Confusing non-zero theta_13 with non-standard interactions in the solar neutrino sector

Abstract

Solar and KamLAND data are in slight tension when interpreted in the standard two-flavor oscillations framework and this may be alleviated allowing for a non-zero value of the mixing angle theta_13. Here we show that, likewise, non-standard flavor-changing interactions (FCI), possibly intervening in the propagation of solar neutrinos, are equally able to alleviate this tension and therefore constitute a potential source of confusion in the determination of theta_13. By performing a full three-flavor analysis of solar and KamLAND data in presence of FCI we provide a quantitative description of the degeneracy existing between theta_13 and the vectorial coupling eps_eτ^dV characterizing the non-standard transitions between nu_e and nu_tau in the forward scattering process with d-type quarks. We find that couplings with magnitude eps_eτ^dV ~ 10%, compatible with the existing bounds, can mimic the non-zero values of theta_13 indicated by the latest analyses.

5 pages, 3 figures; minor changes in the text; references added; matches version published in PRD (Rapid Communications)

References in corpus (8)

• Phenomenology with Massive Neutrinos
• CP Violation and Neutrino Oscillations
• General bounds on non-standard neutrino interactions
• A4-based tri-bimaximal mixing within inverse and linear seesaw schemes
• Probing non-standard neutrino interactions with supernova neutrinos
• Contrasting solar and reactor neutrinos with a non-zero value of theta13
• Inverse tri-bimaximal type-III seesaw and lepton flavor violation
• Atmospheric, long baseline, and reactor neutrino data constraints on ${\theta }_{13}$

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