Sterile neutrinos and supernova nucleosynthesis

Abstract

The role of the sterile neutrinos to the r-process nucleosynthesis in supernova explosions is studied. Previously it has been argued that a large part of neutrino mixing can be excluded if the supernovae are the origin of the heavy elements. It is shown that a conversion to sterile neutrinos may evade those limits. The possibility that such conversions can enhance the nucleosynthesis is investigated. The desired mass spectrum is consistent with neutrino masses suggested by other observed phenomena, like the solar neutrino problem, the atmospheric neurino problem, dark matter and the LSND signals.