New results from the Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino (KATRIN) experiment have nearly halved the maximum possible mass for neutrinos, setting a new upper limit at less than 0.45 electron volts.
The Search for Neutrinos‘ Maximum Mass Continues
Neutrinos are known to have tiny masses, and recent results from the KATRIN experiment have further narrowed down the possibilities. The experiment measures the energies of electrons produced in radioactive decays of tritium to determine the mass of neutrinos.
Neutrinos are subatomic particles that interact with matter via the weak nuclear force.
Their mass is a fundamental property, but measuring it has proven challenging due to their elusive nature.
The Standard Model of particle physics predicts neutrinos have negligible mass, but experiments suggest otherwise.
The discovery of neutrino oscillations in 1998 revealed that neutrinos can change between flavors, implying they must have some mass.
Scientists continue to study neutrino mass using advanced detectors and experiments, such as the Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment.
Measuring neutrino mass will help refine our understanding of the universe's fundamental forces.
A New Upper Limit for Neutrino Mass
The KATRIN experiment has nearly halved the maximum possible mass for neutrinos, with a new upper limit set at less than 0.45 electron volts (eV). This result slashes the previous upper limit by almost half and provides further insight into the mysterious nature of these subatomic particles.
Why Neutrino Mass Matters
Neutrinos are unique in that their mass is unknown, making them one of the most fundamental puzzles in particle physics. The particles are so lightweight compared to other particles that they were once thought to have no mass at all. Understanding why neutrinos are so lightless has been a major challenge for scientists.
The KATRIN Experiment
Based in Karlsruhe, Germany, the KATRIN experiment studies an antimatter version of neutrino known as an electron antineutrino. Researchers observed radioactive decays of tritium and measured the energies of electrons produced. The neutrino’s mass limits the maximum energy the electron can have.
Future Plans for KATRIN
The KATRIN will continue to take data until the end of 2025, with plans to further constrain the possible masses of neutrinos using additional data collected and yet to be analyzed. This independent approach provides a unique perspective on the neutrino mass puzzle.
Independent Observations of Neutrino Mass
Other scientists have set upper limits for neutrino mass based on observations of the cosmos. However, these estimates can be refined or even invalidated if our understanding of the universe is incomplete. The KATRIN experiment’s findings provide a fresh perspective that can help refine our knowledge of neutrinos and their role in the universe.
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- sciencenews.org | Neutrinos’ maximum possible mass shrinks further
