Non-Zero Electric Charge of the Neutrino and the Solar Neutrino Problem

Abstract

It has recently been shown that the neutrino can have non-zero electric charge in a number of gauge theories, including the Minimal Standard Model. Assuming non-zero neutrino charge, we develop a new approach to the solar neutrino problem. The key idea is that the charged neutrinos will be deflected by the Lorentz force while they are crossing the solar magnetic fields. Such a deflection will result in the anisotropy of the solar neutrino flux. Because of this anisotropy, the solar neutrino flux registered on earth can be reduced as compared to the Standard Solar Model prediction. The mechanism is purely classical and does not require neutrino oscillations, spin-flip or neutrino decay. We discuss qualitatively the consequences of our scenario for present and future solar neutrino experiments as well as differences between our mechanism and other proposed solutions.