mu-tau symmetry in Zee-Babu model

Abstract

We study the Zee-Babu two-loop neutrino mass generation model and look for a possible flavor symmetry behind the tri-bimaximal neutrino mixing. We find that there probably exists the mu-tau symmetry in the case of the normal neutrino mass hierarchy, whereas there may not be in the inverted hierarchy case. We also propose a specific model based on a Froggatt-Nielsen-like $Z_5$ symmetry to naturally accomplish the mu-tau symmetry on the neutrino mass matrix for the normal hierarchy case.