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Dynamical equilibria of fast neutrino flavor conversion

Jiabao Liu1, Lucas Johns2, Hiroki Nagakura3, Masamichi Zaizen4, and Shoichi Yamada5,6

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Phys. Rev. D 114, L041306 – Published 25 August, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/ydrn-np36

Abstract

Dense neutrino systems, which display collectivity mediated by weak interaction, have both parallels and dissimilarities with kinetic systems with collective interactions mediated by other fundamental forces. We first identify analogues in fast flavor conversion of some time-honored nonlinear phenomena in plasmas and self-gravitating systems, focusing in particular on nonlinear Landau damping and collisionless equilibria. We then demonstrate the previously unexplored phenomenon of flavor-wave synchronization, which to our knowledge is a distinguishing characteristic of dense neutrino systems. The phenomena we exhibit are likely important pieces of the unsolved puzzle of neutrino oscillations in core-collapse supernovae and neutron star mergers.

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Phys. Rev. D 114, L041306– Published 25 August, 2026
  • Received 30 September 2025
  • Accepted 24 July 2026
Article part of CHORUS
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