Abstract
The effect of gravitational fluctuations on the quantum effective potential for scalar fields is a key ingredient for predictions of the mass of the Higgs boson, understanding the gauge hierarchy problem and a possible explanation of an---asymptotically---vanishing cosmological constant. We find that the quartic self-interaction of the Higgs scalar field is an irrelevant coupling at the asymptotically safe ultraviolet fixed point of quantum gravity. This renders the ratio between the masses of the Higgs boson and top quark predictable. If the flow of couplings below the Planck scale is approximated by the Standard Model, this prediction is consistent with the observed value. The quadratic term in the Higgs potential is irrelevant if the strength of gravity at short distances exceeds a bound that is determined here as a function of the particle content. In this event, a tiny value of the ratio between the Fermi scale and the Planck scale is predicted.
Highlights
We find that the quartic self-interaction of the Higgs scalar field is an irrelevant coupling at the asymptotically safe ultraviolet fixed point of quantum gravity
If the flow of couplings below the Planck scale is approximated by the Standard Model, this prediction is consistent with the observed value
The quantum effective potential for the Higgs field is the central quantity for understanding the electroweak symmetry breaking in the Standard Model of particle physics (SM)
Summary
The quantum effective potential for the Higgs field is the central quantity for understanding the electroweak symmetry breaking in the Standard Model of particle physics (SM). The size of A depends strongly on the fixed-point value of the dimensionless Planck mass This value depends, in turn, on the precise particle content of the model and requires a computation of the flow equation with similar detail as the one for the effective potential investigated here. Once this task is accomplished, a definite statement on the predictive power of asymptotic safety for the gauge hierarchy will be possible.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.