SearcharxivSearch

arXiv · 2606.12533

Constraining the real scalar singlet extension of the SM

Abstract

The real scalar singlet extension of the standard model provides a minimal framework in which the Higgs sector can realise a strong first-order electroweak phase transition and improve the stability of the electroweak vacuum. We combine the electroweak phase transition and high-scale vacuum stability with current and projected collider probes, including precision Higgs measurements, the Higgs trilinear coupling, EWPO and resonant searches for a heavy singlet-like scalar in $ZZ$ and di-Higgs final states. Focusing on a singlet heavier than the standard model Higgs, we find that there is parameter space compatible with a strong first-order electroweak phase transition for singlet-like scalar masses up to nearly 1 TeV. Deviations in the Higgs self-coupling can be larger than those in the Higgs--$Z$ coupling, making Higgs-potential measurements a key probe. We find that the HL-LHC will test a large fraction of the parameter space, while the FCC will provide ultimate discovery and model-discrimination capabilities.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

BibTeXRIS

Moritz Bosse, Gudrun Hiller, Daniel Litim, Fabio Maltoni, Michael J. Ramsey-Musolf, Simone Tentori, Guotao Xia. 2026-06-10. Constraining the real scalar singlet extension of the SM. https://arxiv.org/abs/2606.12533

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

Axionic Wormholes in Metric-Affine Gravity

The axion is a promising candidate for solving the strong CP problem. To solve this problem, the global U(1) symmetry must be preserved to a high degree of accuracy. However, it is well known that global symmetries are explicitly violated by quantum gravity effects, giving rise to what is referred to as the axion quality problem. In this paper, we investigate axionic wormholes as a source of explicit U(1) violation in Metric-Affine Gravity. This framework allows for spacetime torsion and non-metricity, which accommodate additional curvature-like and topological terms, such as the Holst and Nieh--Yan terms, that are absent from the metric and Palatini formalisms. We show that non-minimal couplings to these terms modify the wormhole dynamics and enhance the Euclidean wormhole action, thereby alleviating the axion quality problem. We also find that the viable parameter space is enlarged when two of these couplings are simultaneously present. We further identify representative parameter regions where the alleviation of the axion quality problem is compatible with inflationary constraints.

hep-ph

Qubit-Qutrit Quantum Tomography of hadronic $\Lambda\phi$ and $\Lambda K^{\ast 0}$ systems

Quantum-information observables have emerged in recent years as new tools in nuclear and particle physics, from entanglement in top-quark pairs to spin correlations in $\Lambda\bar{\Lambda}$ production. Extending these studies to unequal-spin hadronic final states poses a fundamental challenge: the $6\times6$ density matrix of a qubit-qutrit system contains 35 independent spin parameters, but the decays of $\Lambda V$ pairs, with $V=\phi$ or $K^{*0}$, provide access to only 23 due to the hidden vector polarization from the strong decay. In this Letter, we formulate a qubit-qutrit quantum tomography (QQQT) technique for these spin-$\tfrac{1}{2}\otimes1$ systems and establish exact criteria for entanglement certification from the \textit{incomplete} density matrix. Compared with the $\Lambda\bar{\Lambda}$ system, QQQT of $\Lambda\phi$ and $\Lambda K^{*0}$ provides a new probe of nonperturbative QCD hadronization, enabling a direct comparison of the spin evolution of entangled quark pairs produced from the vacuum as they hadronize into a baryon or a vector meson.

hep-ph

Twist decomposition of exclusive heavy meson production cross sections

We study the twist decomposition of the total cross sections for exclusive heavy vector meson electroproduction and photoproduction in the $\gamma^\ast p$ processes, within the leading logarithmic $1/x$ BFKL formalism. The Mellin transforms of the impact factors of the vector meson are calculated. We show that the higher twist contributions are strongly suppressed in the low-$x$ kinematical regime. Possible enhancement of the higher twists effects for nuclei targets is discussed.

hep-ph