2011/07/15 by P. Migliozzi, F. Terranova
Physics and Astronomy · #Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena #Identification (biology) #Lepton #Neutrino #Neutrino Physics Research #Neutrino oscillation #Nuclear physics #Oscillation (cell signaling) #Particle physics #Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies #Physics #Physics beyond the Standard Model #Point (geometry) #Sterile neutrino #hep-ex #hep-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1088/1367-2630/13/8/083016
published as New J.Phys.13:083016,2011 · 26 pages, 7 figures, to appear in NJP
arxiv created 2011/07/15 · openalex publication_date 2011/08/12 · arxiv updated 2011/08/17 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
The study of ν μ →ν τ oscillations and the explicit observation of ν τ through the identification of the final-state τ lepton ('direct appearance search') represent the most straightforward test of the oscillation phenomenon. It is, nonetheless, the most challenging from the experimental point of view. In this paper, we discuss current empirical evidence for the direct appearance of tau neutrinos at the atmospheric scale and the perspectives for the next few years, up to the completion of the CNGS physics programme. We investigate the relevance of this specific oscillation channel for gaining insights into neutrino physics within the standard three-family framework. Finally, we discuss the opportunities offered by precision studies of ν μ →ν τ transitions for the occurrence of more exotic scenarios, emerging from additional sterile neutrinos or non-standard interactions.