2012/02/06 by G. Karagiorgi, M. H. Shaevitz, Karagiorgi, G. +3
Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Physical sciences #High Energy Physics - Phenomenology (hep-ph) #hep-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1202.1024
19 pages, 11 figures, 1 table
arxiv created 2012/02/06 · arxiv updated 2012/02/07
We examine the MiniBooNE neutrino, MiniBooNE antineutrino and LSND antineutrino data sets in a two-neutrino \stackrel\tiny(-)νμ→\stackrel\tiny(-)νe oscillation approximation subject to non-standard matter effects. We assume those effects can be parametrized by an L-independent effective potential, Vs=± As, experienced only by an intermediate, non-weakly-interacting (sterile) neutrino state which we assume participates in the oscillation, where +/- corresponds to neutrino/antineutrino propagation. We discuss the mathematical framework in which such oscillations arise in detail, and derive the relevant oscillation probability as a function of the vacuum oscillation parameters Δm2 and sin22θμe, and the matter effect parameter As. We are able to successfully fit all three data sets, including the MiniBooNE low energy excess, with the following best-fit model parameters: Δm2=0.47 eV2, sin22θμe=0.010, and As=2.0×10-10 eV. The χ2-probability for the best fit corresponds to 21.6%, to be compared to 6.8% for a fit where As has been set to zero, corresponding to a (3+1) sterile neutrino oscillation model. We find that the compatibility between the three data sets corresponds to 17.4%, to be compared to 2.3% for As=0. Finally, given the fit results, we examine consequences for reactor, solar, and atmospheric oscillations. For this paper, the presented model is empirically driven, but the results obtained can be directly used to investigate various phenomenological interpretations such as non-standard matter effects.