HMC Physics Colloquium

Tuesdays at 16:30 in Shanahan Center for Teaching and Learning, Room B460

Bob McKeown

Caltech

Neutrino Masses and Oscillations: Triumphs and Challenges

Oct. 16, 2007

The recent progress in establishing the existence of finite neutrino masses and mixing between generations of neutrinos has been remarkable. The combined results from studies of atmospheric neutrinos, solar neutrinos, and reactor antineutrinos paint an intriguing picture that clearly requires modification of the standard electroweak model. These results also provide clear motivation for future experimental studies involving oscillations with nuclear reactors and accelerators, nuclear double beta decay, and others.

I will summarize the status of experimental and theoretical work in this field and explore the future opportunities that emerge in light of recent discoveries.