Neutrino Oscillations
A quantum mechanical phenomenon in which a neutrino created with a specific lepton flavor changes flavor as it propagates through space.
Governing formula
P(ν_α → ν_β) = sin²(2θ) sin²(1.27 Δm² L / E)
SI unit
Probability (0 to 1)
In depth
Neutrino oscillations occur because flavor eigenstates (ν_e, ν_μ, ν_τ) are quantum linear superpositions of non-zero mass eigenstates (ν₁, ν₂, ν₃). Proves conclusively that neutrinos possess non-zero rest masses.
Examples in the real world
Resolving the historical 'solar neutrino problem' at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) by detecting solar electron neutrinos oscillating into muon and tau neutrinos.