Neutrino Physics in elementary particle Physics

• Grant number: 21/12401-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2022
• End date: December 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Elementary Particle Physics and Fields
• Principal Investigator: Renata Zukanovich Funchal
• Grantee: Mateus Marques
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/04837-9 - Particle Physics Phenomenology, AP.TEM

Abstract

In this Scientific Initiation project, we will study how neutrino Physics contributed to the establishment of the Standard Model of elementary particle Physics and how the phenomenon of neutrino oscillation presents today as one of the only experimental evidence of Physics beyond the Standard Model. We will start by introducing the experimental reasons and basic ideas that led to the Standard Model and then study in more depth how it can be understood in the more general context of a quantum field theory. With this we will be able to discuss the Standard Model mass mechanism, understand why neutrinos have no mass in this model and what can be done so that neutrinos have mass in order to explain flavor oscillations that have been observed experimentally. Until the end of the project, the student will have the opportunity to simulate the results of a nuclear reactor neutrino oscillation experiment, KamLAND, confronting his simulation with experimental data.(AU)