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Stars as Laboratories for Fundamental Physics - MPP Theory Group

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Neutrino Oscillations 309<br />

1991). This trans<strong>for</strong>mation is achieved by ν ′ = Uν where ν represents<br />

a two-level wave function and<br />

( e<br />

−iφ/2 )<br />

0<br />

U =<br />

0 e iφ/2 , (8.61)<br />

so that the spin-up and down states acquire opposite, time-dependent<br />

ph<strong>as</strong>es. However, because the trans<strong>for</strong>mation does not mix spin up with<br />

spin down, the transition rate between the two levels is the same in both<br />

coordinate systems. The equation of motion i∂ t ν ′ = H ′ ν ′ involves the<br />

Hamiltonian<br />

H ′ = µ<br />

( )<br />

BL B T<br />

B T −B L<br />

( ) −1 0<br />

+ 1 ˙φ . (8.62)<br />

2 0 1<br />

Put another way, the effective longitudinal magnetic field in the rotating<br />

frame is B ′ L = B L − 1 2 ˙φ/µ while B T remains unchanged. |B ′ L| can be less<br />

or larger than |B L | so that the transition rate between the two levels<br />

can be incre<strong>as</strong>ed or decre<strong>as</strong>ed by a twist. B L may even be cancelled<br />

entirely, enabling resonant oscillations.<br />

For a systematic discussion of the full four-level spin-flavor problem<br />

see, <strong>for</strong> example, Akhmedov, Petcov, and Smirnov (1993).

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