Neutrino physics

Equipment

• 3D scene from neutrino source to detector
• Sliders for distance L and energy E
• Illustrative P(νμ→νe) probability readout

Procedure

1. Observe oscillation with distance

   With E fixed, drag "Distance L" and watch the neutrino beam change "flavor color" along its path to the detector. Read the P(νμ→νe) readout: the probability oscillates periodically in L — the signature of two mass states accumulating different phases $\Delta m^2 L/(2E)$.

2. Vary the energy

   At fixed L, sweep "Energy E": the probability oscillates in $1/E$ — the oscillation wavelength scales as $L_{osc} \propto E/\Delta m^2$. Record the peak/trough positions of P versus E and compare with $P \approx \sin^2(2\theta)\sin^2(1.27\,\Delta m^2 L/E)$ (L in km, E in GeV, $\Delta m^2$ in eV²).

3. Reset the phase and check the maximum

   Press "Reset phase" then choose L so that $1.27\,\Delta m^2 L/E = \pi/2$ — the conversion probability reaches its maximum $\sin^2(2\theta)$. Compare two settings (small L, large E) and (large L, small E) with the same L/E ratio: the oscillations match — only the ratio $L/E$ sets the phase.

Simulation

Experiment history

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