Physics potential of future supernova neutrino observations

TL;DR

Future galactic supernova neutrino observations could significantly advance understanding of neutrino mixing and supernova physics by analyzing flavor conversion signatures influenced by collective effects.

Contribution

This paper highlights the importance of collective neutrino flavor conversion effects in supernovae and their potential to reveal neutrino mixing scenarios.

Findings

Collective effects significantly alter flavor conversion predictions.

Earth matter effects can serve as signatures for neutrino mixing.

Understanding these effects enhances supernova neutrino detection analysis.

Abstract

We point out possible features of neutrino spectra from a future galactic core collapse supernova that will enhance our understanding of neutrino mixing as well as supernova astrophysics. We describe the neutrino flavor conversions inside the star, emphasizing the role of "collective effects" that has been appreciated and understood only very recently. These collective effects change the traditional predictions of flavor conversion substantially, and enable the identification of neutrino mixing scenarios through signatures like Earth matter effects.