Neutrino Constraints on Scalar-Tensor Gravity

TL;DR

This paper uses neutrino physics to set new constraints on scalar-tensor gravity theories, exploiting neutrinos' unique ability to probe variations in fundamental constants over large distances.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method to constrain scalar-tensor theories using neutrino oscillations and supernova timing, linking these bounds to screening mechanisms like Symmetron and Chameleon.

Findings

Derived new bounds on scalar-tensor models from neutrino data

Mapped constraints to screening mechanism models

Provided expressions for observables affected by scalar fields

Abstract

In this work, we derive novel constraints on scalar-tensor theories from neutrino physics. Spatial variations of the background scalar field effectively generate density and position-dependent Standard Model masses, including neutrinos. Neutrinos are a unicum in the SM due to their ability both to propagate over galactic distances and to traverse dense media such as Earth. This makes them an ideal probe of the background scalar field, which can in turn alter flavour oscillations and supernova time delays. As we enter the era of precision neutrino physics, we are compelled to explore such a scenario. We derive expressions for the relevant observables and obtain new bounds on a broad class of scalar-tensor models. We finally map the bounds to popular screening mechanisms models, such as the Symmetron and Chameleon.