Neutrino mass hierarchy

Abstract

The neutrino mass hierarchy, i.e., whether the ν_3 neutrino mass eigenstate is heavier or lighter than the ν_1 and ν_2 mass eigenstates, is one of the remaining undetermined fundamental features of the neutrino Standard Model. Its determination would represent an important step in the formulation of the generalized model, and would have a profound impact on the quest of the nature of neutrinos (Dirac or Majorana) and the search for a theory of flavor. In this review, we summarize the status of experimental and theoretical work in this field and explore the future opportunities that emerge in light of the recently discovered non-zero and relatively large third neutrino mixing angle θ_(13).

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