Light sterile neutrinos, dark matter, and new resonances in a $U(1)$ extension of the MSSM

Abstract

We present $\psi'$MSSM, a model based on a $U(1)_{\psi'}$ extension of the minimal supersymmetric standard model. The gauge symmetry $U(1)_{\psi'}$, also known as $U(1)_N$, is a linear combination of the $U(1)_\chi$ and $U(1)_\psi$ subgroups of $E_6$. The model predicts the existence of three sterile neutrinos with masses $\lesssim 0.1~{\rm eV}$, if the $U(1)_{\psi'}$ breaking scale is of order 10 TeV. Their contribution to the effective number of neutrinos at nucleosynthesis is $\Delta N_{\nu}\simeq 0.29$. The model can provide a variety of possible cold dark matter candidates including the lightest sterile sneutrino. If the $U(1)_{\psi'}$ breaking scale is increased to $10^3~{\rm TeV}$, the sterile neutrinos, which are stable on account of a $Z_2$ symmetry, become viable warm dark matter candidates. The observed value of the standard model Higgs boson mass can be obtained with relatively light stop quarks thanks to the D-term contribution from $U(1)_{\psi'}$. The model predicts diquark and diphoton resonances which may be found at an updated LHC. The well-known $\mu$ problem is resolved and the observed baryon asymmetry of the universe can be generated via leptogenesis. The breaking of $U(1)_{\psi'}$ produces superconducting strings that may be present in our galaxy. A $U(1)$ R symmetry plays a key role in keeping the proton stable and providing the light sterile neutrinos.