Prospects for distinguishing supernova models using a future neutrino signal

The next Galactic core-collapse supernova (SN) should yield a large number of observed neutrinos. Using Bayesian techniques, we show that with a SN at a known distance up to 25 kpc, the neutrino events in a water Cherenkov detector similar to Super-Kamiokande (SK) could be used to distinguish between seven one-dimensional neutrino emission models assuming no flavor oscillations or the standard MikheyevSmirnov-Wolfenstein effect. Some of these models could still be differentiated with a SN at a known distance of 50 kpc. We also consider just the relative distributions of neutrino energy and arrival time predicted by the models and find that a detector like SK meets the requirement to distinguish between these distributions with a SN at an unknown distance up to-10 kpc.

Automated summary

The next Galactic core-collapse supernova is expected to generate a significant number of observable neutrinos. By analyzing the neutrino events detected by a water Cherenkov detector like Super-Kamiokande, different one-dimensional neutrino emission models can be distinguished. The relative distributions of neutrino energy and arrival time predicted by these models can also be differentiated using the detector.