The process in the early universe that led to the asymmetry between matter and antimatter.
What is leptogenesis?
A theoretical concept that explains the origin of the imbalance between matter and antimatter by introducing new particles called leptons.
What causes the imbalance between matter and antimatter in the universe?
Baryogenesis & Leptogenesis
What is the significance of baryogenesis and leptogenesis?
Understanding these processes helps explain why there is more matter than antimatter in the universe.
How do baryogenesis and leptogenesis differ?
In baryogenesis, the asymmetry between matter and antimatter is explained by interactions involving quarks, while in leptogenesis, this imbalance is explained by interactions involving leptons.
What are the key components of baryogenesis?
Sphalerons, CP-violation, and out-of-equilibrium processes.
What particle is responsible for leptogenesis?
Neutrinos
What are the possible sources of CP-violation required for baryogenesis?
Quark mixing, quark/lepton misalignment, and supersymmetric particles.
What are the challenges in explaining baryogenesis and leptogenesis?
The smallness of CP-violation observed in nature and the generation of the baryon asymmetry while maintaining thermal equilibrium.
What are the potential consequences if baryogenesis and leptogenesis are not fully understood?
An inability to explain why there is more matter than antimatter in the universe.
What other theories exist to explain the matter-antimatter asymmetry?
GUT baryogenesis, electroweak baryogenesis, and cosmic inflation.
What is the current status of experimental evidence for baryogenesis and leptogenesis?
There is currently no direct experimental evidence, but indirect observations provide support for these theories.
What are some potential future experiments to investigate baryogenesis and leptogenesis?
Precision measurements of CP-violation in particle decays and searches for new particles and interactions related to leptogenesis.
What is the role of neutrinos in leptogenesis?
Neutrinos can act as a source of CP-violation and their interactions can influence the matter-antimatter imbalance.
What is the connection between baryogenesis, leptogenesis, and the Big Bang?
These processes are believed to have occurred during the early stages of the universe, shortly after the Big Bang.