A simple model for spectral swapping of supernova neutrinos

TL;DR

This paper reviews a simple model explaining how high neutrino fluxes in supernovae cause collective flavor transformations, leading to spectral swapping or splits in neutrino energy spectra.

Contribution

It introduces a straightforward model that elucidates the spectral swapping phenomenon observed in supernova neutrinos.

Findings

Spectral swapping occurs due to collective neutrino flavor transformation.

The simple model effectively explains the stepwise spectral split phenomenon.

The model provides insights into supernova neutrino flavor dynamics.

Abstract

Neutrinos emitted from a core-collapse supernova can experience collective flavor transformation because of high neutrino fluxes. As a result, neutrinos of different flavors can have their energy spectra (partially) swapped, a phenomenon known as the (stepwise) spectral swapping or spectral split. We give a brief review of a simple model that explains this phenomenon.