Thesis

Open Questions in Theoretical Neutrino Physics and their Impact on Experiment

• Call:

  IDPASC Portugal - PHD Programme 2019

• Academic Year:

  2019 / 2020

• Domain:

  Theoretical Particle Physics

• Supervisor:

  Margarida Nesbitt Rebelo

• Co-Supervisor:

  Gustavo Castelo Branco

• Institution:

  Instituto Superior Técnico

• Host Institution:

  Instituto Superior Técnico

• Abstract:

  Neutrino Physics is a field of intense activity with several experiments under way and several new neutrino facilities being planned. CERN is involved in the future DUNE experiment at Fermilab and the Neutrino Platform at CERN is an example of the present great effort to bring together both Theoretical and Experimental Physicists working in this field. Both the Supervisor and the Co-supervisor of this Thesis Proposal are members of the CERN neutrino platform. There are many fundamental open questions in Neutrino Physics related to the origin of neutrino masses, leptonic mixing and the possibility of having CP violation in the leptonic sector. CP violation in the leptonic sector may play a crucial role in the explanation of the baryon asymmetry of the Universe. There are several experimental anomalies requiring theoretical explanation. The existence of light sterile neutrinos remains open and could help solve some of the recent puzzles. This thesis will be done in the context of model building with emphasis on the leptonic sector. Symmetries will play an important role in these studies. The theoretical analysis will try to explain the observed anomalies and predict new phenomena that could be observed in present and future experiments.