Is nonstandard interaction a solution to the three neutrino tensions?

Abstract

In this work we present a scenario in which a nonstandard interaction in neutrino propagation can explain the three major tensions in the neutrino oscillation data at present. These tensions are: (i) a non-zero best-fit value of the non-standard oscillation parameters in the the global analysis of the solar and KamLAND data which rules out the standard oscillation scenario at $90\%$ C.L, (ii) the measurement of the non-maximal value of $\theta_{23}$ by NO$\nu$A which excludes the maximal mixing at $2.5 \sigma$ C.L. and (iii) a discrepancy in the $\theta_{13}$ measurement by T2K which has a tension with the reactor best-fit value of $\sin^2\theta_{13}=0.021$ at $90\%$ C.L. Our results show that all these three above mentioned anomalies can be explained if one assumes the existence of the non-standard interactions in neutrino propagation with $\theta_{23}=45^\circ$ and $\sin^2\theta_{13}=0.021$ in the case of normal hierarchy. In our scenario the phase of $\epsilon_{e\tau}$ is zero and the most favorable value of the Dirac CP phase is approximately $255^\circ$.