Collisional Approach for Open Neutrino Systems

Abstract

We develop a collisional framework for neutrino propagation within open quantum systems, termed the \emph{Collisional Approach for Open Neutrino Systems} (CAONS). A Born-Markov equation is derived, linking decoherence, dissipation, decay rates, and scattering cross sections. Perturbation theory is not required and the resultant master equation is applied to visible and invisible neutrino decays and propagation through a stationary medium. Comparing with previous studies on neutrino decoherence, we show that current bounds on decoherence parameters can significantly tighten constraints on neutrino couplings with dark-matter. Lastly, we establish connections between CAONS and non-Hermitian Hamiltonian approaches.