Probing sterile neutrinos with exotic interactions

We will explore the constraints on sterile neutrinos under the presence of exotic interactions, i.e. beyond the mass mixing with the SM neutrinos. This will take the form of an EFT analysis of the SM including sterile neutrinos with masses up to the electroweak scale. The goal is a comprehensive picture of existing constraints and the future potential of measurements such as of the neutrino mass (neutrinoless double beta decay, Tritium decay) and the cosmic neutrino background. The project will be conducted alongside a PhD project (2019-23), supervised by Deppisch, on data-driven methods to improve neutrinoless double beta decay nuclear matrix elements, funded by the STFC CDT in Data Intensive Science at UCL. After initial training, the student will: apply statistical techniques of parameter inference and perform an updated global fit of current and prospective neutrino mass measurements (Y1); develop an EFT framework with sterile neutrinos with effective operators and connect these to observables (Y2); analyse in detail the constraints on sterile neutrinos as well as the potential of the most promising future measurements with a focus on modifications due to exotic interactions (Y3).

The main beneficiaries of the research of our consortium outside academia will be business and industry, the education sector, school students, and the general public. The benefits will be delivered by outreach activities, by the training of highly skilled PhD students and post-docs, and by the exploration of opportunities for industrial engagement arising from the development of software tools for theoretical particle physics.

For schools and colleges we will develop activities and tools enriching students' understanding of the framework underpinning the Standard Model of particle physics. We will deliver them as part of our universities' physics outreach programme. We will also deliver talks on the research in this proposal both on and off campus.

For the general public we will disseminate our research through social media and public science events such as Nerd Nite. We will also seek to influence future decision makers amongst Arts and Humanities undergraduates through the Sussex module From Quarks to the Cosmos.

Business and the education sector will benefit from the rigorous scientific training we provide to the young researchers working with us on the research programme.

We will help students and postdocs wanting to make the transition out of academia with careers resources at department, university, and regional level.

We will also seek industrial partners for spin-offs from software we are developing, using our universities' structures supporting knowledge exchange.