Gaugino Mass Unification Research Articles

Investigating light neutralinos at neutrino telescopes

We present a detailed analysis of the neutrino-induced muon signals coming from neutralino pair annihilations inside the Sun and the Earth with particular emphasis for light neutralinos. The theoretical model considered is an effective minimal supersymmetric extension of the standard model without gaugino-mass unification, which allows neutralinos of light masses (below 50 GeV). The muon events are divided into through-going and stopping muons, using the geometry of the Super-Kamiokande detector. In the evaluation of the signals, we take into account the relevant hadronic and astrophysics uncertainties and include neutrino oscillation and propagation properties in a consistent way. We derive the ranges of neutralino masses which could be explored at neutrino telescopes with a low muon-energy threshold (around 1 GeV) depending on the category of events and on the values of the various astrophysics and particle-physics parameters. A final analysis is focused on the upward muon fluxes which could be generated by those neutralino configurations which are able to explain the annual modulation data of the DAMA/LIBRA experiment. We show how combining these data with measurements at neutrino telescopes could help in pinning down the features of the dark matter particle and in restraining the ranges of the many quantities (of astrophysics and particle-physics origins) which enter in the evaluations and still suffer from large uncertainties.

Supersymmetric QCD effects on neutralino dark matter annihilation beyond scalar or gaugino mass unification

We describe in detail our calculation of the full supersymmetric QCD corrections to neutralino annihilation into heavy quarks and extend our numerical analysis of the resulting dark matter relic density to scenarios without scalar or gaugino mass unification. In these scenarios, the final state is often composed of top quarks and the annihilation proceeds through ${Z}^{0}$-boson or scalar top-quark exchanges. The impact of the corrections is again shown to be sizable, so that they must be taken into account systematically in global analyses of the supersymmetry parameter space.

F-theory, GUTs, and the weak scale

In this paper we study a deformation of gauge mediated supersymmetry breaking in a class of local F-theory GUT models where the scale of supersymmetry breaking determines the value of the mu term. Geometrically correlating these two scales constrains the soft SUSY breaking parameters of the MSSM. In this scenario, the hidden SUSY breaking sector involves an anomalous U(1) Peccei-Quinn symmetry which forbids bare mu and B mu terms. This sector typically breaks supersymmetry at the desired range of energy scales through a simple stringy hybrid of a Fayet and Polonyi model. A variant of the Giudice-Masiero mechanism generates the value mu ~ 10^2 - 10^3 GeV when the hidden sector scale of supersymmetry breaking is F^(1/2) ~ 10^(8.5) GeV. Further, the B mu problem is solved due to the mild hierarchy between the GUT scale and Planck scale. These models relate SUSY breaking with the QCD axion, and solve the strong CP problem through an axion with decay constant f_a ~ M_(GUT) * mu / L, where L ~ 10^5 GeV is the characteristic scale of gaugino mass unification in gauge mediated models, and the ratio \mu / L ~ M_(GUT)/M_(pl) ~ 10^(-3). We find f_a ~ 10^12 GeV, which is near the high end of the phenomenologically viable window. Here, the axino is the goldstino mode which is eaten by the gravitino. The gravitino is the LSP with a mass of about 10^1 - 10^2 MeV, and a bino-like neutralino is (typically) the NLSP with mass of about 10^2 - 10^3 GeV. Compatibility with electroweak symmetry breaking also determines the value of tan(beta) ~ 30 +/- 7.

Studying gaugino mass unification at the LHC

We begin a systematic study of how gaugino mass unification can be probed at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in a quasi-model independent manner. As a first step in that direction we focus our attention on the theoretically well-motivated mirage pattern of gaugino masses, a one-parameter family of models of which universal (high scale) gaugino masses are a limiting case. We improve on previous methods to define an analytic expression for the metric on signature space and use it to study one-parameter deviations from universality in the gaugino sector, randomizing over other soft supersymmetry-breaking parameters. We put forward three ensembles of observables targeted at the physics of the gaugino sector, allowing for a determination of this non-universality parameter without reconstructing individual mass eigenvalues or the soft supersymmetry-breaking gaugino masses themselves. In this controlled environment we find that approximately 80% of the supersymmetric parameter space would give rise to a model for which our method will detect non-universality in the gaugino mass sector at the 10% level with an integrated luminosity of order 10 inverse femptobarns. We discuss strategies for improving the method and for adding more realism in dealing with the actual experimental circumstances of the LHC.

Threshold and flavor effects in the renormalization group equations of the MSSM. II. Dimensionful couplings

We reexamine the one-loop renormalization group equations (RGEs) for the dimensionful parameters of the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) with broken supersymmetry, allowing for arbitrary flavor structure of the soft SUSY-breaking parameters. We include threshold effects by evaluating the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-functions in a sequence of (nonsupersymmetric) effective theories with heavy particles decoupled at the scale of their mass. We present the most general form for high-scale, soft SUSY-breaking parameters that obtains if we assume that the supersymmetry-breaking mechanism does not introduce new intergenerational couplings. This form, possibly amended to allow additional sources of flavor-violation, serves as a boundary condition for solving the RGEs for the dimensionful MSSM parameters. We then present illustrative examples of numerical solutions to the RGEs. We find that in a SUSY grand unified theory with the scale of SUSY scalars split from that of gauginos and higgsinos, the gaugino mass unification condition may be violated by $\mathcal{O}(10%)$. As another illustration, we show that in mSUGRA, the rate for the flavor-violating ${\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{t}}_{1}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}c{\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{Z}}_{1}$ decay obtained using the complete RGE solution is smaller than that obtained using the commonly used ``single-step'' integration of the RGEs by a factor 10--25, and so may qualitatively change expectations for topologies from top-squark pair production at colliders. Together with the RGEs for dimensionless couplings presented in a companion paper, the RGEs in Appendix B of this paper form a complete set of one-loop MSSM RGEs that include threshold and flavor-effects necessary for two-loop accuracy.

Interpreting the recent results on direct searches for dark matter particles in terms of relic neutralinos

The most recent results from direct searches for dark matter particles in the Galactic halo are examined in terms of an effective minimal supersymmetric extension of the standard model at the electroweak scale without unification of gaugino masses. We show that the annual-modulation effect at $8.2\ensuremath{\sigma}$ C.L. recently presented by the DAMA Collaboration, as the result of a combined analysis of the DAMA/NaI and the DAMA/LIBRA experiments for a total exposure of 0.82 ton yr, fits remarkably well with what is expected for relic neutralinos for a wide variety of weakly interacting massive particle distribution functions. Bounds derivable from other measurements of direct searches for dark matter particles are analyzed. We stress the role played by the uncertainties affecting the neutralino-quark couplings arising from the involved hadronic quantities. We also examine how present data on cosmic antiprotons can help in constraining the neutralino configurations selected by the DAMA effect, in connection with the values of the astrophysical parameters. Perspectives for measurements of antideuterons, possibly produced in the Galactic halo by self-annihilation of neutralinos belonging to the DAMA configurations, are examined. Finally, we discuss how findings at the LHC would impact on these issues.

Moduli stabilization and supersymmetry breaking in deflected mirage mediation

We present a model of supersymmetry breaking in which the contributions from gravity/modulus, anomaly, and gauge mediation are all comparable. We term this scenario ``deflected mirage mediation'', which is a generalization of the KKLT-motivated mirage mediation scenario to include gauge mediated contributions. These contributions deflect the gaugino mass unification scale and alter the pattern of soft parameters at low energies. In some cases, this results in a gluino LSP and light stops; in other regions of parameter space, the LSP can be a well-tempered neutralino. We demonstrate explicitly that competitive gauge-mediated terms can naturally appear within phenomenological models based on the KKLT setup by addressing the stabilization of the gauge singlet field which is responsible for the masses of the messenger fields. For viable stabilization mechanisms, the relation between the gauge and anomaly contributions is identical in most cases to that of deflected anomaly mediation, despite the presence of the K?hler modulus. Turning to TeV scale phenomenology, we analyze the renormalization group evolution of the supersymmetry breaking terms and the resulting low energy mass spectra. The approach sets the stage for studies of such mixed scenarios of supersymmetry breaking at the LHC.

Low-scale gaugino mass unification

We study a new class of scenarios with the gaugino mass unification at the weak scale. The unification conditions are generally classified and then, the mirage gauge mediation is explored where the low-energy mass spectrum is governed by a mirage of unified gauge coupling which is seen by low-energy observers. The gaugino masses have natural and stable low-scale unification. The mass parameters of scalar quarks and leptons are given by gauge couplings but exhibit no large mass hierarchy. They are nonuniversal even when mediated at the gauge coupling unification scale. In addition, the gravitino is rather heavy and not the lightest superparticle. These facts are in contrast to existing gauge and mirage mediation models. We also present several explicit models for dynamically realizing the TeV-scale unification.

Mixed higgsino dark matter from a large SU(2) gaugino mass

We observe that in SUSY models with non-universal GUT scale gaugino mass parameters, raising the GUT scale SU(2) gaugino mass |M2| from its unified value results in a smaller value of ?mHu2 at the weak scale. By the electroweak symmetry breaking conditions, this implies a reduced value of ?2 vis ? vis models with gaugino mass unification. The lightest neutralino can then be mixed Higgsino dark matter with a relic density in agreement with the measured abundance of cold dark matter (DM). We explore the phenomenology of this high |M2| DM model. The spectrum is characterized by a very large wino mass and a concomitantly large splitting between left- and right- sfermion masses. In addition, the lighter chargino and three light neutralinos are relatively light with substantial higgsino components. The higgsino content of the LSP implies large rates for direct detection of neutralino dark matter, and enhanced rates for its indirect detection relative to mSUGRA. We find that experiments at the LHC should be able to discover SUSY over the portion of parameter space where m 2350?2750 GeV, depending on the squark mass, while a 1 TeV electron-positron collider has a reach comparable to that of the LHC. The dilepton mass spectrum in multi-jet + ?+??+ETmiss events at the LHC will likely show more than one mass edge, while its shape should provide indirect evidence for the large higgsino content of the decaying neutralinos.

Higgs boson exempt no-scale supersymmetry and its collider and cosmology implications

One of the most straightforward ways to address the flavor problem of low-energy supersymmetry is to arrange for the scalar soft terms to vanish simultaneously at a scale M{sub c} much larger than the electroweak scale. This occurs naturally in a number of scenarios, such as no-scale models, gaugino mediation, and several models with strong conformal dynamics. Unfortunately, the most basic version of this approach that incorporates gaugino mass unification and zero scalar masses at the grand unification scale is not compatible with collider and dark matter constraints. However, experimental constraints can be satisfied if we exempt the Higgs bosons from flowing to zero mass value at the high scale. We survey the theoretical constructions that allow this and investigate the collider and dark matter consequences. A generic feature is that the sleptons are relatively light. Because of this, these models frequently give a significant contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, and neutralino-slepton coannihilation can play an important role in obtaining an acceptable dark matter relic density. Furthermore, the light sleptons give rise to a large multiplicity of lepton events at colliders, including a potentially suggestive clean trilepton signal at the Tevatron, and a substantial four leptonmore » signature at the LHC.« less

Light neutralino dark matter in gaugino non-universal models

We discuss the cosmology and the astrophysical signals produced by light- neutralino dark matter in the frame of an effective MSSM model without gaugino-mass unification at a grand unification scale.

Antiproton fluxes from light neutralinos

We analyze how the measurements of the low-energy spectrum of cosmic antiprotons can provide information on relic neutralinos. The analysis is focused on the light neutralinos which emerge in supersymmetric schemes where gaugino-mass unification is not assumed. We determine which ranges of the astrophysical parameters already imply stringent constraints on the supersymmetric configurations and those ranges which make the antiproton flux sensitive to the primary component generated by the neutralino self-annihilation. Our results are derived from some general properties of the antiproton flux proved to be valid for a generic cold dark matter candidate.

Mixed Wino Dark Matter: consequences for direct, indirect and collider detection

In supersymmetric models with gravity-mediated SUSY breaking and gaugino mass unification, the predicted relic abundance of neutralinos usually exceeds the strict limits imposed by the WMAP collaboration. One way to obtain the correct relic abundance is to abandon gaugino mass universality and allow a mixed wino-bino lightest SUSY particle (LSP). The enhanced annihilation and scattering cross sections of mixed wino dark matter (MWDM) compared to bino dark matter lead to enhanced rates for direct dark matter detection, as well as for indirect detection at neutrino telescopes and for detection of dark matter annihilation products in the galactic halo. For collider experiments, MWDM leads to a reduced but significant mass gap between the lightest neutralinos so that chi_2^0 two-body decay modes are usually closed. This means that dilepton mass edges-- the starting point for cascade decay reconstruction at the CERN LHC-- should be accessible over almost all of parameter space. Measurement of the m_{\tz_2}-m_{\tz_1} mass gap at LHC plus various sparticle masses and cross sections as a function of beam polarization at the International Linear Collider (ILC) would pinpoint MWDM as the dominant component of dark matter in the universe.

Supersymmetric dark matter search via spin-dependent interaction with 3He

The potentialities of MIMAC-He3, a MIcro-tpc MAtrix of Chambers of Helium-3, for supersymmetric dark matter search are discussed within the framework of effective MSSM models without gaugino mass unification at the GUT scale. A phenomenological study has been done to investigate the sensitivity of the MIMAC-He3 detector to neutralinos (Mχ˜≳6GeV/c2) via spin-dependent interaction with 3He as well as its complementarity to direct and indirect detection experiments. Comparison with other direct dark matter searches will be presented in a WIMP model-independent framework.

Direct and indirect search of light neutralinos

Direct and indirect signals for light neutralinos are discussed in the framework of an effective MSSM model without gaugino-mass unification at the grand unification scale.

Neutralino dark matter and gaugino non–universality

In the frame of an effective MSSM model without gaugino-mass unification at a grand unification scale, we set a lower bound on the neutralino mass based on the WMAP data on Ω CDM . We then discuss the prospects of detection of the light relic neutralinos which arise in this class of models; they can provide detectable rates in direct detection experiments and a detectable antiproton flux from annihilation in the galactic halo. The gamma-ray signal can reach detectable levels only for strong singular dark matter density profiles.

Indirect signals from light neutralinos in supersymmetric models without gaugino mass unification

We examine indirect signals produced by neutralino self-annihilations, in the galactic halo or inside celestial bodies, in the frame of an effective MSSM model without gaugino-mass unification at a grand unification scale. We compare our theoretical predictions with current experimental data of gamma-rays and antiprotons in space and of upgoing muons at neutrino telescopes. Results are presented for a wide range of the neutralino mass, though our discussions are focused on light neutralinos. We find that only the antiproton signal is potentially able to set constraints on very low-mass neutralinos, below 20 GeV. The gamma-ray signal, both from the galactic center and from high galactic latitudes, requires significantly steep profiles or substantial clumpiness in order to reach detectable levels. The up-going muon signal is largely below experimental sensitivities for the neutrino flux coming from the Sun; for the flux from the Earth an improvement of about one order of magnitude in experimental sensitivities (with a low energy threshold) can make accessible neutralino masses close to O, Si and Mg nuclei masses, for which resonant capture is operative.

Absolute mass lower limit for the lightest neutralino of the MSSM from e+e− data at [formula omitted] up to 209 GeV

Charginos and neutralinos are searched for in the data collected by the ALEPH experiment at LEP for centre-of-mass energies up to 209 GeV. The negative result of these searches is combined with those from searches for sleptons and Higgs bosons to derive an absolute lower limit of 43.1 GeV/c2 on the mass of the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP), assumed to be the lightest neutralino. This limit is obtained in the framework of the MSSM with R-parity conservation and with gaugino and sfermion mass unification at the GUT scale and assuming no mixing in the stau sector. The LSP limit degrades only slightly to 42.4 GeV/c2 if stau mixing is considered. Within the more constrained framework of minimal supergravity, the limit is 50 GeV/c2.

Lower bound on the neutralino mass from new data on CMB and implications for relic neutralinos

In the framework of an effective minimal supersymmetric extension of the standard model without gaugino-mass unification at a grand unification scale, we set a lower bound on the neutralino mass based on the new WMAP data on ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{\mathrm{CDM}}$ $(R$-parity conservation is assumed). Our lower bound ${m}_{\ensuremath{\chi}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}6\mathrm{GeV}$ leaves much room for relic neutralinos significantly lighter than those commonly considered ${(m}_{\ensuremath{\chi}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}50\mathrm{GeV}).$ We prove that these light neutralinos may produce measurable effects in weakly interacting massive particle direct detection experiments of low energy threshold and large exposure.

Absolute lower limits on the masses of selectrons and sneutrinos in the MSSM

The results of searches for selectrons, charginos and neutralinos performed with the data collected by the ALEPH detector at LEP at centre-of-mass energies up to 209 GeV are interpreted in the framework of the Minimal Supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model with R-parity conservation. Under the assumptions of gaugino and sfermion mass unification and no sfermion mixing, an absolute lower limit of 73 GeV/c2 is set on the mass of the lighter selectron ẽR at the 95% confidence level. Similarly, limits on the masses of the heavier selectron ẽL and of the sneutrino ν̃e are set at 107 and 84 GeV/c2, respectively. Additional constraints are derived from the results of the searches for Higgs bosons. The results are also interpreted in the framework of minimal supergravity.