arXiv · astro-ph/0002089
Relic Neutrinos and Z-Resonance Mechanism for Highest-Energy Cosmic Rays
Abstract
The origin of the highest-energy cosmic rays remains elusive. The decay of a superheavy particle (X) into an ultra-energetic neutrino which scatters from a relic (anti-)neutrino at the Z-resonance has attractive features. Given the necessary X mass of $10^{14\sim15}$ GeV, the required lifetime, $10^{15\sim16}$ y, renders model-building a serious challenge but three logical possibilities are considered: (i) X is a Higgs scalar in SU(15) belonging to high-rank representation, leading to {\it power}-enhanced lifetime; (ii) a global X quantum number has {\it exponentially}-suppressed symmetry-breaking by instantons; and (iii) with additional space dimension(s) localisation of X within the real-world brane leads to {\it gaussian} decay suppression, the most efficient of the suppression mechanisms considered.
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James L. Crooks, James O. Dunn, Paul H. Frampton. 2000-03-01. Relic Neutrinos and Z-Resonance Mechanism for Highest-Energy Cosmic Rays. https://doi.org/10.1086/318056
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