Direct search for right-handed neutrinos and neutrinoless double beta decay

Abstract

We consider an extension of the Standard Model by two right-handed neutrinos, especially with masses lighter than the charged |$K$| meson. This simple model can realize the seesaw mechanism for neutrino masses and also baryogenesis by flavor oscillations of right-handed neutrinos. We summarize the constraints on right-handed neutrinos from direct searches as well as big bang nucleosynthesis. It is then found that the possible range for the quasi-degenerate mass of right-handed neutrinos is |$M_N \geq 163$| MeV for the normal hierarchy of neutrino masses, while |$M_N=188$|–269 MeV and |$M_N \geq 285$| MeV for the inverted hierarchy case. Furthermore, we find in the latter case that the possible value of the Majorana phase is restricted for |$M_N=188$|–350 MeV, which leads to the fact that the rate of neutrinoless double beta decay is also limited.

Locations

• Progress of Theoretical and Experimental Physics - View - PDF
• arXiv (Cornell University) - View - PDF
• DataCite API - View