Neutron-antineutron oscillations: Theoretical status and experimental prospects

摘要

The observation of neutrons turning into antineutrons would constitute a discovery of fundamental importance for particle physics and cosmology. Observing the n-(n) over bar transition would show that baryon number (B) is violated by two units and that matter containing neutrons is unstable. It would provide a clue to how the matter in our universe might have evolved from the B = 0 early universe. If seen at rates observable in foreseeable next-generation experiments, it might well help us understand the observed baryon asymmetry of the universe. A demonstration of the violation of B-L by 2 units would have a profound impact on our understanding of phenomena beyond the Standard Model of particle physics.