Symmetry in neutrino oscillation in matter with non-unitarity

Abstract

Recently we have developed a method called ``Symmetry Finder'' (SF) for hunting the reparametrization symmetry in the three-neutrino system in matter. Here, we apply SF to the Denton {\it et al.} (DMP) perturbation theory extended by including unitarity violation (UV), a possible low-energy manifestation of physics beyond the $\nu$SM. Implementation of UV into the SF framework yields the additional two very different constraints, which nonetheless allow remarkably consistent solutions, the eight DMP-UV symmetries. Treatment of one of the constraints, the genuine non-unitary part, leads to the key identity which entails the UV $\alpha$ parameter transformation only by rephasing, which innovates the invariance proof of the Hamiltonian. The quantum mechanical nature of the symmetry dictates the both $\nu$SM and UV variables to transform jointly, through which the response of the two sectors are related to reveal their interplay. Thus, the symmetry can serve for a tool for diagnostics, probing the interrelation between the $\nu$SM and a low-energy description of new physics. Problem of SF symmetry in vacuum is revisited to complete eight symmetries akin to DMP's.