May 2, 2005 | Takehiko Asaka* and Mikhail Shaposhnikov†
The paper by Takehiko Asaka and Mikhail Shaposhnikov explores the νMSM (ν Minimal Standard Model) framework, which extends the Standard Model by introducing three right-handed neutrinos with masses below the electroweak scale. This extension aims to explain both dark matter and the baryon asymmetry of the universe while being consistent with neutrino oscillation experiments. The authors derive constraints on the parameters of the νMSM, particularly focusing on the Majorana masses and Yukawa couplings. They argue that the νMSM can provide a particle physics candidate for warm dark matter and that the lightest sterile neutrino can be the dark matter candidate. The paper also discusses the generation of baryon asymmetry through CP-violating sterile neutrino oscillations, using kinetic equations to analyze the evolution of lepton asymmetries. The authors conclude that the νMSM can simultaneously explain dark matter and baryon asymmetry if the heavier sterile neutrinos are degenerate in mass, with specific mass relations and small Yukawa couplings. This model is experimentally testable and could provide insights into the nature of dark matter and baryogenesis.The paper by Takehiko Asaka and Mikhail Shaposhnikov explores the νMSM (ν Minimal Standard Model) framework, which extends the Standard Model by introducing three right-handed neutrinos with masses below the electroweak scale. This extension aims to explain both dark matter and the baryon asymmetry of the universe while being consistent with neutrino oscillation experiments. The authors derive constraints on the parameters of the νMSM, particularly focusing on the Majorana masses and Yukawa couplings. They argue that the νMSM can provide a particle physics candidate for warm dark matter and that the lightest sterile neutrino can be the dark matter candidate. The paper also discusses the generation of baryon asymmetry through CP-violating sterile neutrino oscillations, using kinetic equations to analyze the evolution of lepton asymmetries. The authors conclude that the νMSM can simultaneously explain dark matter and baryon asymmetry if the heavier sterile neutrinos are degenerate in mass, with specific mass relations and small Yukawa couplings. This model is experimentally testable and could provide insights into the nature of dark matter and baryogenesis.