Evidence for a U(1)$_{B-L}$ Gauge Interaction in $\nu$ Oscillation Anomalies

ORAL

Abstract

The recent short baseline neutrino experiments LSND and MiniBooNE exhibit an anomalous behavior unexplained by the standard theory of neutrino oscillations. The experiments indicate that neutrino oscillation probability depends on the both the energy scale and the chirality of the neutrinos concerned, and are consistent with the $U(1)_{B-L}$ gauge interaction model with 6 neutrinos and 3+2 mixing proposed by Nelson. This paper will present a minimalistic 3+1 mixing described by the same model. A numerical analysis shows that the 3+1 mixing model provides an improved explanation for the LSND and MiniBooNE anomalies over the standard theory of neutrino oscillation. This model is moreover in good agreement with the long baseline data from MINOS.

*This work was done as part of the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program at the University of Washington, Seattle under the guidance of Ann Nelson.

Authors

  • Netta Engelhardt

    • Brandeis University