Standard Model Fermion Masses Research Articles

Gauge and scalar boson mediated proton decay in a predictive SU(5) GUT model

We assess proton decay signatures in the simplest viable SU(5) model with regard to constraints on parameters governing the Standard Model fermion mass spectrum. Experimental signals for all eight two-body proton decay processes result from exchange of two gauge bosons, a single scalar leptoquark, or their combination. Consequently, it enables us to delve into an in-depth anatomy of proton decay modes and anticipate future signatures. Our findings dictate that observing a proton decay into p→π0e+ indicates gauge boson mediation, with the potential for observation of p→η0e+ mode. Alternatively, if decay is through the p→K+ν¯ process, it is mediated by a scalar leptoquark, possibly allowing the observation of p→π0μ+. Detection of both p→π0e+ and p→K+ν¯ could enhance p→π0μ+ through constructive interference. The model predicts inaccessibility of p→π+ν¯, p→η0μ+, p→K0e+, and p→K0μ+, regardless of the dominant mediation type, in the coming decades. In summary, through a comprehensive analysis of proton decay signals, gauge coupling unification, and fermion masses and mixing, we both accurately and precisely constrain the parameter space of the SU(5) model in question. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Fatjet signatures of heavy neutrinos and heavy leptons in a left-right model with universal seesaw at the HL-LHC

We perform a collider search for fatjet signals originating from boosted heavy neutral and charged leptons with masses between a few hundred GeV to a TeV. These heavy leptons originate from the decay of heavy gauge bosons with masses above 4 TeV in a left-right symmetric extension of the Standard Model (SM), which considers a universal seesaw mechanism for the generation of all the SM fermion masses. The fatjet signals arise naturally in this model due to the presence of heavy seesaw partners of the SM fermions which decay to SM gauge bosons carrying large boosts. We employ substructure based variables lepton sub-jet fraction (LSF) and lepton mass drop (LMD) together with kinematic variables of fatjets to look for fatjet signals associated with non-isolated leptons. These variables help in reducing the SM backgrounds while retaining enough statistics for signal events, which leads to a robust discovery potential at the high-luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC).

Standard Model Fermion Masses and Charges from Holographic Analysis

Standard Model Fermion Masses and Charges from Holographic Analysis

Fermion mass hierarchy and mixing in simplified grand gauge–Higgs unification

Grand gauge–Higgs unification of five-dimensional SU(6) gauge theory on an orbifold S 1/Z 2 with localized gauge kinetic terms is discussed. The Standard Model (SM) fermions on the boundaries and some massive bulk fermions coupling to the SM fermions are introduced. Compared to the previous model, the number of bulk fermions is reduced, which reproduces the generation mixing of SM fermions and SM fermion mass hierarchy by mildly tuning the bulk masses and parameters of the localized gauge kinetic terms.

Exploring freeze-out and freeze-in dark matter via effective Froggatt-Nielsen theory

Motivated by the dynamical reasons for the hierarchical structure of the Yukawa sector of the Standard Model (SM), we consider an extension of the SM with a complex scalar field, known as `flavon', based on the Froggatt-Nielsen mechanism. In an effective theory approach, the SM fermion masses and mixing patterns are generated in orders of the parameter related to the vacuum expectation value of the flavon field and the cut-off of the effective theory. By introducing right-handed neutrinos, we study the viability of the lightest right-handed neutrino as a dark matter candidate, where the same flavon field acts as a mediator between the dark and the SM sectors. We find that dark matter genesis is achieved both through freeze-out and freeze-in mechanisms encompassing the 𝒪(GeV) – 𝒪(TeV) mass range of the mediator and the dark matter particle. In addition to tree-level spin-dependent cross section, the model gives rise to tree- and loop-level contributions to spin-independent scattering cross section at the direct detection experiments such as XENON and LUX-ZEPLIN which can be probed in their future upgrades. By choosing suitable Froggatt-Nielsen charges for the fermions, we also generate the mass spectrum of the SM neutrinos via the Type-I seesaw mechanism. Flavor-changing neutral current processes, such as radiative lepton decay, meson mixing, and top-quark decay remain the most constraining channels and provide testability for this minimal setup that addresses several major shortcomings of the SM.

Gravitational waves from SU(N)/SP(N) composite Higgs models

We study possible strong first-order electroweak phase transitions in Composite Higgs models and we quantify the part of parameter space that can be probed with future gravitational wave experiments. We focus on models where the Composite Higgs sector arises from underlying four-dimensional strongly interacting gauge theories with fermions, and where the Standard Model fermion masses are induced via linear mixing terms with composite fermions — the so-called fermion partial compositeness framework. We perform our analysis for the general class of Composite Higgs models arising from N Weyl fermions in a pseudo-real representation of the new strongly interacting gauge group that dynamically triggers the global chiral symmetry breaking pattern SU(N) → Sp(N). The minimal model has N = 4 and for N > 4 the models feature complex scalar dark matter candidates arising as pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone bosons. We find a large number of points in the models parameter space which yield strong first-order electroweak phase transitions and identify the most important operators characterizing the strength of the phase transition. Almost all of these points are testable with future GW detectors such as LISA, Taiji, Tianqin, BBO, DECIGO and Ultimate-DECIGO.

A predictive and testable unified theory of fermion masses, mixing and leptogenesis

We consider a minimal non-supersymmetric SO(10) Grand Unified Theory (GUT) model that can reproduce the observed fermionic masses and mixing parameters of the Standard Model. We calculate the scales of spontaneous symmetry breaking from the GUT to the Standard Model gauge group using two-loop renormalisation group equations. This procedure determines the proton decay rate and the scale of U(1)B−L breaking, which generates cosmic strings and the right-handed neutrino mass scales. Consequently, the regions of parameter space where thermal leptogenesis is viable are identified and correlated with the fermion masses and mixing, the neutrinoless double beta decay rate, the proton decay rate, and the gravitational wave signal resulting from the network of cosmic strings. We demonstrate that this framework, which can explain the Standard Model fermion masses and mixing and the observed baryon asymmetry, will be highly constrained by the next generation of gravitational wave detectors and neutrino oscillation experiments which will also constrain the proton lifetime.

Monopoles, exotic states and muon g-2 in TeV scale trinification

We study the low energy implications of a trinification model based on the gauge symmetry G= SU(3)_c times SU(3)_L times SU(3)_R, without imposing gauge coupling unification. A minimal model requires two Higgs multiplets that reside in the bi-fundamental representation of G, and this is shown to be adequate for accommodating the Standard Model (SM) fermion masses and generate, via loop corrections and seesaw mechanism, suitable masses for the heavy neutral leptons as well as the observed SM neutrinos. We estimate a lower bound of around 15 TeV for the masses of the new down- type quarks that are required by the SU(3)_L times SU(3)_R symmetry. We examine the resonant production at the LHC of the new gauge bosons, which leads to a lower bound of 16 TeV for the symmetry breaking scale of G. We also show how the muon g-2 anomaly can be resolved in the presence of these new gauge bosons and the heavy charged leptons present in the model. Finally, the model predicts the presence of a topologically stable monopole carrying three quanta (6 pi /e) of Dirac magnetic charge and mass gtrsim 160 TeV. If new matter fields lying in the fundamental representations of G are included, the model predicts the presence of exotic leptons, mesons and baryons carrying fractional electric charges such as pm e/3 and pm 2e/3, fully compatible with the Dirac quantization condition.

Technically natural Higgs boson from Planck scale

We propose UV complete (Partially) Composite Higgs models with compositeness scale up to the Planck scale assisted by a novel mechanism. This mechanism is based on softly breaking a global $ \mathbb{Z}_2 $ symmetry by technically natural small vacuum misalignment, dynamically triggering the electroweak symmetry breaking and Standard Model fermion mass generation. This mechanism can be present in various models based on vacuum misalignment. For concreteness, we demonstrate it in a minimal partially composite two-Higgs scheme, where the Higgs is a mixture of a composite and an elementary state, transforming odd under an $ \mathbb{Z}_2 $ symmetry. For this concrete model example, all the dimensionful fundamental parameters are approximately $ \mathcal{O}(10^{18}) $ GeV. We study the vacuum stability of this model by investigating the renormalization group running of the quartic coupling of the Higgs. Furthermore, the parameter space can already be searched by gravitational waves from a confinement-induced phase transition. Finally, the mass and mixing of the neutrinos may be naturally generated via loops of a second Higgs doublet, transforming even under the $ \mathbb{Z}_2 $ symmetry, which may be challenged by lattice calculations and a more accurate measurement of the top mass.

The supersymmetry breaking soft terms, and fermion masses and mixings in the supersymmetric Pati-Salam model from intersecting D6-branes

A supersymmetric Pati-Salam model with wrapping number equal to 5 has been constructed in Type IIA orientifolds on T6/(ℤ2× ℤ2) with intersecting D6-branes recently. In particular, the string-scale gauge coupling unification can be achieved due to the intermediate-scale vector-like particles from mathcal{N} = 2 sector. We calculate the supersymmetry breaking soft terms, and study the Standard Model (SM) fermion masses and mixings. There are nine pairs of Higgs doublets from mathcal{N} = 2 sector. Interestingly, we can explain the SM quark masses and mixings, as well as the charged leptons masses from three point and four-point Yukawa interactions. Moreover, we calculate the supersymmetry breaking soft terms in a previous model with gauge coupling unification since we find a typo in the previous study.

Light sterile neutrinos and a high-quality axion from a holographic Peccei-Quinn mechanism

We present a 5D axion-neutrino model that explains the Standard Model fermion mass hierarchy and flavor structure, while simultaneously generating a high-quality axion. The axion and right-handed neutrinos transform under a 5D Peccei-Quinn gauge symmetry, and have highly suppressed profiles on the UV brane where the symmetry is explicitly broken. This setup allows neutrinos to be either Dirac, or Majorana with hierarchically small sterile neutrino masses. The axion decay constant originates from the IR scale, which in the holographically dual 4D description corresponds to the confinement scale of some new strong dynamics with a high-quality global Peccei-Quinn symmetry that produces a composite axion and light, composite sterile neutrinos. The sterile neutrinos could be observed in astrophysical or laboratory experiments, and the model predicts specific axion--neutrino couplings.

Electron Mass Is Specified by Five Fundamental Constants, <i>a</i>, <i>ħ</i>, <i>G</i>, Λ, and Ω<sub>Λ</sub>, from Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity

Electron mass has been considered a fundamental constant of nature that cannot be calculated from other constants such as Planck’s constant ħ and gravitational constant G. In contrast, holographic analysis takes account of the finite amount of information available to describe the universe and specifies electron mass to six significant figures in terms of five fundamental constants: fine structure constant a, ħ , G, cosmological constant Λ, and vacuum fraction ΩΛ of critical density. A holographic analysis accounts for charge conservation, mass quantization, and baryon/antibaryon ratio. A holographic analysis relates electromagnetism and gravitation, specifies electron Compton wavelength in terms of Planck length and cosmological event horizon radius, and has implications for charged Standard Model fermion masses, minimum stellar mass at redshift z, and use of continuum mathematics in a discontinuous universe.

Fermion mass hierarchy and g \u2212 2 anomalies in an extended 3HDM Model

We propose an extension of the three-Higgs-doublet model (3HDM), where the Standard Model (SM) particle content is enlarged by the inclusion of two inert SU2L scalar doublets, three inert and two active electrically neutral gauge singlet scalars, charged vector like fermions and Majorana neutrinos. These additional particles are introduced to generate the SM fermion mass hierarchy from a sequential loop suppression mechanism. In our model the top and exotic fermion masses appear at tree level, whereas the remaining fermions get their masses radiatively. Specifically, bottom, charm, tau and muon masses appear at 1-loop; the masses for the light up, down and strange quarks as well as for the electron at 2-loop and masses for the light active neutrinos at 3-loop. Our model successfully accounts for SM fermion masses and mixings and accommodates the observed Dark Matter relic density, the electron and muon anomalous magnetic moments, as well the constraints arising from charged Lepton Flavor Violating (LFV) processes. The proposed model predicts charged LFV decays within the reach of forthcoming experiments.

A modified version of the Koide formula from flavor nonets in a scalar potential model and in a Yukawaon model

We present a modified version of the Koide formula from a scalar potential model or from a Yukawaon model, based on scalar fields set up in a nonet representation of the SU(3) flavor symmetry in the Standard Model. The Koide's character, which involves the Standard Model fermion mass ratios, is derived from the vacuum expectation value of the nonet field in either model. The scalar potential in the scalar potential model or the superpotential in the Yukawaon model is constructed with all terms invariant under symmetries. The resulting Koide's character, which is modified by two effective parameters, can fit the experimental mass data of charged leptons, up quarks and down quarks. It offers a natural interpretation of the Standard Model fermion mass spectrum.

Fermion masses and mixings in a U(1)X model based on the Σ(18) discrete symmetry

Abstract We have built a renormalizable $U(1)_X$ model with a $\Sigma (18)\times Z_4$ symmetry, whose spontaneous breaking yields the observed standard model (SM) fermion masses and fermionic mixing parameters. The tiny masses of the light active neutrinos are produced by the type I seesaw mechanism mediated by very heavy right-handed Majorana neutrinos. To the best of our knowledge, this model is the first implementation of the $\Sigma (18)$ flavor symmetry in a renormalizable $U(1)_X$ model. Our model allows a successful fit for the SM fermion masses, fermionic mixing angles, and CP phases for both quark and lepton sectors. The obtained values for the physical observables of both quark and lepton sectors are in accordance with the experimental data. We obtain an effective neutrino mass parameter of $\langle m_{ee}\rangle=1.51\times 10^{-3}\, \mathrm{eV}$ for normal ordering (NO) and $\langle m_{ee}\rangle =4.88\times 10^{-2} \, \mathrm{eV}$ for inverted ordering (IO), which are well consistent with the recent experimental limits on neutrinoless double beta decay.

Higgs flavor phenomenology in a supersymmetric left-right model with parity

In this paper, we focus on the supersymmetric model with left-right (LR) symmetry, that is especially proposed in our previous work [1]. In this model, there are four Higgs doublets in order to realize the Standard Model (SM) fermion masses and the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix. The heavy Higgs doublets unavoidably have flavor changing couplings to the SM fermions and induce flavor-changing neutral currents at tree level. We study broader parameter space than the previous work with including the renormalization group corrections to the Yukawa couplings between the LR breaking scale, mathcal{O} (1013) GeV, and the supersymmetry breaking scales, mathcal{O} (100) TeV. The CP violating observable in K– overline{K} mixing, ϵK, strongly constrains the model, so that heavy Higgs mass should be heavier than mathcal{O} (100) TeV. We study the lepton flavor violating (LFV) processes setting heavy Higgs masses to be 170 TeV. The branching ratios of μ → 3e and the μ–e conversion can be larger than 10−16 that could be covered by the future experiments. We also study the degree of fine-tuning in the parameter region that predicts testable LFV processes.

Improving fermion mass hierarchy in grand gauge\u2013Higgs unification with localized gauge kinetic terms

Grand gauge–Higgs unification of five dimensional SU(6) gauge theory on an orbifold S^1/Z_2 with localized gauge kinetic terms is discussed. The Standard model (SM) fermions on one of the boundaries and some massive bulk fermions coupling to the SM fermions on the boundary are introduced, so that they respect an SU(5) symmetry structure. The SM fermion masses including top quark are reproduced by mild tuning the bulk masses and parameters of the localized gauge kinetic terms. Gauge coupling universality is not guaranteed by the presence of the localized gauge kinetic terms and it severely constrains the Higgs vacuum expectation value. Higgs potential analysis shows that the electroweak symmetry breaking occurs by introducing additional bulk fermions in simplified representations. The localized gauge kinetic terms enhance the magnitude of the compactification scale, which helps Higgs boson mass large. Indeed the observed Higgs boson mass 125 GeV is obtained.

Minimal model for the fermion flavor structure, mass hierarchy, dark matter, leptogenesis, and the electron and muon anomalous magnetic moments

We propose a renormalizable theory with minimal particle content and symmetries, that successfully explains the number of Standard Model (SM) fermion families, the SM fermion mass hierarchy, the tiny values for the light active neutrino masses, the lepton and baryon asymmetry of the Universe, the dark matter relic density as well as the muon and electron anomalous magnetic moments. In the proposed model, the top quark and the exotic fermions do acquire tree-level masses whereas the SM charged fermions lighter than the top quark gain one-loop level masses. Besides that, the tiny masses for the light active neutrino are generated from an inverse seesaw mechanism at one-loop level.

Comparatively light extra Higgs states as signature of SUSY SO(10) GUTs with 3rd family Yukawa unification

We study 3rd family Yukawa unification in the context of supersymmetric (SUSY) SO (10) GUTs and SO(10)-motivated boundary conditions for the SUSY-breaking soft terms. We consider μ < 0 such that the SUSY loop-threshold effects enable a good fit to all third family masses of the charged Standard Model (SM) fermions. We find that fitting the third family masses together with the mass of the SM-like Higgs particle, the scenario predicts the masses of the superpartner particles and of the extra Higgs states of the MSSM: while the sparticles are predicted to be comparatively heavy (above the present LHC bound but within reach of future colliders), the spectrum has the characteristic feature that the lightest new particles are the extra MSSM Higgses. We show that this effect is rather robust with respect to many deformations of the GUT boundary conditions, but turns out to be sensitive to the exactness of top-bottom Yukawa unification. Nevertheless, with moderate deviations of a few percent from exact top-bottom Yukawa unification (stemming e.g. from GUT-threshold corrections or higher-dimensional operators), the scenario still predicts extra MSSM Higgs particles with masses not much above 1.5 TeV, which could be tested e.g. by future LHC searches for ditau decays H0/A0→ ττ . Finding the extra MSSM Higges before the other new MSSM particles could thus be a smoking gun for a Yukawa unified SO(10) GUT.

Sequentially loop suppressed fermion masses from a single discrete symmetry

We propose a systematic and renormalizable sequential loop suppression mechanism to generate the hierarchy of the Standard Model fermion masses from one discrete symmetry. The discrete symmetry is sequentially softly broken in order to generate one-loop level masses for the bottom, charm, tau and muon leptons and two-loop level masses for the lightest Standard Model charged fermions. The tiny masses for the light active neutrinos are produced from radiative type-I seesaw mechanism, where the Dirac mass terms are effectively generated at two-loop level.