Quantum coherence between mass eigenstates of a neutrino cannot be destroyed by its mass-momentum entanglement

TL;DR

This paper clarifies that neutrino oscillations are not prevented by mass-momentum entanglement, emphasizing the importance of spatial wave function considerations over idealized energy eigenstates.

Contribution

It demonstrates that previous claims denying neutrino oscillations due to mass-momentum entanglement are based on unrealistic assumptions, highlighting the role of spatial wave functions.

Findings

Neutrinos oscillate as expected when spatial dependence is considered.

Assumption of exact energy eigenstates is unrealistic and leads to incorrect conclusions.

Mass-momentum entanglement does not destroy neutrino coherence.

Abstract

In the latest of a series of papers (arXiv:2410.21850), it has been claimed that neutrinos cannot oscillate as a consequence of their mass mixing. I clarify that this arises from the unrealistic assumption that neutrinos will always be in nearly exact eigenstates of energy, and ignoring the spatial dependence of the neutrino wave function. Taking into account the latter, neutrinos will be observed to oscillate in precisely the expected manner.