Improving LMA predictions with non standard interactions

TL;DR

This paper explores how non-standard neutrino interactions can resolve discrepancies in solar neutrino observations, improving predictions of energy spectra and detection rates.

Contribution

It identifies a specific non-standard interaction that aligns solar neutrino predictions with experimental data, addressing longstanding inconsistencies.

Findings

Achieves a flat SuperKamiokande energy spectrum consistent with observations

Predicts Chlorine detection rates within 1σ of experimental data

Maintains accuracy of other neutrino flux predictions

Abstract

It has been known for some time that the well established LMA solution to the observed solar neutrino deficit fails to predict a flat energy spectrum for SuperKamiokande as opposed to what the data indicates. It also leads to a Chlorine rate which appears to be too high as compared to the data. We investigate the possible solution to these inconsistencies with non standard neutrino interactions, assuming that they come as extra contributions to the $\nu_{\alpha}\nu_{\beta}$ and $\nu_{\alpha}e$ vertices that affect both the propagation of neutrinos through solar matter and their detection. We find that, among the many possibilities for non standard couplings, only one of them leads to a flat SuperKamiokande spectral rate in better agreement with the data and predicts a Chlorine rate within 1$\sigma$ of the observed one, while keeping all other predictions accurate.