Neutrino oscillations: deriving the plane-wave approximation in the wave-packet approach

TL;DR

This paper derives the plane-wave approximation for neutrino oscillations from the wave-packet framework, providing a foundational understanding of the approximation's basis in quantum mechanics.

Contribution

It offers a straightforward derivation of the plane-wave approximation within the wave-packet approach, clarifying its theoretical underpinnings.

Findings

The plane-wave approximation can be rigorously derived from the wave-packet formalism.

The derivation clarifies assumptions behind the approximation.

Provides a basis for more accurate neutrino oscillation models.

Abstract

The plane-wave approximation is widely used in the practical calculations concerning neutrino oscillations. A simple derivation of this approximation starting from the neutrino wave-packet framework is presented.