arXiv subjects

Antonio Marrone

Publications and source records attributed to Antonio Marrone.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Updated bounds on the (1,2) neutrino oscillation parameters after first JUNO results

Within the standard $3\nu$ framework, we discuss updated bounds on the leading oscillation parameters related to the $(\nu_1,\,\nu_2)$ states, namely, the squared mass difference $\delta m^2=m^2_2-m^2_1$ and the mixing parameter $\sin^2\theta_{12}$. A previous global analysis of 2024 oscillation data estimated $\delta m^2$ and $\sin^2\theta_{12}$ with fractional $1\sigma$ errors of about $2.3\%$ and $4.5\%$, respectively. First we update the analysis by applying the latest SNO+ constraints, that slightly shift the $(\delta m^2,\,\sin^2\theta_{12})$ best fits. Then we apply the constraints placed by the first JUNO results, that significantly reduce the uncertainties of both parameters. Our updated global bounds (as of 2025) can be summarized as: $\delta m^2/10^{-5}{\rm eV}^2 = 7.48\pm 0.10$ and $\sin^2\theta_{12}=0.3085\pm0.0073$ (with correlation $\rho=-0.20$), corresponding to $1\sigma$ uncertainties as small as $1.3\%$ and $2.4\%$, respectively. We also comment on minor physical and statistical effects that, in the future, may contribute to lift the current mass-ordering degeneracy of $(\delta m^2,\,\theta_{12})$ estimates.

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arXiv2025

Solving the strong CP problem in string-inspired theories with modular invariance

We show that solutions to the strong CP problem based on modular invariance can be extended to incorporate features that appear in string compactifications: quarks with mostly positive modular weights and non-trivial gauge kinetic functions. This requires assuming that singularities and zeroes only appear at special points, such as decompactification limits. We discuss the impact of these assumptions on string gauge unification.

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arXiv2025

Neutrino masses and mixing: Entering the era of subpercent precision

We perform an updated global analysis of the known and unknown parameters of the standard $3\nu$ framework as of 2025. The known oscillation parameters include three mixing angles $(\theta_{12},\,\theta_{23},\,\theta_{13})$ and two squared mass gaps, chosen as $\delta m^2=m^2_2-m^2_1>0$ and $\Delta m^2=m^2_3-{\textstyle\frac{1}{2}}(m^2_1+m^2_2)$, where $\alpha=\mathrm{sign}(\Delta m^2)$ distinguishes normal ordering (NO, $\alpha=+1$) from inverted ordering (IO, $\alpha=-1$). With respect to our previous 2021 update, the combination of oscillation data leads to appreciably reduced uncertainties for $\theta_{23}$, $\theta_{13}$ and $|\Delta m^2|$. In particular, $|\Delta m^2|$ is the first $3\nu$ parameter to enter the domain of subpercent precision (0.8\% at $1\sigma$). We underline some issues about systematics, that might affect this error estimate. Concerning oscillation unknowns, we find a relatively weak preference for NO versus IO (at $2.2\sigma$), for CP violation versus conservation in NO (1.3$\sigma$) and for the first $\theta_{23}$ octant versus the second in NO ($1.1\sigma$). We discuss the status and qualitative prospects of the mass ordering hint in the plane $(\delta m^2,\,\Delta m^2_{ee})$, where $\Delta m^2_{ee}=|\Delta m^2|+{\textstyle\frac{1}{2}}\alpha(\cos^2\theta_{12}-\sin^2\theta_{12})\delta m^2$, to be measured by the JUNO experiment with subpercent precision. We also discuss upper bounds on nonoscillation observables. We report $m_\beta<0.50$~eV and $m_{\beta\beta}<0.086$~eV ($2\sigma$). Concerning the sum of neutrino masses $\Sigma$, we discuss representative combinations of data, with or without augmenting the $\Lambda$CDM model with extra parameters accounting for possible systematics or new physics. The resulting $2\sigma$ upper limits are roughly spread around the bound $\Sigma < 0.2$~eV within a factor of three. [Abridged]

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arXiv2024

Interplay and Correlations Between Quark and Lepton Observables in Modular Symmetry Models

In a predictive modular invariant theory of flavour there should exist correlations between the quark and lepton observables. So far these observables have been analyzed separately, making it impossible to investigate their interconnections. We perform for the first time a joint analysis of quark and lepton observables (22 altogether) in a modular flavour model. The model is based on $2O$ flavour symmetry and, within its class, it is characterized by the minimal number of free parameters (14 real constants). The joint analysis shows that the model is in good agreement with the experimental data for normal neutrino mass ordering, while predicting the leptonic Dirac CP-violating (CPV) phase ($δ_{CP}$), the two Majorana CPV phases ($η_1$, $η_2$), the lightest neutrino mass ($m_1$) and the effective neutrino masses probed by beta and neutrinoless double beta decay ($m_β$ and $m_{ββ}$). A detailed comparison of the separate (lepton-only and quark-only) and combined (lepton and quark) fit results shows differences in best-fit values and jointly allowed regions, that reflect a nontrivial interplay between quark and lepton observables in the model. Most importantly, our analysis highlights the existence of significant correlations between various pairs of such observables. For instance, the ratio of the strange and bottom quark masses, $r_{sb}$, is strongly negatively correlated with each of the three lepton mixing angles and with $δ_{CP}$, $m_1$, $m_β$ and $m_{ββ}$, while being positively correlated with $η_1$ and $η_2$. These findings, that are missed in separate analyses of quark and lepton flavour sectors, fall within ranges that can be tested by current and future experiments.

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arXiv2024

Analysis of $^{115}$In $β$ decay through the spectral moment method

We analyze the $^{115}$In $β$-decay energy spectrum through the spectral moment method (SMM), previously introduced in the context of $^{113}$Cd $β$ decay. The spectral moments $μ_n$ are defined as averaged $n^{\rm th}$ powers of the $β$ particle energy, characterizing the spectrum normalization ($n=0$) and shape ($n\geq 1$) above a given threshold. For $^{115}$In, we consider three independent datasets characterized by different thresholds. We also consider three nuclear model calculations with two free parameters: the ratio of axial-vector to vector couplings, $r=g_{\rm A}/g_{\rm V}$, and the small vector-like relativistic nuclear matrix element (NME), $s=s$-NME. By using the most recent of the three datasets, we show that the first few spectral moments can determine $(r,\, s)$ values in good agreement with those obtained by full-fledged experimental fits. We then work out the SMM results for the other datasets. We find that, although $g_{\rm A}$ quenching is generally favored, the preferred quenching factors may differ considerably depending on the chosen experimental data and nuclear models. We discuss various issues affecting both the overall normalization and the low-energy behaviour of the measured and computed spectra, and their joint effects on the experimentally quoted half-life values. Further $^{115}$In $β$-decay data at the lowest possible energy threshold appear to be crucial to clarify these issues.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2023

Interplay between non-interfering neutrino exchange mechanisms and nuclear matrix elements in $0νββ$ decay

We revisit the phenomenology of neutrinoless double beta ($0νββ$) decay mediated by non-interfering exchange of light and heavy Majorana neutrinos, in the context of current and prospective ton-scale experimental searches, as well as of recent calculations of nuclear matrix elements (NME) in different nuclear models. We derive joint upper bounds on the light and heavy contributions to $0νββ$ decay, for different sets of NME, through separate and combined data coming from the following experiments (and isotopes): KamLAND-Zen and EXO (Xe), GERDA, and MAJORANA (Ge) and CUORE (Te). We further consider three proposed projects that could provide, within current bounds, possible $0νββ$ decay signals at $>\!3σ$ level with an exposure of 10 ton years: nEXO (Xe), LEGEND (Ge) and CUPID (Mo). Separate and combined (Xe, Ge, Mo) signals are studied for different representative cases and NME sets, and the conditions leading to (non)degenerate light and heavy neutrino mechanisms are discussed. In particular, the role of heavy-to-light NME ratios in different isotopes is highlighted through appropriate graphical representations. By using different sets of "true" and "test" NME as a proxy for nuclear uncertainties, it is shown that the relative contributions of light and heavy neutrino exchange to $0νββ$ signals may be significantly biased in some cases. Implications for theoretical models connecting light and heavy Majorana neutrino masses are also briefly illustrated. These results provide further motivations to improve NME calculations, so as to better exploit the physics potential of future multi-isotope $0νββ$ searches at the ton scale.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

$^{113}$Cd $β$-decay spectrum and $g_{\rm A}$ quenching using spectral moments

We present an alternative analysis of the $^{113}$Cd $β$-decay electron energy spectrum in terms of spectral moments $μ_n$, corresponding to the averaged values of $n^{\rm th}$ powers of the $β$ particle energy. The zeroth moment $μ_0$ is related to the decay rate, while higher moments $μ_n$ are related to the spectrum shape. The here advocated spectral-moment method (SMM) allows for a complementary understanding of previous results, obtained using the so-called spectrum-shape method (SSM) and its revised version, in terms of two free parameters: $r=g_{\rm A}/g_{\rm V}$ (the ratio of axial-vector to vector couplings) and $s$ (the small vector-like relativistic nuclear matrix element, $s$-NME). We present numerical results for three different nuclear models with the conserved vector current hypothesis (CVC) assumption of $g_{\rm V}=1$. We show that most of the spectral information can be captured by the first few moments which are simple quadratic forms (conic sections) in the $(r,\,s)$ plane: an ellipse for $n=0$ and hyperbolae for $n\geq 1$, all being nearly degenerate as a result of cancellations among nuclear matrix elements. The intersections of these curves, as obtained by equating theoretical and experimental values of $μ_n$, identify the favored values of $(r,\,s)$ at a glance, without performing detailed fits. In particular, we find that values around $r\sim 1$ and $s\sim 1.6$ are consistently favored in each nuclear model, confirming the evidence for $g_{\rm A}$ quenching in $^{113}$Cd, and shedding light on the role of the $s$-NME. We briefly discuss future applications of the SMM to other forbidden $β$-decay spectra sensitive to $g_{\rm A}$.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2023

Majorana neutrino mass constraints in the landscape of nuclear matrix elements

We discuss up-to-date constraints on the Majorana neutrino mass $m_{ββ}$ from neutrinoless double beta decay ($0νββ$) searches in experiments using different isotopes: KamLAND-Zen and EXO ($^{136}$Xe), GERDA and MAJORANA ($^{76}$Ge) and CUORE ($^{130}$Te). Best fits and upper bounds on $m_{ββ}$ are explored in the general landscape of nuclear matrix elements (NME), as well as for specific NME values obtained in representative nuclear models. By approximating the likelihood of $0νββ$ signals through quadratic forms, the analysis of separate and combined isotope data becomes exceedingly simple, and allows to clarify various aspects of multi-isotope data combinations. In particular, we analyze the relative impact of different data in setting upper bounds on $m_{ββ}$, as well as the conditions leading to nonzero $m_{ββ}$ at best fit, for variable values of the NMEs. Detailed results on $m_{ββ}$ from various combinations of data are reported in graphical and numerical form. Implications for future $0νββ$ data analyses and NME calculations are briefly discussed.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

The unfinished fabric of the three neutrino paradigm

In the current 3nu paradigm, flavor oscillations probe 3 mixing angles (theta_12, theta_23, theta_13), one CP phase delta, and two squared mass differences delta m^2>0 and Delta m^2, where sign(Delta m^2)=+ (-) for normal (inverted) ordering. Absolute nu masses can be probed by the effective m_beta in beta decay, by the total mass Sigma in cosmology and, if neutrinos are Majorana, by another effective m_{beta beta} in 0nu2beta decay. Within an updated global analysis of (non)oscillation data, we constrain these 3nu parameters, both separately and in selected pairs, and highlight the concordance or discordance among different constraints. Five oscillation parameters (delta m^2, Delta m^2, theta_12, theta_23, theta_13) are consistently measured, with an overall accuracy ranging from ~1% for Delta m^2 to ~6% for sin^2(theta_23) (due to its octant ambiguity). We find overall hints for normal ordering (at 2.5 sigma), as well as for theta_23<pi/4 and for sin(delta)<0 (both at 90% C.L.), and discuss some tensions among datasets. Concerning nonoscillation data, we include the recent KATRIN constraints on m_beta, and we combine the latest 76-Ge, 130-Te and 136-Xe bounds on m_{beta beta}, accounting for NME covariances. We also discuss some variants related to CMB anisotropy and lensing data, which may affect cosmological constraints on Sigma and hints on sign(Delta m^2). The default option, including all Planck results, irrespective of the lensing anomaly, sets upper bounds on Sigma at the level of ~10^-1 eV, and further favors normal ordering up to ~3 sigma. An alternative option, that includes recent ACT results + other independent results (from WMAP and selected Planck data) globally consistent with standard lensing, is insensitive to the ordering but prefers Sigma ~(few) x 10^-1 eV, with different implications for m_beta and m_{beta beta} searches. (Abridged)

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arXiv2020

Addendum to: Global constraints on absolute neutrino masses and their ordering

We revisit our previous work [Phys. Rev. D 95, 096014 (2017)] where neutrino oscillation and nonoscillation data were analyzed in the standard framework with three neutrino families, in order to constrain their absolute masses and to probe their ordering (either normal, NO, or inverted, IO). We include updated oscillation results to discuss best fits and allowed ranges for the two squared mass differences $δm^2$ and $Δm^2$, the three mixing angles $θ_{12}$, $θ_{23}$ and $θ_{13}$, as well as constraints on the CP-violating phase $δ$, plus significant indications in favor of NO vs IO at the level of $Δχ^2=10.0$. We then consider nonoscillation data from beta decay, from neutrinoless double beta decay (if neutrinos are Majorana), and from various cosmological input variants (in the data or the model) leading to results dubbed as default, aggressive, and conservative. In the default option, we obtain from nonoscillation data an extra contribution $Δχ^2 = 2.2$ in favor of NO, and an upper bound on the sum of neutrino masses $Σ< 0.15$ eV at $2σ$; both results - dominated by cosmology - can be strengthened or weakened by using more aggressive or conservative options, respectively. Taking into account such variations, we find that the combination of all (oscillation and nonoscillation) neutrino data favors NO at the level of $3.2-3.7σ$, and that $Σ$ is constrained at the $2σ$ level within $Σ< 0.12-0.69$ eV. The upper edge of this allowed range corresponds to an effective $β$-decay neutrino mass $m_β= Σ/3 = 0.23$ eV, at the sensitivity frontier of the KATRIN experiment.

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arXiv2020

Mapping reactor neutrino spectra from TAO to JUNO

The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) project aims at probing, at the same time, the two main frequencies of three-flavor neutrino oscillations, as well as their interference related to the mass ordering (normal or inverted), at a distance of ~53 km from two powerful reactor complexes in China, at Yangjiang and Taishan. In the latter complex, the unoscillated spectrum from one reactor core is planned to be closely monitored by the Taishan Antineutrino Observatory (TAO), expected to have better resolution (x 1/2) and higher statistics (x 30) than JUNO. In the context of neutrino energy spectra endowed with fine-structure features from summation calculations, we analyze in detail the effects of energy resolution and nucleon recoil on observable event spectra. We show that a model spectrum in TAO can be mapped into a corresponding spectrum in JUNO through appropriate convolutions. The mapping is exact in the hypothetical case without oscillations, and holds to a very good accuracy in the real case with oscillations. We then analyze the sensitivity to mass ordering of JUNO (and its precision oscillometry capabilities) assuming a single reference spectrum, as well as bundles of variant spectra, as obtained by changing nuclear input uncertainties in summation calculations from a publicly available toolkit. We show through a chi-squared analysis that variant spectra induce little reduction of the sensitivity in JUNO, especially when TAO constraints are included. Subtle aspects of the statistical analysis of variant spectra are also discussed.

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arXiv2017

Probing the neutrino mass ordering with KM3NeT-ORCA: Analysis and perspectives

The discrimination of the two possible options for the neutrino mass ordering (normal or inverted) is a major goal for current and future neutrino oscillation experiments. Such goal might be reached by observing high-statistics energy-angle spectra of events induced by atmospheric neutrinos and antineutrinos propagating in the Earth matter. Large volume water-Cherenkov detectors envisaged to this purpose include the so-called KM3NeT-ORCA project (in seawater) and the IceCube-PINGU project (in ice). Building upon a previous work focused on PINGU, we study in detail the effects of various systematic uncertainties on the ORCA sensitivity to the mass ordering, for the reference configuration with 9 m vertical spacing. We point out the need to control spectral shape uncertainties at the percent level, the effects of better priors on the theta-23 mixing parameter, and the benefits of an improved flavor identification in reconstructed ORCA events.

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arXiv2017

Fast flavor conversions of supernova neutrinos: Classifying instabilities via dispersion relations

Supernova neutrinos can exhibit a rich variety of flavor conversion mechanisms. In particular, they can experience "fast" self-induced flavor conversions almost immediately above the core. Very recently, a novel method has been proposed to investigate these phenomena, in terms of the dispersion relation for the complex frequency and wave number ($ω$,$k$) of disturbances in the mean field of the $ν_eν_x$ flavor coherence. We discuss a systematic approach to such instabilities, originally developed in the context of plasma physics, and based of the time-asymptotic behavior of the Green's function of the system. Instabilities are typically seen to emerge for complex $ω$, and can be further characterized as convective (moving away faster than they spread) and absolute (growing locally), depending on $k$-dependent features. Stable cases emerge when $k$ (but not $ω$) is complex, leading to disturbances damped in space, or when both $ω$ and $k$ are real, corresponding to complete stability. The analytical classification of both unstable and stable modes leads not only to qualitative insights about their features but also to quantitative predictions about the growth rates of instabilities. Representative numerical solutions are discussed in a simple two-beam model of interacting neutrinos. As an application, we argue that supernova and binary neutron star mergers exhibiting a "crossing" in the electron lepton number would lead to an absolute instability in the flavor content of the neutrino gas.

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arXiv2017

Global constraints on absolute neutrino masses and their ordering

Within the standard three-neutrino framework, the absolute neutrino masses and their ordering (either normal, NO, or inverted, IO) are currently unknown. However, the combination of current data coming from oscillation experiments, neutrinoless double beta decay searches, and cosmological surveys, can provide interesting constraints for such unknowns in the sub-eV mass range, down to O(0.1) eV in some cases. We discuss current limits on absolute neutrino mass observables by performing a global data analysis, that includes the latest results from oscillation experiments, neutrinoless double beta decay bounds from the KamLAND-Zen experiment, and constraints from representative combinations of Planck measurements and other cosmological data sets. In general, NO appears to be somewhat favored with respect to IO at the level of ~2 sigma, mainly by neutrino oscillation data (especially atmospheric), corroborated by cosmological data in some cases. Detailed constraints are obtained via the chi^2 method, by expanding the parameter space either around separate minima in NO and IO, or around the absolute minimum in any ordering. Implications for upcoming oscillation and non-oscillation neutrino experiments, including beta-decay searches, are also discussed.

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arXiv2009

Supernova neutrinos and antineutrinos: ternary luminosity diagram and spectral split patterns

In core-collapse supernovae, the nu_e and anti-nu_e species may experience collective flavor swaps to non-electron species nu_x, within energy intervals limited by relatively sharp boundaries ("splits"). These phenomena appear to depend sensitively upon the initial energy spectra and luminosities. We investigate the effect of generic variations of the fractional luminosities (l_e, l_{anti-e}, l_x) with respect to the usual "energy equipartition" case (1/6, 1/6, 1/6), within an early-time supernova scenario with fixed thermal spectra and total luminosity. We represent the constraint l_e+l_{anti-e}+4l_x=1 in a ternary diagram, which is explored via numerical experiments (in single-angle approximation) over an evenly-spaced grid of points. In inverted hierarchy, single splits arise in most cases, but an abrupt transition to double splits is observed for a few points surrounding the equipartition one. In normal hierarchy, collective effects turn out to be unobservable at all grid points but one, where single splits occur. Admissible deviations from equipartition may thus induce dramatic changes in the shape of supernova (anti)neutrino spectra. The observed patterns are interpreted in terms of initial flavor polarization vectors (defining boundaries for the single/double split transitions), lepton number conservation, and minimization of potential energy.

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arXiv2009

Supernova neutrino three-flavor evolution with dominant collective effects

Neutrino and antineutrino fluxes from a core-collapse galactic supernova are studied, within a representative three-flavor scenario with inverted mass hierarchy and tiny 1-3 mixing. The initial flavor evolution is dominated by collective self-interaction effects, which are computed in a full three-family framework along an averaged radial trajectory. During the whole time span considered (t=1-20 s), neutrino and antineutrino spectral splits emerge as dominant features in the energy domain for the final, observable fluxes. Some minor or unobservable three-family features (e.g., related to the muonic-tauonic flavor sector) are also discussed for completeness. The main results can be useful for SN event rate simulations in specific detectors.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2008

Neutrinos self interactions in Supernovae

Oscillations of neutrino emerging from a supernova core are studied. In this extremely high density region neutrino self interactions induce collective flavor transitions. When collective transitions are decoupled from matter oscillations, as for our chosen matter profile, an analytical interpretation of the collective effects is possible, by means of a mechanical analogy with a spherical pendulum. For inverted neutrino hierarchy the neutrino propagation can be divided in three regimes: synchronization, bipolar oscillations, and spectral split. Our simulation shows that averaging over neutrino trajectories does not alter the nature of these three regimes.

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