A Potential issue for the OPERA neutrino velocity measurement

Abstract

We discuss a conceptual issue concerning the OPERA neutrino velocity measurement, in connection with the statistical procedure employed for the inference of the neutrino time of flight. We show that the use of an incorrect procedure for calculating the time distribution of the emitted neutrinos, may have induced a shift in the estimate of the neutrino time of flight in the same direction (reduction) and with size compatible with that one observed by the experiment. We also show how the potential error we are pointing out, if effectively occurred, would have eluded all the Monte Carlo tests. At present, only the collaboration has the information necessary to clarify the issue, make more quantitative estimates and trace definitive conclusions.