Relativistic quantum theories and neutrino oscillations

TL;DR

This paper uses a Poincaré-invariant S-matrix framework to analyze neutrino oscillations, identifying key physical properties that lead to a simplified oscillation formula and discussing observable factors.

Contribution

It provides a general, consistent approach applicable to both field and particle theories to derive the fundamental properties of neutrino oscillations.

Findings

Identifies physical properties leading to a simple oscillation formula

Distinguishes between observable effects and negligible factors

Provides a unified framework for different theoretical descriptions

Abstract

Neutrino oscillations are examined under the broad requirements of Poincar\'e-invariant scattering theory in an S-matrix formulation. This approach can be consistently applied to theories with either field or particle degrees of freedom. The goal of this paper is to use this general framework to identify all of the unique physical properties of this problem that lead to a simple oscillation formula. We discuss what is in principle observable, and how many factors that are important in principle end up being negligible in practice.