Introduction to neutrino Physics

• Grant number: 21/12522-8
• 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: João Pedro Boechat Guimarães
• 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 project, we will study how neutrino physics contributed to the establishment of the Standard Model of elementary particle physics, and how, today, neutrino oscillations present themselves as one of the only experimental evidence of physics beyond the Standard Model. We will begin with an introduction of several experimental reasons and basic ideas that led to the Standard Model and then study how this model can be interpreted in the more general context of a quantum field theory. This allows us to discuss the mass generation mechanism in the Standard Model and to understand why neutrinos do not have mass in this model. We will discuss what kind of extensions have to be implemented in order for to neutrinos have mass to explain neutrino flavor oscillations that have been experimentally observed. In the context of mass and mixing, we will particularly emphasize the adiabatic approximation in the understanding of solar neutrinos. Until the end of the project, the student will have the opportunity to simulate the Super-Kamiokande Solar neutrino experiment, comparing his simulation to experimental data. Our goal is, that at the end of this project, the student will be prepared to start graduate studies in the field of elementary particle phenomenology or similar subjects. (AU)