$\nu_\mu$ and $\nu_\tau$ elastic scattering in Borexino

TL;DR

This study analyzes neutrino-electron elastic scattering in Borexino, focusing on distinguishing contributions from different neutrino flavors and exploring potential new physics beyond the Standard Model, such as non-unitary oscillations and a $U(1)_{L_- au}$ gauge model.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of $ u_$ and $ u_$ contributions in Borexino, including potential constraints on non-unitarity and new gauge interactions.

Findings

Current data suggest non-zero $ u_$ and $ u_$ contributions.

Larger exposure could constrain non-unitarity in neutrino oscillations.

Results are consistent with Standard Model and $U(1)_{L_- au}$ models.

Abstract

We perform a detailed study of neutrino-electron elastic scattering using the mono-energetic $^{7}$Be neutrinos in Borexino, with an emphasis on exploring the differences between the contributions of $\nu_e$, $\nu_\mu$, and $\nu_\tau$. We find that current data are capable of measuring these components such that the contributions from $\nu_\mu$ and $\nu_\tau$ cannot be zero, although distinguishing between them is challenging -- the differences stemming from Standard Model radiative corrections are insufficient without significantly more precise measurements. In studying these components, we compare predicted neutrino-electron scattering event rates within the Standard Model (accounting for neutrino oscillations), as well as going beyond the Standard Model in two ways. We allow for non-unitary evolution to modify neutrino oscillations, and find that with a larger exposure (${\sim}30$x), Borexino may provide relevant information for constraining non-unitarity, and that JUNO may be able to accomplish this with its data collection of $^{7}$Be neutrinos. We also consider novel $\nu_\mu$- and $\nu_\tau$-electron scattering from a gauged $U(1)_{L_\mu - L_\tau}$ model, showing consistency with previous analyses of Borexino and this scenario, but also demonstrating the impact of uncertainties on Standard Model mixing parameters on these results.