Constraints on a general 3-generation neutrino mass matrix from neutrino data: application to the MSSM with R-parity violation

We consider a general symmetric (3 x 3) mass matrix for three generations o f neutrinos. Imposing the constraints, from the atmospheric neutrino and so lar neutrino anomalies as well as from the CHOOZ experiment, on the mass sq uared differences and on the mixing angles, we identify the ranges of allow ed inputs for the 6 matrix elements. We apply our results to Majorana left- handed neutrino masses generated at tree level and through fermion-sfermion loop diagrams in the MSSM with R-parity violation. The present experimenta l results on neutrinos from laboratories, cosmology and astrophysics are im plemented to either put bounds on trilinear (lambda(ijk), lambda'(ijk)) and bilinear (mu(e,mu,tau)) R-parity-violating couplings or constrain combinat ions of products of these couplings. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rig hts reserved.