Generations Of Fermions Research Articles

LHC signatures of τ-flavoured vector leptoquarks

We consider the phenomenological signatures of Simplified Models of Flavourful Leptoquarks, whose Beyond-the-Standard Model (SM) couplings to fermion generations occur via textures that are well motivated from a broad class of ultraviolet flavour models (which we briefly review). We place particular emphasis on the study of the vector leptoquark ∆μ with assignments (3,1, 2/3) under the SM’s gauge symmetry, SU(3)C× SU(2)L× U(1)Y, which has the tantalising possibility of explaining both {mathcal{R}}_{K^{left(ast right)}} and {mathcal{R}}_{D^{left(ast right)}} anomalies. Upon performing global likelihood scans of the leptoquark’s coupling parameter space, focusing in particular on models with tree-level couplings to a single charged lepton species, we then provide confidence intervals and benchmark points preferred by low (er)-energy flavour data. Finally, we use these constraints to further evaluate the (promising) Large Hadron Collider (LHC) detection prospects of pairs of τ-flavoured ∆μ, through their distinct (a)symmetric decay channels. Namely, we consider direct third-generation leptoquark and jets plus missing-energy searches at the LHC, which we find to be complementary. Depending on the simplified model under consideration, the direct searches constrain the ∆μ mass up to 1500-1770 GeV when the branching fraction of ∆μ is entirely to third-generation quarks (but are significantly reduced with decreased branching ratios to the third generation), whereas the missing-energy searches constrain the mass up to 1150-1700 GeV while being largely insensitive to the third-generation branching fraction.

Testing exotic scalars with HiggsBounds

The program HiggsBounds is a well-established tool for testing Beyond-the-Standard Model (BSM) theories with an extended Higgs sector against experimental limits from collider searches at LEP, Tevatron and LHC. Thus far, it could be applied to any neutral or charged Higgs bosons originating from the modified Higgs sector. Implicitly, these particles were assumed to exhibit a somewhat hierarchical Yukawa structure as present in the Standard Model, where in particular the couplings to first generation fermions could be neglected. In this work, we extend the HiggsBounds functionalities to go beyond these restrictions, thus making the code applicable to any neutral or charged BSM scalars. Moreover, we develop a new approach to implement experimental searches whose kinematic acceptance depends significantly on the values of the involved couplings. We achieve this by recasting the searches to general scalar models. Using this approach we incorporate relevant current experimental limits from LHC searches for exotic scalars, and present the implications of these limits for a dark matter scalar mediator model, a flipped Two-Higgs-Doublet Model and a supersymmetric model with R-parity violation.

Quantum gravity effects in the infrared: a theoretical derivation of the low-energy fine structure constant and mass ratios of elementary particles

We have recently proposed a pre-quantum, pre-spacetime theory as a matrix-valued Lagrangian dynamics on an octonionic spacetime. This theory offers the prospect of unifying internal symmetries of the standard model with pre-gravitation. We explain why such a quantum gravitational dynamics is in principle essential even at energies much smaller than Planck scale. The dynamics can also predict the values of free parameters of the low-energy standard model: these parameters arising in the Lagrangian are related to the algebra of the octonions, which define the underlying non-commutative spacetime on which the dynamical degrees of freedom evolve. These free parameters are related to the exceptional Jordan algebra \(J_3(8)\), which describes the three fermion generations. We use the octonionic representation of fermions to compute the eigenvalues of the characteristic equation of this algebra and compare the resulting eigenvalues with known mass ratios for quarks and leptons. We show that the ratios of the eigenvalues correctly reproduce the [square root of the] known mass ratios. In conjunction with the trace dynamics Lagrangian, these eigenvalues also yield a theoretical derivation of the low-energy fine structure constant.

Singlet-doublet fermion origin of dark matter, neutrino mass and W-mass anomaly

Motivated by the recently reported anomaly in W boson mass by the CDF collaboration with 7σ statistical significance, we consider a singlet-doublet (SD) Majorana fermion dark matter (DM) model where the required correction to W boson mass arises from radiative corrections induced by SD fermions. While a single generation of SD fermions, odd under an unbroken Z2 symmetry, can not explain the W boson mass anomaly while being consistent with DM phenomenology, two generations of SD fermions can do so with the heavier generation playing the dominant role in W-mass correction and lighter generation playing the role in DM phenomenology. Additionally, such multiple generations of SD fermions can also generate light neutrino masses radiatively if a Z2-odd singlet scalar is included.

The structure of cosmic strings of a U(1) gauge field for the conservation of B - L

We consider an extension of the Standard Model, where the difference between the baryon number $B$ and the lepton number $L$ is gauged with an Abelian gauge field, in order to explain the exact conservation of $B-L$. To avoid a gauge anomaly, we add a right-handed neutrino $\nu_{\rm R}$ to each fermion generation. Here it is not sterile, so the usual Majorana term is excluded by gauge invariance. We provide a mass term for $\nu_{\rm R}$ by adding a non-standard 1-component Higgs field, thus arriving at a consistent extension of the Standard Model, where the conservation of $B-L$ is natural, with a modest number of additional fields. We study the possible formation of cosmic strings by solving the coupled field equations of the two Higgs fields and the non-standard U(1) gauge field. Numerical methods provide the correspondingstring profiles, depending on the Higgs winding numbers, such that the appropriate boundary conditions in the string center and far from it are fulfilled.

Phases of confining SU(5) chiral gauge theory with three generations

We explore the possible low energy phases of the confining non-supersymmetric SU(5) chiral gauge theory with three generations of fermions in the (10+ overline{5} ) representations. This theory has the same fermion and gauge matter content as the simplest Georgi-Glashow grand unified theory of the Standard Model and has an SU(3) × SU(3) × U(1) global symmetry. Using ’t Hooft anomaly matching, most attractive channel, and soft SUSY breaking approaches, we outline a number of possible consistent low energy vacua including one with a remnant SO(3) × U(1) symmetry that is analogous to the one-generation model. For the soft SUSY breaking approach, we find that as one extrapolates to large SUSY breaking to recover the original theory, a phase transition is possible. We show that such a phase transition is guaranteed if SUSY breaking is communicated via anomaly mediation.

One generation of standard model Weyl representations as a single copy of [formula omitted

Peering in from the outside, A:=R⊗C⊗H⊗O looks to be an ideal mathematical structure for particle physics. It is 32 C-dimensional: exactly the size of one full generation of fermions. Furthermore, as alluded to earlier in [1], it supplies a richer algebraic structure, which can be used, for example, to replace SU(5) with the SU(3)×SU(2)×U(1)/Z6 symmetry of the standard model.However, this line of research has been weighted down by a difficulty known as the fermion doubling problem. That is, a satisfactory description of SL(2,C) symmetries has so far only been achieved by taking two copies of the algebra, instead of one. Arguably, this doubling of states betrays much of A's original appeal. In this article, we solve the fermion doubling problem in the context of A.Furthermore, we give an explicit description of the standard model symmetries, ▪, its gauge bosons, Higgs, and a generation of fermions, each in the compact language of this 32 C-dimensional algebra. Most importantly, we seek out the subalgebra of ▪ which is invariant under the complex conjugate - and find that it is given by su(3)C⊕u(1)EM. Could this new result provide a clue as to why the standard model symmetries break in the way that they do?

Anomalous magnetic moment and Higgs coupling of the muon in a sequential U(1) gauge model with dark matter

We study an Abelian gauge extension of the standard model with fermion families having non-universal gauge charges. The gauge charges and scalar content are chosen in such an anomaly-free way that only the third generation fermions receive Dirac masses via renormalisable couplings with the Higgs boson. Incorporating additional vector like fermions and scalars with appropriate $U(1)$ charges can lead to radiative Dirac masses of first two generations with neutral fermions going in the loop being dark matter candidates. Focusing on radiative muon mass, we constrain the model from the requirement of satisfying muon mass, recently measured muon anomalous magnetic moment by the E989 experiment at Fermilab along with other experimental bounds including the large hadron collider (LHC) limits. The anomalous Higgs coupling to muon is constrained from the LHC measurements of Higgs to dimuon decay. The singlet fermion dark matter phenomenology is discussed showing the importance of both annihilation and coannihilation effects. Incorporating all bounds lead to a constrained parameter space which can be probed at different experiments.

Leptoquark manoeuvres in the dark: a simultaneous solution of the dark matter problem and the {R}_{D^{left(ast right)}} anomalies

The measured branching fractions of B-mesons into leptonic final states derived by the LHCb, Belle and BaBar collaborations hint towards the breakdown of lepton flavour universality. In this work we take at face value the so-called {R}_{D^{left(ast right)}} observables that are defined as the ratios of neutral B-meson charged-current decays into a D(*)-meson, a charged lepton and a neutrino final state in the tau and light lepton channels. A well-studied and simple solution to this charged current anomaly is to introduce a scalar leptoquark S1 that couples to the second and third generation of fermions. We investigate how S1 can also serve as a mediator between the Standard Model and a dark sector. We study this scenario in detail and estimate the constraints arising from collider searches for leptoquarks, collider searches for missing energy signals, direct detection experiments and the dark matter relic abundance. We stress that the production of a pair of leptoquarks that decays into different final states (i.e. the commonly called “mixed” channels) provides critical information for identifying the underlying dynamics, and we exemplify this by studying the tτbν and the resonant S1 plus missing energy channels. We find that direct detection data provides non-negligible constraints on the leptoquark coupling to the dark sector, which in turn affects the relic abundance. We also show that the correct relic abundance can not only arise via standard freeze-out, but also through conversion-driven freeze-out. We illustrate the rich phenomenology of the model with a few selected benchmark points, providing a broad stroke of the interesting connection between lepton flavour universality violation and dark matter.

Probing the flavor-specific scalar mediator for the muon (g — 2) deviation, the proton radius puzzle and the light dark matter production

Flavor-specific scalar bosons exist in various Standard Model extensions and couple to a single generation of fermions via a global flavor symmetry breaking mechanism. Given this strategy, we propose a MeV flavor-specific scalar model in dimension-$5$ operator series, which explains the muon g-2 anomaly and proton radius puzzle by coupling with the muon and down-quark at the same time. The framework is consistent with the null result of high-intensity searches. Specifically, the supernova constraints for muon couplings become weakened by including the contribution of down-quark interaction. The parameter space for explaining muon $g-2$ discrepancy is available when $10\%$ energy deposition is required in the energy explosion process in the supernova, but this is ruled out by the $1\%$ energy deposition requirement. We also investigate the searches for mediator and dark matter and the resulting constraints on viable parameter space such as nuclear physics constraints, direct detection for light boosted dark matter, and possible CMB constraints. When compared to conventional dark matter production, light dark matter production has two additional modifications: bound state formation and early kinetic equilibrium decoupling. We are now looking into the implications of these effects on the relic density of light dark matter.

Collider signatures of vector-like fermions from a flavor symmetric model

We propose a model with two Higgs doublets and several SU(2) scalar singlets with a global non-Abelian flavor symmetry {mathcal{Q}}_6times {mathcal{Z}}_2 . This discrete group accounts for the observed pattern of fermion masses and mixing angles after spontaneous symmetry breaking. In this scenario only the third generation of fermions get their masses as in the Standard Model (SM). The masses of the remaining fermions are generated through a seesaw-like mechanism. To that end, the matter content of the model is enlarged by introducing electrically charged vector-like fermions (VLFs), right handed Majorana neutrinos and several SM scalar singlets. Here we study the processes involving VLFs that are within the reach of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). We perform collider studies for vector-like leptons (VLLs) and vector-like quarks (VLQs), focusing on double production channels for both cases, while for VLLs single production topologies are also included. Utilizing genetic algorithms for neural network optimization, we determine the statistical significance for a hypothetical discovery at future LHC runs. In particular, we show that we can not safely exclude VLLs for masses greater than 200 GeV. For VLQ’s in our model, we show that we can probe their masses up to 3.8 TeV, if we take only into account the high-luminosity phase of the LHC. Considering Run-III luminosities, we can also exclude VLQs for masses up to 3.4 TeV. We also show how the model with predicted VLL masses accommodates the muon anomalous magnetic moment.

B-anomalies from flavorful U(1)' extensions, safely

U(1)^prime extensions of the standard model with generation-dependent couplings to quarks and leptons are investigated as an explanation of anomalies in rare B-decays, with an emphasis on stability and predictivity up to the Planck scale. To these ends, we introduce three generations of vector-like standard model singlet fermions, an enlarged, flavorful scalar sector, and, possibly, right-handed neutrinos, all suitably charged under the U(1)^prime gauge interaction. We identify several gauge-anomaly free benchmarks consistent with B_s-mixing constraints, with hints for electron-muon universality violation, and the global b rightarrow s fit. We further investigate the complete two-loop running of gauge, Yukawa and quartic couplings up to the Planck scale to constrain low-energy parameters and enhance the predictive power. A characteristic of models is that the Z^prime with TeV-ish mass predominantly decays to invisibles, i.e. new fermions or neutrinos. Z^prime -production can be studied at a future muon collider. While benchmarks feature predominantly left-handed couplings C_9^{mu } and C_{10}^{mu }, right-handed ones can be accommodated as well.

Yukawa coupling unification in non-supersymmetric SO(10) models with an intermediate scale

We discuss the possibility of unifying in a simple and economical manner the Yukawa couplings of third generation fermions in a non-supersymmetric SO(10) model with an intermediate symmetry breaking, focusing on two possible patterns with intermediate Pati-Salam and minimal left-right groups. For this purpose, we assume a minimal Yukawa sector at high energy, starting with two Higgs bi-doublets at the intermediate scale which then simply reduce to a two Higgs doublet model at the electroweak scale. We first enforce gauge coupling unification at the two-loop level by including the threshold corrections in the renormalization group running which are generated by the heavy fields that appear at the intermediate symmetry breaking scale. We then study the running of the Yukawa couplings of the top quark, bottom quark and tau lepton at two-loops in these two breaking schemes, when the appropriate matching conditions are imposed. We find that the unification of the third family Yukawa couplings can be achieved while retaining a viable spectrum, provided that the ratio of the vacuum expectation values of the two Higgs doublet fields is large, tan⁡β≈60.

Operator bases in effective field theories with sterile neutrinos: d \u2264 9

We obtain the complete and independent bases of effective operators at mass dimension 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in both standard model effective field theory with light sterile right-handed neutrinos (νSMEFT) and low energy effective field theory with light sterile neutrinos (νLEFT). These theories provide systematical parametrizations on all possible Lorentz-invariant physical effects involving in the Majorana/Dirac neutrinos, with/without the lepton number violations. In the νSMEFT, we find that there are 2 (18), 29 (1614), 80 (4206), 323 (20400), 1358 (243944) independent operators with sterile neutrinos included at the dimension 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 for one (three) generation of fermions, while 24, 5223, 3966, 25425, 789426 independent operators in the νLEFT for two generations of up-type quarks and three generations of all other fermions.

Collider signatures of coannihilating dark matter in light of the B-physics anomalies

Motivated by UV explanations of the B-physics anomalies, we study a dark sector containing a Majorana dark matter candidate and a coloured coannihilation partner, connected to the Standard Model predominantly via a U1 vector leptoquark. A TeV scale U1 leptoquark, which couples mostly to third generation fermions, is the only successful single-mediator description of the B-physics anomalies. After calculating the dark matter relic surface, we focus on the most promising experimental avenue: LHC searches for the coloured coannihilation partner. We find that the coloured partner hadronizes and forms meson-like bound states leading to resonant signatures at colliders reminiscent of the quarkonia decay modes in the Standard Model. By recasting existing dilepton and monojet searches we exclude coannihilation partner masses less than 280 GeV and 400 GeV, respectively. Since other existing collider searches do not significantly probe the parameter space, we propose a new dedicated search strategy for pair production of the coloured partner decaying into bbττ final states and dark matter particles. This search is expected to probe the model up to dark matter masses around 600 GeV with current luminosity.

Top-flavor scheme in the context of W′ searches at LHC

Many extensions of the Standard Model predict the existence of new charged or neutral gauge bosons, with a wide variety of phenomenological implications depending on the model adopted. The search for such particles is extensively carried through at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), and it is therefore of crucial importance to have for each proposed scenario quantitative predictions that can be matched to experiments. In this work we focus on the implications of one of these models, the TopFlavor Model, proposing a charged $\text{W}^\prime$ boson that has preferential couplings to the third generation fermions. We compare such predictions to the ones from the so called Sequential Standard Model (SSM), that is used as benchmark, being one of the simplest and most commonly considered models for searches at the LHC. We identify the parameter space still open for searches at the LHC, and in particular we show that the cross section for the processes $pp \to \text{W}^\prime \to \tau \nu$ and $pp \to \text{W}^\prime \to tb$ can be up to two orders of magnitude smaller with respect to the SSM, depending on the free parameters of the model, like the particle mass and its width. This study makes the case for further searches at the LHC, and shows how a complete and systematic model independent analysis of $\text{W}^\prime$ boson phenomenology at colliders is essential to provide guidance for future searches.

Semisimple extensions of the Standard Model gauge algebra

We show how one may classify all semisimple algebras containing the $\mathfrak{su}(3)\oplus \mathfrak{su}(2) \oplus \mathfrak{u}(1)$ symmetry of the Standard Model and acting on some given matter sector, enabling theories beyond the Standard Model with unification (partial or total) of symmetries (gauge or global) to be catalogued. With just a single generation of Standard Model fermions plus a singlet neutrino, the only {gauge} symmetries correspond to the well-known algebras $\mathfrak{su}(5),\mathfrak{so}(10),$ and $\mathfrak{su}(4)\oplus \mathfrak{su}(2) \oplus \mathfrak{su}(2)$, but with two or more generations a limited number of exotic symmetries mixing flavour, colour, and electroweak degrees of freedom become possible. We provide a complete catalogue in the case of 3 generations or fewer and outline how our method generalizes to cases with additional matter.

Natural 2HDMs without FCNCs

Motivated by the fermion mass hierarchy we study the phenomenology of two flavorful two-Higgs-doublet model (2HDM) scenarios. By virtue of the flavor or singular alignment ansatz it is possible to link the mass of a subset of fermions to the vacuum-expectation-value (VEV) of a unique Higgs doublet and to simultaneously avoid flavor-changing-neutral-currents at tree-level. We explicitly construct two models called Type-A and B. There, either the top quark alone or all third generation fermions couple to the doublet with the larger VEV. The other fermions acquire their masses through the small VEV of the other doublet. Thus, more natural values for the Yukawa couplings can be obtained. The main differences between these models and conventional ones are studied including a discussion of both their structure and phenomenological consequences. In particular, as distinctive deviations for the Yukawa couplings of the light fermions are predicted we discuss possible tests at the LHC based on searches for $h\to J/\Psi + \gamma$, $h\to\mu\mu$, and heavy scalar resonances decaying to muon pairs. We find that for a wide region of parameter space this specific set of signatures can be used to distinguish among the new proposed types and the conventional ones.

Searching for heavy neutrino in terms of tau lepton at future hadron collider

The tau lepton plays important role in the correlation between the low-energy neutrino oscillation data and the lepton flavor structure in heavy neutrino decay. We investigate the lepton flavor signatures with tau lepton at hadron collider through lepton number violating (LNV) processes. In the Type I Seesaw with U$(1)_{\rm B-L}$ extension, we study the pair production of heavy neutrinos via a $Z'$ resonance. We present a detailed assessment of the search sensitivity to the channels with tau lepton in the subsequent decay of heavy neutrinos. For the benchmark model with $Z'$ only coupled to the third generation fermions, we find that the future circular collider (FCC-hh) can discover the LNV signal with tau lepton for $M_{Z'}$ up to 2.2 (3) TeV with the gauge coupling $g'=0.6$ and the integrated luminosity of 3 (30) ab$^{-1}$. The test on the flavor combinations of SM charged leptons would reveal the specific nature of different heavy neutrinos.

Complete set of dimension-nine operators in the standard model effective field theory

We present a complete and independent list of the dimension 9 operator basis in the Standard Model effective field theory by an automatic algorithm based on the amplitude-operator correspondence. A complete basis (y-basis) is first constructed by enumerating Young tableau of an auxiliary $SU(N)$ group and the gauge groups, with the equation-of-motion and integration-by-part redundancies all removed. In the presence of repeated fields, another basis (p-basis) with explicit flavor symmetries among them is derived from the y-basis, which further induces a basis of independent monomial operators through a systematic process called de-symmetrization. Our form of operators have advantages over the traditional way of presenting operators constrained by flavor relations, in the simplicity of both eliminating flavor redundancies and identifying independent flavor-specified operators. We list the 90456 (560) operators for three (one) generations of fermions, all of which violate baryon number or lepton number conservation; among them we find new violation patterns as $\Delta B = 2$ and $\Delta L = 3$, which only appear at the dimensions $d \ge 9$.