The neutrino mixing matrix, also known as the PMNS matrix, describes the probability amplitudes of neutrino flavor states transitioning into one another, revealing the phenomenon of neutrino oscillation. This matrix is fundamental in understanding the mass differences and mixing angles between the three known neutrino types, offering insights into physics beyond the Standard Model.

Neutrino Mixing Matrix

neutrino mixing matrix

The PMNS Matrix, or Pontecorvo-Maki-Nakagawa-Sakata Matrix, is a fundamental component in the study of neutrino oscillations, describing the mixing between the three known neutrino flavors as they propagate through space. It is pivotal for understanding the phenomenon where neutrinos change their flavor, providing insights into the mass differences and mixing angles of neutrinos, which are central to particle physics and cosmology.

PMNS matrix

Probability amplitudes are complex numbers used in quantum mechanics to describe the likelihood of a quantum system transitioning from one state to another. The square of the absolute value of a probability amplitude gives the probability of the corresponding transition, embodying the fundamental principle of superposition in quantum states.

probability amplitudes

neutrino flavor states

Neutrino oscillation is a quantum mechanical phenomenon where a neutrino changes its flavor as it propagates through space, providing evidence for neutrino mass. This discovery has profound implications for the Standard Model of particle physics, indicating that it is incomplete and requiring extensions to incorporate neutrino masses.

neutrino oscillation

mass differences

Mixing angles are parameters used in particle physics to describe the transformation between different flavor states and mass eigenstates of particles, such as neutrinos or quarks. They are crucial for understanding phenomena like neutrino oscillations and CP violation in the Standard Model of particle physics.

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