Parametric Resonance in Oscillations of Atmospheric Neutrinos?

Abstract

We consider a solution of the atmospheric neutrino problem based on oscillations of muon neutrinos to sterile neutrinos: $\nu_{\mu}$ $\leftrightarrow$ $\nu_s$. The zenith angle ($\Theta$) dependences of the neutrino and upward-going muon fluxes in presence of these oscillations are studied. The dependences have characteristic form with two dips: at $\cos \Theta = -0.6 \div -0.2$ and $\cos \Theta = -1.0 \div -0.8$. The latter dip is due to parametric resonance in oscillations of neutrinos which cross the core of the earth. A comparison of predictions with data from the MACRO, Baksan and Super-Kamiokande experiments is given.