Coupling Of Fermions Research Articles

Fermion bound states from Yukawa coupling with periodic bosonic background

The Yukawa coupling of fermions with a periodic bosonic background is shown to give rise to several bound states to the fermionic spectrum, with some bound states gluing together around specific energy eingenvalues as the Yukawa coupling increases. This effect induces the presence of degenerate energy states inside the fermionic gap and may be of current interest.

Wormholes without averaging

After averaging over fermion couplings, SYK has a collective field description that sometimes has “wormhole” solutions. We study the fate of these wormholes when the couplings are fixed. Working mainly in a simple model, we find that the wormhole saddles persist, but that new saddles also appear elsewhere in the integration space — “half-wormholes.” The wormhole contributions depend only weakly on the specific choice of couplings, while the half-wormhole contributions are strongly sensitive. The half-wormholes are crucial for factorization of decoupled systems with fixed couplings, but they vanish after averaging, leaving the non-factorizing wormhole behind.

Gravitational corrections to the two-loop beta function in a non-Abelian gauge theory

This paper investigates the coupling of massive fermions to gravity within the context of a non-Abelian gauge theory, utilizing the effective field theory framework for quantum gravity. Specifically, we calculate the two-loop beta function of the gauge coupling constant in a non-Abelian gauge theory, employing the one-graviton exchange approximation. Our findings reveal that gravitational corrections may lead to a nontrivial UV fixed point in the beta function of the gauge coupling constant, contingent upon the specific gauge group and the quantity of fermions involved. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Constraining Asymmetric Dark Matter using colliders and direct detection

We reappraise the viability of asymmetric dark matter (ADM) realized as a Dirac fermion coupling dominantly to the Standard Model fermions. Treating the interactions of such a DM particle with quarks/leptons in an effective-interactions framework, we derive updated constraints using mono-jet searches from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and mono-photon searches at the Large Electron-Positron (LEP) collider. We carefully model the detectors used in these experiments, which is found to have significant impact. The constraint of efficient annihilation of the symmetric part of the ADM, as well as other observational constraints are synthesized to produce a global picture. Consistent with previous work, we find that ADM with mass in the range 1–100 GeV is strongly constrained, thus ruling out its best motivated mass range. However, we find that leptophilic ADM remains allowed for ≳ 10 GeV DM, including bounds from colliders, direct detection, and stellar heating. We forecast that the Future Circular Collider for electron-positron collisions (FCC-ee) will improve sensitivity to DM-lepton interactions by almost an order of magnitude.

Pauli-type coupling of spinors and curved spacetime

Abstract In this study we prove that the Pauli interaction---which is associated with a length parameter---emerges when the minimal coupling recipe is applied to the non-degenerate Dirac Lagrangian.
The conventional Dirac Lagrangian is rendered non-degenerate if supplemented by a particular term quadratic in the derivatives of the spinors.
For dimensional reasons, this non-degenerate Dirac Lagrangian is associated with a length parameter $\ell$.
It yields---just as the conventional degenerate Dirac Lagrangian---the standard free Dirac equation in Minkowski space as the $\ell$ terms cancel when setting up the Euler-Lagrange equations.
However, if the Dirac spinor is minimally coupled to gauge fields, then the length parameter~$\ell$ becomes a physical coupling constant yielding novel interactions.
For the U($1$) symmetry the Pauli coupling of fermions to electromagnetic fields arises, modifying the fermion's magnetic moment.
We discuss the impact of these findings on electrodynamics, and estimate the upper bound of the length parameter~$\ell$ from the yet existing discrepancy between the (SM) theory and measurement of the anomalous magnetic moment of light leptons.
This, and also recent studies of the renormalization theory, suggest that the Pauli coupling of leptons to the electromagnetic field is a necessary ingredient in QED, supporting the notion of a fundamental nature of the non-degenerate Dirac Lagrangian.

In a second step we then investigate how analogous ``Pauli-type'' couplings of gravity and matter arise if fermions are embedded in curved spacetime.
The diffeomorphism and Lorentz invariance of that system leads to an anomalous spin-torsion interaction and a curvature-dependent mass correction.
We calculate the mass correction in the De~Sitter geometry of vacuum with the cosmological constant $\Lambda$.
Possible implications for the existence of effective non-zero rest masses of neutrinos are addressed.
Finally, an outlook on the impact of mass correction on the physics of ``Big Bang'' cosmology, black holes, and of neutron stars is provided.

Chiral limit and origin of topological flat bands in twisted transition metal dichalcogenide homobilayers

The observation of zero field fractional quantum Hall analogs in twisted transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) asks for a deeper understanding of what mechanisms lead to topological flat bands in two-dimensional heterostructures, and what makes TMDs an excellent platform for topologically ordered phases, surpassing twisted bilayer graphene. To this aim, we explore the chiral limits of massive Dirac theories applicable to C3-symmetric moiré materials, and show their relevance for both bilayer graphene and TMD homobilayers. In the latter, the Berry curvature of valence bands leads to relativistic corrections of the moiré potential that promote band flattening, and permit a limit with exactly flat bands with nonzero Chern number. The relativistic corrections enter as a layer-orbit coupling, analogous to spin-orbit coupling for relativistic Dirac fermions, which we show is non-negligible on the moiré scale. The Berry curvature of the TMD monolayers therefore plays an essential role in the flattening of moiré Chern bands in these heterostructures.

On the backreaction of Dirac matter in JT gravity and SYK model

We model backreaction in AdS2 JT gravity via a proposed boundary dual Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev quantum dot coupled to Dirac fermion matter and study it from the perspective of quantum entanglement and chaos. The boundary effective action accounts for the backreaction through a linear coupling of the Dirac fermions to the Gaussian-random two-body Majorana interaction term in the low-energy limit. We calculate the time evolution of the entanglement entropy between graviton and Dirac fermion fields for a separable initial state and find that it initially increases and then saturates to a finite value. Moreover, in the limit of a large number of fermions, we find a maximally entangled state between the Majorana and Dirac fields in the saturation region, implying a transition of the von Neumann algebra of observables from type I to type II. This transition in turn indicates a loss of information in the holographically dual emergent spacetime. We corroborate these observations with a detailed numerical computation of the averaged nearest-neighbor gap ratio of the boundary spectrum and provide a useful complement to quantum entanglement studies of holography.

Phenomenology of axionlike particles with universal fermion couplings revisited

Axionlike particles (ALPs) emerge in many extensions of the Standard Model as pseudo-Goldstone bosons of a spontaneously broken global symmetry. Understanding their phenomenology in high-energy collisions is crucial for optimizing experimental searches and understanding the exploration potential of future experiments. In this paper, we revise the phenomenology of ALPs with universal couplings to fermions. In particular, we analyze the hierarchy and uncertainty of the various ALP production channels depending on the proton collision energy and the placement of the experiment, and provide improved calculations of the hadronic decay modes. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

The local SYK model and its triple-scaling limit

We study a model of fermions with random couplings similar to conventional SYK with N number of flavours of fermions, at large N. Unlike the conventional SYK model, which has all-to-all couplings, the model we study, which we call local SYK, has a much less number of random couplings, just N in number and with only local interactions. It is shown that there exists a limit in which the local SYK model can be solved using the chord diagram techniques, analogous to the double-scaled limit of conventional SYK. This limit corresponds to taking the size of the fermion coupling terms, q, to scale linearly with N. A further triple-scaling limit is taken to analyze the low energy limit and it is shown that the OTOCs saturate the chaos bound, paralleling the analysis in the conventional SYK.

Tree-level new physics in R(K(∗))

We implement the [Formula: see text] fit for [Formula: see text] with possible tree-level new physics in a model-independent parametrization. Relevant Wilson coefficients are decomposed into the new physics scale, its power, and the fermionic couplings. Constraints from the branching ratio of [Formula: see text] can be naturally incorporated with the scheme. For a reasonable set of the parameter ranges it is found that the new physics is less than [Formula: see text]. Some new physics models including the leptoquark, [Formula: see text], etc. can be embraced within our framework. We give comments on new LHCb data which are close to the standard model predictions.

Non-supersymmetric SO(10) models with Gauge and Yukawa coupling unification

We study a non-supersymmetric SO(10) Grand Unification Theory with a very high energy intermediate symmetry breaking scale in which not only gauge but also Yukawa coupling unification are enforced via suitable threshold corrections and matching conditions. For gauge unification, we focus on a few symmetry breaking patterns with the intermediate gauge groups text {SU}(4)_{textrm{C}} times text {SU}(2)_{textrm{L}} times text {SU}(2)_{textrm{R}} (Pati–Salam) and text {SU}(3)_{textrm{C}} times text {SU}(2)_{textrm{L}} times text {SU}(2)_{textrm{R}}times text {U}(1)_{{textrm{B}}-{textrm{L}}} (minimal left-right symmetry) assuming an additional global U(1) Peccei–Quinn symmetry, and having the Standard Model supplemented by a second Higgs doublet field at the electroweak scale. We derive the conditions as well as the approximate analytical solutions for the unification of the gauge coupling constants at the two-loop level and discuss the constraints from proton decay on the resulting high scale. Specializing to the case of the Pati–Salam intermediate breaking pattern, we then impose also the unification of the Yukawa couplings of third generation fermions at the high scale, again at the two-loop level. In the considered context, Yukawa unification implies a relation between the fermion couplings to the 10- and 126-dimensional scalar representations of the SO(10) group. We consider one such possible relation which is obtainable in an text {E}_6 model where the previous two scalar fields are part of a single multiplet. Taking into account some phenomenological features such as the absence of flavor changing neutral currents at tree-level, we derive constraints on the parameters of the low energy model, in particular on the ratio of the two Higgs doublets vacuum expectation values tan beta .

Wilson loops and defect RG flows in ABJM

We continue our study of renormalization group (RG) flows on Wilson loop defects in ABJM theory, which we have initiated in arXiv:2211.16501. We generalize that analysis by including non-supersymmetric fixed points and RG trajectories. To this end, we first determine the “ordinary”, non-supersymmetric Wilson loops, which turn out to be two and to include an R-symmetry preserving coupling to the scalar fields of the theory, contrary to their four-dimensional counterpart defined solely in terms of the gauge field holonomy. We then deform these operators by turning on bosonic and/or fermionic couplings, which trigger an elaborate, multi-dimensional network of possible RG trajectories connecting a large spectrum of fixed points classified in terms of the amount (possibly zero) of supersymmetry and R-symmetry preserved. The β-functions are computed to leading order in the ABJM coupling but exactly in the deformation parameters, using an auxiliary one-dimensional theory on the defect and a dimensional regularization scheme. A striking result is the different behavior of the two ordinary Wilson loops, of which one turns out to be a UV unstable point while the other is IR stable. The same is true for the two 1/2 BPS Wilson loops. We interpret our results from a defect CFT (dCFT) point of view, computing the anomalous dimensions of the operators associated to the deformations and establishing appropriate g-theorems. In particular, the fermionic unstable fixed point is associated to a dCFT which is not reflection positive.

Probing a textrm{Z}^{prime } with non-universal fermion couplings through top quark fusion, decays to bottom quarks, and machine learning techniques

The production of heavy neutral mass resonances, text {Z}^{prime }, has been widely studied theoretically and experimentally. Although the nature, mass, couplings, and associated quantum numbers of this hypothetical particle are yet to be determined, current LHC experimental results have set strong constraints assuming the simplest beyond Standard Model (SM) hypotheses. We present a new feasibility study on the production of a text {Z}^{prime } boson at the LHC, with family non-universal couplings, considering proton–proton collisions at sqrt{s} = 13 and 14 TeV. Such a hypothesis is well motivated theoretically and it can explain observed differences between SM predictions and experimental results, as well as being a useful tool to further probe recent results in searches for new physics considering non-universal fermion couplings. We work under two simplified phenomenological frameworks where the textrm{Z}^{prime } masses and couplings to the SM particles are free parameters, and consider final states of the text {Z}^{prime } decaying to a pair of textrm{b} quarks. The analysis is performed using machine learning techniques to maximize the sensitivity. Despite being a well motivated physics case in its own merit, such scenarios have not been fully considered in ongoing searches at the LHC. We note the proposed search methodology can be a key mode for discovery over a large mass range, including low masses, traditionally considered difficult due to experimental constrains. In addition, the proposed search is complementary to existing strategies.

Axion-like ALPs

The Effective Field Theory (EFT) Lagrangian for a generic axion-like particle (ALP) has many free parameters, and leaves quite some freedom for the expected phenomenology. In this work, we set up more constrained EFTs by enforcing true axion-like properties for the ALP. Indeed, though the Peccei-Quinn symmetry of the QCD axion is anomalous, it is so in specific ways, and this shows up as consistency conditions between the gauge boson and fermion couplings. We propose to enforce such conditions, as inspired from the DFSZ and KSVZ scenarios, on the generic ALP EFTs. These truly axion-like ALP EFTs are then particularly well-suited as benchmark scenarios, to be used in the search for ALPs both at colliders and at low-energy experiments.

The hadron pair forward-backward asymmetry in the electron positron annihilation process

The forward-backward asymmetry is an important measurable quantity which can enable independent determination of the neutral-current couplings of fermions. In this paper, we extend the definition of the asymmetry from the partonic level to the hadronic level by calculating this asymmetry of the hadron pair in the semi-inclusive electron position annihilation process. Semi-inclusive implies that a back-to-back jet is also measured in addition to the hadron pair. Due to the limitation of the factorization theorem, we calculate this process up to leading order twist-4 level by applying the collinear expansion formalism. After obtaining the differential cross section, we calculate the forward-backward asymmetries and show them in terms of the corresponding di-hadron fragmentation functions. Di-hadron fragmentation functions are introduced to describe the hadron pair productions in the fragmentation process. With available parameterization of the functions, we present a numerical estimation of the forward-backward asymmetry. On the flip side, measurements of the forward-backward asymmetry would give strict restrictions of parameterizations of the di-hadron fragmentation functions. We also present a numerical estimation of the twist-4 di-hadron fragmentation functions in order to illustrate their contributions.

Consistency of matter coupling in modified gravity

Matter coupling in modified gravity theories is a nontrivial issue when the gravitational Lagrangian possesses a degeneracy structure to avoid the problem of the Ostrogradsky ghost. Recently, this issue was addressed for bosonic matter fields in the generalized disformal Horndeski class, which is so far the most general class of ghost-free scalar-tensor theories obtained by performing a higher-derivative generalization of invertible disformal transformations on Horndeski theories. In this paper, we clarify the consistency of fermionic matter coupling in the generalized disformal Horndeski theories. We develop the transformation law for the tetrad associated with the generalized disformal transformation to see how it affects the fermionic matter coupling. We find that the consistency of the fermionic matter coupling requires an additional condition on top of the one required for the bosonic case. As a result, we identify a subclass of the generalized disformal Horndeski class which allows for consistent coupling of ordinary matter fields, including the standard model particles.

Non-perturbative production of fermionic dark matter from fast preheating

We investigate non-perturbative production of fermionic dark matter in the early universe. We study analytically the gravitational production mechanism accompanied by the coupling of fermions to the background inflaton field. The latter leads to the variation of effective fermion mass during preheating and makes the resulting spectrum and abundance sensitive to its parameters. Assuming fast preheating that completes in less than the inflationary Hubble time and no oscillations of the inflaton field after inflation, we find an abundant production of particles with energies ranging from the inflationary Hubble rate to the inverse duration of preheating. The produced fermions can account for all observed dark matter in a broad range of parameters. As an application of our analysis, we study non-perturbative production of fermionic dark matter in the model of Palatini Higgs inflation.

ALP Production in Weak Mesonic Decays

AbstractAxion–Like–Particles are among the most economical and well motivated extensions of the Standard Model. In this work ALP production from hadronic and leptonic meson decays are studied. The hadronization part of these decay amplitudes have been obtained using Brodsky–Lepage method or LQCD, at needs. In particular, the general expressions for ALP emission in mesonic s– and t–channel tree–level processes are thoroughly discussed, for pseudoscalar and vector mesons. Accordingly, the calculation of the decay amplitudes for and are presented. Finally, bounds on the (low–energy effective Lagrangian) ALP–fermion couplings are derived, from present and future flavor experiments.

Perturbative computation in a QED3 -inspired conformal Abelian gauge model on the lattice

We perform perturbative computations in a lattice gauge theory with a conformal measure that is quadratic in a non-compact abelian gauge field and is nonlocal, as inspired by the induced gauge action in massless QED$_3$. In a previous work, we showed that coupling fermion sources to the gauge model led to nontrivial conformal data in the correlation functions of fermion bilinears that are functions of charge $q$ of the fermion. In this paper, we compute such gauge invariant fermionic observables to order $q^2$ in lattice perturbation theory with the same conformal measure. We reproduce the expectations for scalar anomalous dimension from previous estimates in dimensional regularization. We address the issue of the lattice regulator dependence of the amplitudes of correlation functions.

Majorana propagator on de Sitter space

We study the dynamics of Majorana fermions in an expanding de Sitter space and to that aim, by making use of the method of mode sums, we construct the vacuum Feynman propagator for Majorana fermions in de Sitter space. The Majorana condition implies nontrivial identities for the mode functions, which we carefully implement. We note that, under charge conjugation, the propagator transforms to minus itself, but do not discuss in detail the topological implications of this observation. We construct the propagator for a general complex mass and find that it is identical to the corresponding Dirac propagator, meaning that the coupling of fermions to the classical de Sitter gravitational background does not violate charge symmetry, i.e. it respects the Majorana condition. The complex mass propagator differs from its real mass counterpart in that the usual positive and negative energy projectors acquire a chiral rotation which depends on the phase of the mass term. We use our propagator to calculate the one-loop effective action for Majorana fermions, and find that it differs from that of Dirac fermions by a factor of 1/2, which accounts for the reduced number of degrees of freedom of the Majorana particle. Finally, we derive the Majorana and Dirac propagators for mixing n fermionic flavors and show that the number of CP-violating phases for Dirac fermions exceeds that of the Majorana fermions by {nleft( n-1right) }/{2}. This is vital for understanding how the dynamics of Dirac and Majorana fermions generate different CP-violating effects in the multi-flavor case.