Single-source-class interpretation of the diffuse astrophysical neutrino flux

TL;DR

This paper investigates the hypothesis that a single source class, likely AGN cores, dominates the diffuse astrophysical neutrino flux, using a detailed photo-pion interaction model and fitting to recent spectral observations.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive model incorporating high-energy processes and fits parameters to explain the neutrino flux, predicting observable signatures to discriminate scenarios.

Findings

Target photon temperatures of 0.1 to 1 keV are preferred.

Maximal neutrino energies are limited by injection spectra, proton energy, or magnetic fields.

Future measurements can distinguish between different source scenarios.

Abstract

We explore the interpretation that the diffuse astrophysical neutrino flux is dominated by a single standard candle-like source class. Since recent observations favor a broken power law with a spectral break around 30 TeV, we postulate that the $p\gamma$ channel is the dominant neutrino production process creating a peak at these energies. We use a SOPHIA-based photo-pion interaction model with a thermal target including high-energy processes, such as multi-pion production, which turns out to be relevant for the interpretation. We demonstrate that target photon temperatures 0.1 to 1 keV are preferred in a multi-parameter fit, whereas the maximal neutrino energies can be limited by A) soft injection spectra, B) a maximal proton energy in the PeV range, or C) magnetic field effects on the secondary muons, pions, and kaons with B in the few 10 kG range. We predict that future measurements, such as of the neutrino flavor composition or neutrino-antineutrino ratio (Glashow resonance), can discriminate scenarios. We also point out that the parameters obtained in our generic approach, such as in the strong magnetic field values, might be indicative for an AGN core origin as a driver of the diffuse flux.