Supernova deleptonization asymmetry: Impact on self-induced flavor conversion

Abstract

During the accretion phase of a core-collapse supernova (SN), the deleptonization flux has recently been found to develop a global dipole pattern (LESA---Lepton Emission Self-sustained Asymmetry). The $\nu_e$ minus $\bar\nu_e$ flux essentially vanishes in one direction, potentially facilitating self-induced flavor conversion. On the other hand, below the stalled shock wave, self-induced flavor conversion is typically suppressed by multi-angle matter effects, preventing any impact of flavor conversion on SN explosion dynamics. In a schematic model of SN neutrino fluxes, we study the impact of modified $\bar\nu_e$-$\nu_e$ flux asymmetries on collective flavor conversion. In the parameter space consisting of matter density and effective neutrino density, the region of instability with regard to self-induced flavor conversion is much larger for a vanishing lepton number flux, yet this modification does not intersect a realistic SN profile. Therefore, it appears that, even in the presence of LESA, self-induced flavor conversion remains suppressed below the shock front.