Large-Theta(13) Perturbation Theory of Neutrino Oscillation

Abstract

Keeping in mind the possibility of large theta(13), which will be soon explored by reactor and accelerator experiments, I formulate a perturbation theory of neutrino oscillation under the ansatz, sin^2(theta_{13}) \simeq Delta m^2_{21}/\Delta m^2_{31} \simeq 0.03, which is comparable to the Chooz limit. Under the framework, I derive the perturbative formula of the nu_{e} appearance probability valid to order \epsilon^2 in which effects of arbitrary matter density profile is taken into account. I use the formula to analyze problem of possible obstruction to detecting lepton CP violation by effects of asymmetry in matter density profile. Though the asymmetry could be large for neutrino trajectories which traverse both continental and sea crust, its effect on obscuring CP violation measurement is found to be quite small.