Work

Probing neutrino mass ordering with supernova neutrinos at NOνA including the effect of sterile neutrinos

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this work, we explore the possibility of probing the mass ordering sensitivity as a function of supernova distance in the context of the ongoing neutrino experiment NO ν A. We provide a detailed study of the active-active and active-sterile mixing frameworks, illustrating how supernova neutrinos can be used to realize the existence of sterile neutrinos. Interestingly, we infer that observation of the NC channel alone can differentiate between the presence and absence of sterile neutrinos. Our results indicate that the primary channel of NO ν A can distinguish normal mass ordering from inverted mass ordering at 5 σ confidence level for a supernova explosion occurring at a distance of 5 kpc. Additionally, we examine the impact of systematic uncertainties on mass ordering sensitivity, showing that higher levels of systematics lead to a reduction in sensitivity. Similarly, the inclusion of energy smearing significantly diminishes ordering sensitivity.

Source: Nuclear Physics B

DOI: 10.1016/j.nuclphysb.2025.117002

Authors: Papia Panda, Rukmani Mohanta

Institution: University of Hyderabad

Language: English

Topic: Neutrino Physics Research

Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: University of Hyderabad

Award: G8486438276