On neutrino masses and mixings from extra dimensions

In the framework of a Kaluza-Klein type theory with the Standard Model fields localized on a 4-dimensional section while gravity propagates in a full 4+δ-dimensional space-time, we examine a mechanism of naturally small neutrino mass generation through couplings of the Standard Model singlet fermion(s) living also in the full space-time. A numerical study is carried out on the charged current universality constraint from the ratio of pion decay partial widths. The bounds obtained on the fundamental mass scale could be stringent.     

Conformally planar gravitational fields produced by matter

A geometric property (spherical symmetry) which unambiguously distinguishes homogeneous cosmological models (Friedmann spaces) from other conformally planar gravitational fields is pointed out. Certain general properties of the distribution and motion of matter in conformally planar gravitational fields are established, and new solutions of the Einstein equations are derived.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii Fizika, No. 11, pp. 67–73, November, 1969.The author thanks D. D. Ivanenko and the participants in a seminar under his guidance for discussion of these results.     

Verifiable model of neutrino masses from large extra dimensions

We propose a new scenario of neutrino masses with a Higgs triplet (xi(++),xi(+),xi(0)) in a theory of large extra dimensions. Lepton number violation in a distant brane acts as the source of a very small trilinear coupling of xi to the standard Higgs doublet in our brane. Small realistic Majorana neutrino masses are naturally obtained with the fundamental scale M(*) approximately O(1) TeV, foretelling the possible discovery of xi (m(xi) less, similarM(*)) at future colliders. Decays of xi(++) into same-sign dileptons are fixed by the neutrino mass matrix. Observation of &mgr;-e conversion in nuclei is predicted.     

F-theory inspired GUTs with extra charged matter

We consider GUT models inspired by recent local F-theory constructions. We show that after switching on vevs to scalars the extra matter becomes messengers. We discuss conditions on these vevs under which the models do not lead to unacceptable baryon/lepton number violating processes.     

Cosmological constant from gauge fields on extra dimensions

We present a new model of dark energy which could explain the observed accelerated expansion of our Universe. We show that a five-dimensional Einstein–Yang–Mills theory defined in a flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe compactified on a circle possesses degenerate vacua in four dimensions. The present Universe could be trapped in one of these degenerate vacua. With the natural requirement that the size of the extra dimension could be of the GUT scale or smaller, the energy density difference between the degenerate vacua and the true ground state can provide us with just the right amount of dark energy to account for the observed expansion rate of our Universe.     

Decaying warm dark matter and neutrino masses

Neutrino masses may arise from spontaneous breaking of ungauged lepton number. Because of quantum gravity effects the associated Goldstone boson - the majoron - will pick up a mass. We determine the lifetime and mass required by cosmic microwave background observations so that the massive majoron provides the observed dark matter of the Universe. The majoron decaying dark matter scenario fits nicely in models where neutrino masses arise via the seesaw mechanism, and may lead to other possible cosmological implications.     

Dark matter neutrinos must come with degenerate masses

It has been known that there are two schemes in the framework of three flavor neutrinos to accommodate the global features of the hot dark matter neutrinos, the solar neutrino deficit and the atmospheric neutrino anomaly in a manner consistent with terreatrial neutrino experiments, i.e., hierarchical mass neutrinos and almost degenerate neutrinos. We deminstrate that the recent result by the CHOOZ experiment excludes the scheme of hierarchical neutrinos. We also point out in the scheme of almost degenerate neutrinos that if neutrinos are Majorana particles then the double β decay experiments must see positive signals on their way to reach a limit more stringent than the present one by a factor of 5.     

Unifying inflation and dark matter with neutrino masses

We propose a simple model where a gauge-invariant inflaton is responsible for cosmic inflation and generates the seed for structure formation, while its relic thermal abundance explains the missing matter of the Universe in the form of cold dark matter. The inflaton self-coupling also explains the observed neutrino masses. All the virtues can be attained in a minimal extension of the standard model gauge group around the TeV scale. We can also unveil these properties of an inflaton in forthcoming space and ground based experiments.     

Strange quark matter with dynamically generated quark masses

Bulk properties of strange quark matter (SQM) are investigated within the SU(3) Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model. In the chiral limit the model behaves very similarly to the MIT bag model which is often used to describe SQM. However, when we introduce realistic current quark masses, the strange quark becomes strongly disfavored, because of its large dynamical mass. We conclude that SQM is not absolutely stable.     

Dark matter as a localized scalar in the extra dimension

We consider a standard model singlet which is accessible to a single extra dimension and its zero mode is localized with Gaussian profile around a point different from the origin. This zero-mode scalar is a possible candidate for the dark matter and its annihilation rate is sensitive to the compactification radius of the extra dimension, the localization width and the position. For the case of non-resonant annihilation, we estimated the dark matter scalar location around a point, at a distance ∼3× localization width from the origin, by using the annihilation rate which is based on the current relic density.     

Neutrinos in matter and external fields

A brief survey of effects generated by the influence of the environment on neutrinos is presented. The issues considered here include flavor and spin oscillations of neutrinos in matter, in electromagnetic fields of various configurations, and in gravitational fields; the electromagnetic properties of the neutrinos and the environment-induced change in these properties; photoneutrino processes generated by the environment; urca processes in magnetic fields; various mechanisms that may be responsible for the asymmetry of neutrino radiation from neutron stars; quantum states of neutrinos in matter and the spin light of neutrinos in matter and external fields; and astrophysical and cosmological applications of the above processes and phenomena. The method that is employed to describe the effect of the environment on neutrinos (as well as on electrons) and which is based on the application of exact solutions to the corresponding modified Dirac equations for particles in matter is briefly discussed.     

Neutrino in matter and external fields

A technique for describing various processes proceeding in matter and involving neutrinos and electrons is discussed. This technique is based on “the method of exact solutions,” which implies the use of solutions to proper Dirac equations for particle wave functions in matter. Exact solutions for the neutrino and the electron in the cases of uniform nonmoving and rotating matter are discussed. On studying relativistic neutrino motion and associated neutrino-energy quantization in rotating matter, a semiclassical interpretation of particle finite motion is developed. In the general case of neutrino and electron motion in matter with varying parameters, the corresponding effective force acting on the particles is determined. The possibility of electromagnetic-wave radiation by an electron that moves in a dense neutrino flux of varying density and which is accelerated by this kind of force is predicted.     

Continuous matter fields in Regge calculus

We find that the continuous matter fields are ill-defined in Regge calculus in the physical 4D theory since the corresponding effective action has infinite terms unremovable by the UV renormalisation procedure. These terms are connected with the singular nature of the curvature distribution in Regge calculus, namely, with the presence in d>2 dimensions of the (d−3)-dimensional simplices where the (d−2)-dimensional ones carrying different conical singularities are meeting. Possible resolution of this difficulty is discretisation of matter fields in Regge background.