Abstract
The previously published atmospheric neutrino data did not distinguish whether muon neutrinos were oscillating into tau neutrinos or sterile neutrinos, as both hypotheses fit the data. Using data recorded in 1100 live days of the Super-Kamiokande detector, we use three complementary data samples to study the difference in zenith angle distribution due to neutral currents and matter effects. We find no evidence favoring sterile neutrinos, and reject the hypothesis at the confidence level. On the other hand, we find that oscillation between muon and tau neutrinos suffices to explain all the results in hand.
- Received 21 August 2000
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.85.3999
©2000 American Physical Society