Chameleon-neutrino conformal coupling and MSW-mediated solar neutrino deficit

TL;DR

This paper explores how a scalar field conformally coupled to matter modifies the MSW effect, affecting solar neutrino flux through density-dependent interactions and neutrino decay, with results compared to observational data.

Contribution

It introduces a novel conformal coupling model affecting neutrino oscillations and flux, extending the MSW effect within screening scalar field frameworks.

Findings

Scalar field coupling alters neutrino flavor change probabilities.

Density-dependent effects influence solar neutrino flux.

Model predictions are consistent with observational data.

Abstract

A modified version of the MSW effect is studied within the framework of screening models through conformal couplings of a scalar field within matter. Such a coupling leads to a new, unknown interaction between the scalar field and the neutrino. We mainly look for the discrepancy in the total solar electron-neutrinos flux through this interaction. Since the scalar field behavior depends on the local density of matter, we observe an indirect effect of matter on flavor changes, and subsequently, on neutrino flux through neutrino decay. The paper ends by describing various probabilities and comparing the results with observational data.