1 ms after 10^15 seconds... meaning 30 million years.

Hundreds of millions to a few milliard lightyears are typical distances to gamma ray flashes.

Do gamma ray flashes emit any neutrinos?
 

FAQ: Neutrino Arrival Time: 3 Periods or 1?

1. What is the significance of "3 Periods or 1" in Neutrino Arrival Time?

The term "3 Periods or 1" refers to a phenomenon observed in the arrival time of neutrinos. It describes the possibility of either three distinct arrival periods or a single arrival period for neutrinos detected by a detector. This phenomenon is important because it provides insight into the properties and behavior of neutrinos.

2. How is the arrival time of neutrinos measured?

The arrival time of neutrinos is measured using highly sensitive detectors, such as the Super-Kamiokande detector in Japan. These detectors are designed to capture the light produced when a neutrino interacts with other particles in the detector material. The arrival time is then determined by analyzing the pattern and intensity of the detected light signals.

3. What factors can affect the arrival time of neutrinos?

The arrival time of neutrinos can be affected by various factors, such as the distance traveled by the neutrinos, the energy and type of the neutrinos, and the medium through which they are traveling. The properties of the detector itself, such as its size and sensitivity, can also play a role in the measured arrival time.

4. How do scientists determine whether there are 3 Periods or 1 in the arrival time of neutrinos?

Scientists use statistical analysis and modeling techniques to determine the most likely number of arrival periods for a set of neutrino data. These techniques involve comparing the observed data to theoretical predictions and calculating the likelihood of different arrival time scenarios. The results of these analyses can help determine whether there are 3 Periods or 1 in the neutrino arrival time.

5. What can the observation of 3 Periods or 1 tell us about neutrinos?

The observation of 3 Periods or 1 can provide valuable information about the properties and behavior of neutrinos. For example, it can help determine the mass and oscillation patterns of neutrinos, as well as the possible sources and interactions of these particles. This information is crucial for understanding the fundamental nature of neutrinos and their role in the universe.

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