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Aldo Deandrea

Publications and source records attributed to Aldo Deandrea.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Two-loop renormalisation and Higgs phenomenology in the five-dimensional MSSM

The five-dimensional Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (5D MSSM) provides an attractive framework in which power-law renormalisation group evolution naturally generates a sizeable trilinear stop coupling, allowing the observed Higgs boson mass to be reproduced without requiring too heavy a supersymmetric spectra. In this work we present a comprehensive two-loop analysis of the 5D MSSM, deriving the complete renormalisation group equations governing the gauge, Yukawa and soft supersymmetry-breaking sectors and examining the perturbative consistency of the theory. Particular attention is given to the ultraviolet behaviour of the model, where we demonstrate that the potentially dangerous leading two-loop contributions cancel as a consequence of the underlying $\mathcal{N}=2$ supersymmetry, leaving a well-behaved perturbative expansion. Building upon this framework, we compute the radiatively corrected Higgs effective potential including the complete Kaluza-Klein (KK) contributions through KK resummation, and investigate the resulting implications for the Higgs sector. The phenomenological viability of the model is subsequently explored through detailed numerical studies of the Higgs boson mass, electroweak precision observables, Higgs coupling modifiers and signal strengths, allowing constraints on the compactification scale and supersymmetric parameter space to be established. We find that the inclusion of the two-loop corrections preserves the characteristic power-law behaviour of the five-dimensional theory while yielding a phenomenologically viable parameter space consistent with current collider and precision measurements.

hep-ph

Grand-unification Theory Atlas: Standard Model and Beyond

Under a reasonable set of ab-initio assumptions, we define and chart the atlas of simple gauge theories with families of fermions whose masses are forbidden by gauge invariance. We propose a compass to navigate the atlas based on counting degrees of freedom. When searching for Grand-unification Theories with three matter generations, the free energy singles out the SU(5) Georgi-Glashow model as the minimal one, closely followed by SO(10) with spinorial matter. The atlas also defines the dryland of grand-unifiable gauge extensions of the standard model. We further provide examples relevant for gauge dual completions of the standard model as well as extensions by an additional SU(N) gauge symmetry.

hep-ph

Composite top partners in exotic colour representations

Composite Higgs models with partial compositeness generically predict coloured fermionic resonances associated with the strong dynamics responsible for electroweak symmetry breaking. While most phenomenological studies have focused on colour-triplet and colour-octet top partners, several UV-complete hypercolour constructions also contain fermionic colour sextets. We present a systematic study of these states in the minimal model classes where they arise, constructing the relevant low-energy interactions and deriving their characteristic decay patterns. The sextets predominantly decay through coloured pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone bosons, leading to top-rich final states, while additional channels with $b$-jets and missing transverse energy can be important. We reinterpret existing ATLAS and CMS searches for high-multiplicity final states to derive the dedicated constraints on these resonances. For the benchmark spectra considered, current LHC data exclude individual sextet components up to masses in the $2-2.5$ TeV regime, with stronger bounds when the full sextet multiplet is included, while conservative extrapolations to the HL-LHC indicate a reach close to $3$ TeV. Our results therefore show that colour-sextet fermions provide a powerful and largely unexplored probe of composite Higgs models with partial compositeness.

hep-ph

Composite Hybrid Inflation : Primordial Black Holes and Stochastic Gravitational Waves

We investigate the production of primordial black holes and gravitational waves in composite hybrid inflation. Starting from an effective chiral Lagrangian with a dilaton and pions, we identify inflation occurring due to the walking dynamics of the theory. A $\mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry-breaking term in the pion sector induces a shift in the inflaton's trajectory, which leads to a tachyonic instability phase. Curvature perturbations grow exponentially, producing copious primordial black holes and a stochastic gravitational wave background. We show that the primordial black hole mass and the gravitational wave frequency are strongly restricted by the anomalous dimensions of the pion operators, with larger anomalous dimensions giving lighter primordial black holes and higher frequency gravitational waves. In both cases, the associated signatures lie within reach of future gravitational wave observatories.

hep-ph

Electroweak precision tests for asymptotic Grand Unification models

Asymptotic grand unification is an alternative framework to traditional quantitative unification, as the renormalisation flow leads towards an ultra-violet safe fixed point. Phenomenologically, 5-dimensional realisations permit new particles with masses as low as the TeV scale, well below the usual unification scale. We explore the impact of such models on electroweak precision observables, focusing on a minimal SU(5) template for concreteness. We show that current measurements are not sensitive to this class of models. Future colliders, such as CEPC and FCC-ee, can push the 95% limit on the Kaluza-Klein mass up to 2 and 4 TeV, respectively, beyond the direct reach of the LHC programme.

hep-ph

Gravitational waves from flavoured SU(2) early-universe phase transitions

Flavourful extensions of the Standard Model aimed at explaining its fermionic mass structure typically rely on symmetries, broken at high-energy scales far beyond the reach of foreseeable direct collider searches. We illustrate, using a $SU(2)$ flavour gauge group, that the breaking of these symmetries up to scales as high as $10^7$ GeV could generate a gravitational-wave signal potentially observable by future observatories. We use dimensional reduction techniques to obtain the finite-temperature effective potential and study the possible first-order phase transitions. We match these transitions to steady-state hydrodynamical solutions in order to determine the corresponding gravitational-wave spectra. We observe that order-one gauge couplings are always required for a first-order phase transition to occur. On the other hand, adding leptoquarks (as an example of particles that are typically present in a complete flavour theory) significantly extends the testable parameter space. We find excellent prospects at the Einstein Telescope for future gravitational-wave detection of flavoured $SU(2)$ early-universe phase transitions.

hep-ph

t-channel dark matter at the LHC -- a whitepaper

This report, summarising work achieved in the context of the LHC Dark Matter Working Group, investigates the phenomenology of $t$-channel dark matter models, spanning minimal setups with a single dark matter candidate and mediator to more complex constructions closer to UV-complete models. For each considered class of models, we examine collider, cosmological and astrophysical implications. In addition, we explore scenarios with either promptly decaying or long-lived particles, as well as featuring diverse dark matter production mechanisms in the early universe. By providing a unified analysis framework, numerical tools and guidelines, this work aims to support future experimental and theoretical efforts in exploring $t$-channel dark matter models at colliders and in cosmology.

hep-ph

Comment to "The asymptotically-free gauge theories"

The recent paper "The asymptotically-free gauge theories" by Ben Gripaios and Khoi Le Nguyen Nguyen [arXiv:2507.12348] presents a proposed classification of gauge theories valid down to arbitrarily short scales. In this comment, we aim to clarify several points and address some statements that may be misleading. We also provide additional context by discussing relevant prior literature and existing classifications.

hep-th

Leptogenesis in five-dimensional asymptotic Grand Unification models

Asymptotic grand unification models can be constructed in five dimensions compactified on an orbifold. We demonstrate that the parameter space of such models admit solutions that naturally achieve the baryon asymmetry via leptogenesis, these solutions indicating that the scale of the extra dimensions is much higher than the TeV scale.

hep-ph

Quasinormal frequencies in Reissner-Nordström de Sitter black holes: constraints from space-time and scalar field parameters

We examine the quasinormal modes exhibited by a massive scalar test field carrying an electric charge, oscillating in the outer region of a Reissner-Nordström de Sitter black hole. We examine the quasinormal mode effective potential throughout the black hole mass-charge phase space, finding a single-peaked barrier potential on $r_+ < r < r_c$ for all non-extremised black hole solutions for $\ell \geq 1$. Unlike in the Schwarzschild background, increasing scalar field mass heightens the peak of this barrier potential, while increasing the scalar field charge suppresses it. We compute the corresponding quasinormal frequency spectrum using a WKB-based semi-classical method, where, like the Schwarzschild case, we observe anomalous QNM damping behaviour for small scalar field mass below some critical mass $μ_{crit}$, which is $\ell$-independent for $q=0$.

gr-qc

A note on Strong Cosmic Censorship and its violation in Reissner-Nordström de Sitter black hole space-times

Penrose's Strong Cosmic Censorship conjecture safeguards determinism in General Relativity. Within the initial value approach to General Relativity, proof of Strong Cosmic Censorship preservation is predicated on the unique evolution of the metric. For the Kerr-Newman family of black hole solutions, this requires the inextendability of the metric past the Cauchy horizon, due to the development of a "blue-shift" instability. Attempts to provide a rigorous mathematical proof of Strong Cosmic Censorship has led to the formulation of several Strong Cosmic Censorship conjectures of varying strengths, which seem to be discussed rarely outside of the mathematical relativity literature. In this note, we review some of the arguments for and against Strong Cosmic Censorship preservation, with a focus on the Reissner-Nordström de Sitter context, where the positive cosmological constant invites a "red-shift" effect that competes against the "blue-shift". We study the consequent role of quasinormal mode behaviour and illustrate the parameter space for which we consistently observe violations of the Strong Cosmic Censorship conjecture within Reissner-Nordström de Sitter black holes.

gr-qc

Are there minimal exceptional aGUTs from stable 5D orbifolds?

In analysing five dimensional orbifolds with exceptional gauge groups, we seek to find stable vacua configurations which satisfy the minimal requirements for asymptotic grand unified models. In this respect we show that no minimal asymptotic grand unified theory can be built. Our results point towards non-minimal models based on $E_6$: one featuring supersymmetry, and the other needing a modification of the Coleman-Weinberg potential to stabilise the breaking of $E_6$ to the standard model gauge group.

hep-ph

General vacuum stability of orbifold gauge breaking and application to asymptotic grand unification

We examine the vacuum stability of gauge symmetry breaking in five dimensions, compactified on the $S_1/(\mathbb{Z}_2 \times \mathbb{Z}'_2)$ orbifold. We consider $SU(N)$, $Sp(N)$, $SO(2N)$ and $SO(2N+1)$ theories in the bulk, and provide an exhaustive classification of possible parity assignments that lead to stable orbifolds and of the corresponding symmetry breaking patterns. We use these results in the search for viable asymptotic grand unification theories (aGUT), testing the stability criteria on models based on $SU(6)$ and $SU(8)$. As a result, we identify two viable aGUTs: a unique $SU(6)$ pathway down to the Standard Model, and one $SU(8)$ model leading to an intermediate Pati-Salam partial unification.

hep-ph

Coloured spin-1 states in composite Higgs models

Strong dynamics for composite Higgs models predict spin-1 resonances which are expected to be in the same mass range as the usually considered top-partners. We study here QCD-coloured vector and axial-vector states stemming from composite Higgs dynamics in several relevant models based on an underlying gauge-fermion description. These states can come as triplet, sextet and octet representation. All models considered have a colour octet vector state in common which can be singly produced at hadron colliders as it mixes with the gluon. We explore the rich and testable phenomenology of these coloured spin-1 states at the LHC and future colliders.

hep-ph

Gauge $SU(2)_f$ flavour transfers

We introduce the idea of flavour transfer from a non-abelian horizontal $SU(2)_f$ flavour gauge group embedded in the Standard Model flavour structure. The new flavour vector bosons, in the mass range from the tens of GeV to multi-TeV do not induce large flavour-changing currents and meson oscillations, which usually provide the dominant constraints on this type of structure. Instead, the dominant constraints arise from "flavour-transfer" operators that we will study in details. Several explicit models are presented and their prospects are thoroughly explored, including their phenomenology in the lepton and quark sectors at colliders and lower energy experiments. We finally perform a complete numerical fit in one such scenario, showing that LHC-based lepton-flavour violating searches are competitive with intensity frontier observables.

hep-ph

Reissner-Nordström black holes in de Sitter space-time: bounds with quasinormal frequencies

Rich physics can be divined from charged black holes subjected to extremal conditions. When applied in conjunction with principles like Weak Cosmic Censorship, this naturally leads to constraints on the mass and charge of the black hole. However, more nuanced principles such as the Weak Gravity Conjecture (WGC) and the recently proposed Festina-Lente (FL) bound can provide, respectively, upper and lower bounds on elementary charged particles. In this study, we examine the quasinormal modes (QNMs) exhibited by a massive scalar test field carrying an electric charge, oscillating in the outer region of the black hole. These modes are subjected to the constraints imposed by the FL and WGC bounds. Our analysis provides insight into the behaviour of QNMs, particularly in regions that approach the extremal conditions of the black hole. Notably, in these regimes, the stability of the modes becomes precarious, particularly in the presence of a positive cosmological constant. The implications of our findings are far-reaching and significant. They extend from safeguarding the principles of cosmic censorship to addressing the structural stability of the black hole's interior. Our semi-classical analysis presents compelling evidence suggesting that Strong Cosmic Censorship may be violated for black holes that are in close proximity to extremality within the context of Reissner-Nordström-de Sitter (RNdS) geometries.

gr-qc

A Fermionic Portal to Vector Dark Matter from a New Gauge Sector

We present a new class of Dark Matter (DM) models wherein the Standard Model (SM) is extended with a new $SU(2)_D$ dark gauge sector. In this framework the stability of DM is provided by the conservation of a $U(1)$ global symmetry, which upon appropriate charge assignments for the $SU(2)_D$ multiplets, effectively leads to a $\mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry subgroup. The origin of the global $U(1)$ symmetry which ensures the stability of DM can be justified in the form of a dark EW sector or through an underlying composite structure. The key ingredient of the model is a Vector-Like (VL) fermion doublet of $SU(2)_D$ , the members of which are singlets of the SM Electro-Weak (EW) gauge group, which mediate the interactions between the dark sector and the SM, via new Yukawa interactions. This class of models, labelled as Fermion Portal Vector DM (FPVDM), allows multiple realisations, depending on the properties of the the VL partner and the scalar potential. After spontaneous breaking of the $SU(2)_D$ symmetry via a new scalar doublet, the ensuing massive vector bosons with non-zero dark-isospin are DM candidates. The new class of FPVDM models suggested here has numerous phenomenological implications for collider and non-collider studies. As a practical example, we discuss here in detail a realisation involving a VL top partner assuming no mixing between the two physical scalars of the theory, the SM Higgs boson and its counterpart in the dark sector. We thus provide bounds on this setup from both collider and astroparticle observables.

hep-ph

Composite Hybrid Inflation: Dilaton and Waterfall Pions

We investigate the possibility that inflation originates from a composite field theory, in terms of an effective chiral Lagrangian involving a dilaton and pions. The walking dynamics of the theory constrain the potential in a specific way, where the anomalous dimensions of operators involving pions play a crucial role. For realistic values of the anomalous dimensions, we find a successful hybrid inflation occurring via the dilaton-inflaton, with the pions acting as waterfall fields. Compositeness consistency strongly constrain the model, predicting a dilaton scale $f_χ\sim \mathcal{O} (1)$ in unit of the Planck scale, an inflation scale $H_\text{inf} \sim 10^{10}$ GeV, and the pion scale around $10^{14}$ GeV. We further discuss possible phenomenological consequences of this theory.

hep-ph