Neutrino Tomography — Learning About The Earth’s Interior Using The Propagation Of Neutrinos

Abstract

Because the propagation of neutrinos is affected by the presence of Earth matter, it opens new possibilities to probe the Earth's interior. Different approaches range from techniques based upon the interaction of high energy (above TeV) neutrinos with Earth matter, to methods using the MSW effect on the oscillations of low energy (MeV to GeV) neutrinos. In principle, neutrinos from many different sources (sun, atmosphere, supernovae, beams etc.) can be used. In this talk, we summarize and compare different approaches with an emphasis on more recent developments. In addition, we point out other geophysical aspects relevant for neutrino oscillations.

Coherent Quantum Tomography

“…We emphasize that neutrino absorption tomography (as discussed in [46,22,45,66]) is significantly different from neutrino oscillation tomography discussed in this article. For physical articles on neutrino oscillation tomography, we refer to [35,28,25,66]. Neutrino tomography could complement existing geophysical imaging methods as discussed in the cited articles.…”

“…Photons can be replaced with neutrinos as mentioned in the introduction, and computerized tomography with muons has been proposed in [58]. We emphasize that neutrino absorption tomography (as discussed in [46,22,45,66]) is significantly different from neutrino oscillation tomography discussed in this article. For physical articles on neutrino oscillation tomography, we refer to [35,28,25,66].…”

Down to Earth Underdetermination

“…The idea of neutrino tomography, which has not yet been put into practice, seems to have originated in a science fiction novel, Clement (1971). For a recent discussion of this technique, see, e.g., Winter (2006). 7 For discussions of several popular approaches, see Parker (1994) and Tarantola (2005).…”

Neutrino tomography of the earth

“…Neutrinos can be used to study the Earth's interior in several ways [3]. Our knowledge of neutrino propagation through the Earth may give relevant information about the Earth's density profile.…”