The Viability of the 3 + 1 Neutrino Model in the Supernova Neutrino Process

Abstract Adopting the 3 + 1 neutrino mixing parameters by the IceCube and short baseline experiments, we investigate the sterile–active neutrino oscillation effects on the supernova neutrino process. For the sterile neutrino (ν s ), we study two different luminosity models. First, we presume that the ν s does not interact with other particles through the standard interactions apart from the oscillation with the active neutrinos. Second, we consider the ν s directly produced by ν e scattering with the matter. In both cases, we find that the pattern of neutrino oscillations drastically impacts on the ν s in supernova environments. In particular multiple resonances occur, and consequently affect thermal neutrino-induced reaction rates. As a result, 7Li, 7Be, 11B, 11C, 92Nb, 98Tc, and 138La yields in the ν-process change. Among those nuclei, we constrain the 7Li and 11B yields using the analysis of observed SiC X grains. Based on the meteoritic data, we conclude that the second model can be allowed, while the first model is excluded. The viability of the second model depends on the sterile neutrino temperature and the neutrino mass hierarchy.