PhD defense by Ian Padilla

Neutrino Flavor Conversion in Dense Astrophysical Environments

Neutrinos are among the most abundant particles in the universe. They interact only weakly and can travel great distances unimpeded, offering a window into the interiors of the dense astrophysical sources that otherwise would be invisible to us. Neutrinos have the peculiar property of converting their flavor content as they propagate. In neutrino-dense environments such as core-collapse supernovae and compact binary merger remnants, the flavor evolution is significantly affected by the interactions of neutrinos with matter and other neutrinos in the medium. Neutrino-neutrino coherent forward scattering can lead to a plethora of non-linear effects which can collectively convert flavor.

One possible manifestation of collective conversion is fast pairwise flavor conversion, particularly relevant in the proximity of the neutrino decoupling regions. Core-collapse supernovae and compact binary merger remnants might provide favorable conditions for the development of fast flavor conversion. However, the impact of fast flavor conversion on astrophysical sources remains an open question in the field. This thesis provides new tools to assess the impact of fast flavor conversion in dense astrophysical environments.

Ian’s thesis is available for consultation in Irene’s office

Supervisor: Irene Tamborra

Opponents: Oleg Ruchayskiy, Gail McLaughlin, Guenter Sigl

Zoom link: https://ucph-ku.zoom.us/j/61034149608
(Meeting ID: 610 3414 9608)