# Probes of Lorentz violation in neutrino propagation

Abstract : It has been suggested that the interactions of energetic particles with the foamy structure of space-time thought to be generated by quantum-gravitational (QG) effects might violate Lorentz invariance, so that they do not propagate at a universal speed of light. We consider the limits that may be set on a linear or quadratic violation of Lorentz invariance in the propagation of energetic neutrinos, v/c=[1±(E/MnuQG1)] or [1±(E/MnuQG2)2], using data from supernova explosions and the OPERA long-baseline neutrino experiment. Using the SN1987a neutrino data from the Kamioka II, IMB, and Baksan experiments, we set the limits MnuQG1>2.7(2.5)×1010 GeV for subluminal (superluminal) propagation and MnuQG2>4.6(4.1)×104 GeV at the 95% confidence level. A future galactic supernova at a distance of 10 kpc would have sensitivity to MnuQG1>2(4)×1011 GeV for subluminal (superluminal) propagation and MnuQG2>2(4)×105 GeV. With the current CERN neutrinos to Gran Sasso extraction spill length of 10.5 µs and with standard clock synchronization techniques, the sensitivity of the OPERA experiment would reach MnuQG1~7×105 GeV (MnuQG2~8×103 GeV) after 5 years of nominal running. If the time structure of the super proton synchrotron radio frequency bunches within the extracted CERN neutrinos to Gran Sasso spills could be exploited, these figures would be significantly improved to MnuQG1~5×107 GeV (MnuQG2~4×104 GeV). These results can be improved further if a similar time resolution can be achieved with neutrino events occurring in the rock upstream of the OPERA detector: we find potential sensitivities to MnuQG1~4×108 GeV and MnuQG2~7×105 GeV.
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Journal articles

http://hal.in2p3.fr/in2p3-00329984
Contributor : Yvette Heyd <>
Submitted on : Monday, October 13, 2008 - 5:21:24 PM
Last modification on : Tuesday, May 4, 2021 - 11:26:07 AM

### Citation

J. Ellis, N. Harries, A. Meregaglia, A. Rubbia, A. S. Sakharov. Probes of Lorentz violation in neutrino propagation. Physical Review D, American Physical Society, 2008, 78, pp.033013. ⟨10.1103/PhysRevD.78.033013⟩. ⟨in2p3-00329984⟩

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