Probing sterile neutrinos with exotic interactions

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We will explore the constraints on sterile neutrinos under the presence of exotic interactions, i.e. beyond the mass mixing with the SM neutrinos. This will take the form of an EFT analysis of the SM including sterile neutrinos with masses up to the electroweak scale. The goal is a comprehensive picture of existing constraints and the future potential of measurements such as of the neutrino mass (neutrinoless double beta decay, Tritium decay) and the cosmic neutrino background. The project will be conducted alongside a PhD project (2019-23), supervised by Deppisch, on data-driven methods to improve neutrinoless double beta decay nuclear matrix elements, funded by the STFC CDT in Data Intensive Science at UCL. After initial training, the student will: apply statistical techniques of parameter inference and perform an updated global fit of current and prospective neutrino mass measurements (Y1); develop an EFT framework with sterile neutrinos with effective operators and connect these to observables (Y2); analyse in detail the constraints on sterile neutrinos as well as the potential of the most promising future measurements with a focus on modifications due to exotic interactions (Y3).