Updated solution to the solar neutrino problem based on non-standard neutrino interactions

We present an updated version of the solution to the solar neutrino problem based on non-standard flavor changing neutrino interactions (FCNI) and non-universal flavor diagonal neutrino interactions (FDNI). We find a good fit not only to the total rates measured by all solar neutrino experiments but also to the day-night and seasonal variations of the event rate, as well as the recoil electron energy spectrum measured by the SuperKamiokande collaboration.     

A gut solution to the solar neutrino problem

Within the supersymmetric flipped SU(5)×U(1) model, we propose a mechanism for realization of the Voloshin-Vysotsky-Okun solution to the solar neutrino problem by attributing a large magnetic moment to the electron neutrino, as required to explain the solar neutrino data.     

SNO results and neutrino magnetic moment solution to the solar neutrino problem

We have analysed the solar neutrino data obtained from chlorine, gallium and Super-Kamiokande (SK) experiments (1258 days) and also the new results that came from Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) charge current (CC) and elastic scattering (ES) experiments considering that the solar neutrino deficit is due to the interaction of neutrino transition magnetic moment with the solar magnetic field. We have also analysed the moments of the spectrum of scattered electrons at SK. Another new feature in the analysis is that for the global analysis, we have replaced the spectrum by its centroid.     

Condensed matter effects in the solar neutrino problem

In addition to our earlier corrections to fusion cross sections, we proposed that previously overlooked condensed matter effects (CME) can help to account for the missing solar neutrino flux. There are three important CME. One is due to a reduction in collision frequency due to an exchange of kinetic and potential energies in collision processes. Another is an excluded volume effect. The third is a shadowing effect due to the presence of spectator species which do not participate in fusion. These CME become appreciable in the high densities encountered in stellar media where they significantly affect fusion rates, since the solar core plasma cannot accurately be described as a collisionless ideal gas. Contrary to Bahcall and Gould (1993), we do not violate Liouville's theorem, the Maxwellian distribution, nor thermodynamics in our proposed solution to the solar neutrino problem.     

The solar neutrino problem

I review the solar neutrino problem and what it has taught us about the Sun and fundamental physics.     

Testing the vacuum oscillation and the MSW solutions of the solar neutrino problem

Solar model independent tests of the vacuum oscillation and MSW solutions of the solar neutrino problem are considered. Detailed predictions for time (seasonal) variations of the signals due to neutrino oscillations in vacuum are given for the future solar neutrino detectors (SNO, Super-Kamiokande, BOREXINO, HELLAZ). Results on the distortions of the spectra of ⁸B neutrinos, and of e⁻ from the reaction ν + e⁻ → ν + e⁻ induced by ⁸B neutrinos, are presented in the cases of vacuum oscillations or MSW transitions for a large number of values of the relevant parameters. The possibilities to distinguish between the vacuum oscillation, the MSW adiabatic, and the MSW nonadiabatic transitions in the future solar neutrino experiments are discussed.     

The MSW mechanism for three neutrino generations and the solar neutrino puzzle

We analyse the ³⁷Cl experiment for three neutrino generations with arbitrary mixing angles in the adiabatic approximation and present the resulting ⁸B-neutrino energy spectrum.     

Conventional nuclear physics solution of the solar neutrino problem

A basic and inherently simple alternative explanation of the solar neutrino problem is proposed based upon conventional nuclear physics. Our results for the tunneling factor, astrophysicalS-factor, and our resolution are compared with rather speculative solutions commonly attempted by accepting the customary ingredients of the standard solar model. We present a more realistic solution of nuclear Coulomb barrier tunneling together with a more precise parametric representation of the astrophysical functionS. We determineS from high-energy (>100 keV)⁷Be(p, )⁸B experimental cross-section data using the new tunneling factor. This leads to a low-energy fusion cross section that is lower than previous estimates by 26–36%, decreasing the anticipated neutrino flux close to experimentally detected values. This may resolve the missing solar neutrino flux problem.     

On vacuum oscillations solution of the solar neutrino problem

Experimental signatures of vacuum oscillations solution of the solar neutrino problem are considered. This solution predicts a strict correlation between a distortion of the neutrino energy spectrum and an amplitude of seasonal variations of the neutrino flux. The slope parameter which characterizes a distortion of the recoil electron energy spectrum in the Super-Kamiokande experiment and the seasonal asymmetry of the signal have been calculated in a wide range of oscillation parameters. The correlation of the slope and asymmetry gives crucial criteria for identification or exclusion of this solution. For the positive slope indicated by preliminary Super-Kamiokande data we predict (40 – 60) % enhancement of the seasonal variations.     

Solutions to the solar neutrino problem

Several well known neutrino physics solutions to the solar neutrino problem are briefly reviewed and their status in the light of the latest experimental data is presented.     

New answer to the solar neutrino problem

The online version of the original article can be found at     

New answer to the solar neutrino problem

We suggest a new answer to the problem of the solar neutrinos: a neutrino-photon interaction that would cause the neutrinos to disappear before they leave the sun or make them lose energy towards detection thresholds. We calculate the available energy in the system of the centre of mass, and show that the photons may be endowed with a pseudo-cross-section in the system of the sun. Under the assumption of an absorption, made to simplify the neutrino transport calculation, the chlorine experiment yields:σ _a =1.8( _−1.0 ^+0.7 )*10⁻⁹ barn, which is close tog _β/(ℏc)=4·49^*10⁻⁹ barn. The escape probability is substantially larger for the gallium neutrinos than for the chlorine neutrinos. Thermal radiation in the core of a supernova is suppressed by electrical conductivity, therefore the neutrinos from SN1987A could escape; they interacted with the photon piston in the outer layers of the supernova and the interaction has to be a scattering. The cosmological implications of a neutrino-photon interaction are discussed; Hubble’s constant may have to be modified. The case of an elastic scattering between neutrino and photon is discussed in more detail. An erratum to this article is available at .