arXiv subjects

Alexander Merle

Publications and source records attributed to Alexander Merle.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2012

Warm Dark Matter from keVins

We propose a simple model for Warm Dark Matter (WDM) in which two fermions are added to the Standard Model: (quasi-) stable "keVins" (keV inert fermions) which account for WDM and their unstable brothers, the "GeVins" (GeV inert fermions), both of which carry zero electric charge and lepton number, and are (approximately) "inert", in the sense that their only interactions are via suppressed couplings to the Z. We consider scenarios in which stable keVins are thermally produced and their abundance is subsequently diluted by entropy production from the decays of the heavier unstable GeVins. This mechanism could be implemented in a wide variety of models, including E_6 inspired supersymmetric models or models involving sterile neutrinos.

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arXiv2012

Running of Radiative Neutrino Masses: The Scotogenic Model

We study the renormalization group equations of Ma's scotogenic model, which generates an active neutrino mass at 1-loop level. In addition to other benefits, the main advantage of the mechanism exploited in this model is to lead to a natural loop-suppression of the neutrino mass, and therefore to an explanation for its smallness. However, since the structure of the neutrino mass matrix is altered compared to the ordinary type I seesaw case, the corresponding running is altered as well. We have derived the full set of renormalization group equations for the scotogenic model which, to our knowledge, had not been presented previously in the literature. This set of equations reflects some interesting structural properties of the model, and it is an illustrative example for how the running of neutrino parameters in radiative models is modified compared to models with tree-level mass generation. We also study a simplified numerical example to illustrate some general tendencies of the running. Interestingly, the structure of the RGEs can be exploited such that a bimaximal leptonic mixing pattern at the high-energy scale is translated into a valid mixing pattern at low energies, featuring a large value of θ_{13}. This suggests very interesting connections to flavour symmetries.

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arXiv2012

Monoenergetic Gamma-Rays from Non-Minimal Kaluza-Klein Dark Matter Annihilations

We investigate monoenergetic gamma-ray signatures from annihilations of dark matter comprised of Z^1, the first Kaluza-Klein excitation of the Z boson, in a non-minimal Universal Extra Dimensions model. The self-interactions of the non-Abelian Z^1 gauge boson give rise to a large number of contributing Feynman diagrams that do not exist for annihilations of the Abelian gauge boson B^1, which is the standard Kaluza-Klein dark matter candidate. We find that the annihilation rate is indeed considerably larger for the Z^1 than for the B^1. Even though relic density calculations indicate that the mass of the Z^1 should be larger than the mass of the B^1, the predicted monoenergetic gamma fluxes are of the same order of magnitude. We compare our results to existing experimental limits, as well as to future sensitivities, for image air Cherenkov telescopes, and we find that the limits are reached already with a moderately large boost factor. The realistic prospects for detection depend on the experimental energy resolution.

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arXiv2012

keV Sterile Neutrino Dark Matter and Neutrino Model Building

A sterile neutrino with a mass around the keV scale could be an interesting candidate for warm dark matter. Although there are several scenarios and production mechanisms known in which such a particle could yield the correct abundance, there are astonishingly few models around that can actually yield an explanation for the appearance of a keV-like scale. We here review three main classes of such mass models for keV sterile neutrino dark matter, based on split seesaw, on L_e - L_μ- L_τ symmetry, and on the Froggatt-Nielsen mechanism, respectively.

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arXiv2011

Explicit and spontaneous breaking of SU(3) into its finite subgroups

We investigate the breaking of SU(3) into its subgroups from the viewpoints of explicit and spontaneous breaking. A one-to-one link between these two approaches is given by the complex spherical harmonics, which form a complete set of SU(3)-representation functions. An invariant of degrees p and q in complex conjugate variables corresponds to a singlet, or vacuum expectation value, in a (p,q)-representation of SU(3). We review the formalism of the Molien function, which contains information on primary and secondary invariants. Generalizations of the Molien function to the tensor generating functions are discussed. The latter allows all branching rules to be deduced. We have computed all primary and secondary invariants for all proper finite subgroups of order smaller than 512, for the entire series of groups Δ(3n^2), Δ(6n^2), and for all crystallographic groups. Examples of sufficient conditions for breaking into a subgroup are worked out for the entire T_{n[a]}-, Δ(3n^2)-, Δ(6n^2)-series and for all crystallographic groups Σ(X). The corresponding invariants provide an alternative definition of these groups. A Mathematica package, SUtree, is provided which allows the extraction of the invariants, Molien and generating functions, syzygies, VEVs, branching rules, character tables, matrix (p,q)_{SU(3)}-representations, Kronecker products, etc. for the groups discussed above.

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arXiv2011

Radiative Inflation and Dark Energy

We propose a model based on radiative symmetry breaking that combines inflation with Dark Energy and is consistent with the WMAP 7-year regions. The radiative inflationary potential leads to the prediction of a spectral index 0.955 \lesssim n_S \lesssim 0.967 and a tensor to scalar ratio 0.142 \lesssim r \lesssim 0.186, both consistent with current data but testable by the Planck experiment. The radiative symmetry breaking close to the Planck scale gives rise to a pseudo Nambu-Goldstone boson with a gravitationally suppressed mass which can naturally play the role of a quintessence field responsible for Dark Energy. Finally, we present a possible extra dimensional scenario in which our model could be realised.

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arXiv2011

Deriving Models for keV sterile Neutrino Dark Matter with the Froggatt-Nielsen mechanism

Sterile neutrinos with a mass around the keV scale are an attractive particle physics candidate for Warm Dark Matter. Although many frameworks have been presented in which these neutrinos can fulfill all phenomenological constraints, there are hardly any models known that can explain such a peculiar mass pattern, one sterile neutrino at the keV scale and the other two considerably heavier, while at the same time being compatible with low-energy neutrino data. In this paper, we present models based on the Froggatt-Nielsen mechanism, which can give such an explanation. We explain how to assign Froggatt-Nielsen charges in a successful way, and we give a detailed discussion of all conditions to be fulfilled. It turns out that the typical arbitrariness of the charge assignments is greatly reduced when trying to carefully account for all constraints. We furthermore present analytical calculations of a few simplified models, while quasi-perfect models are found numerically.

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arXiv2011

Constraining New Physics with a Positive or Negative Signal of Neutrino-less Double Beta Decay

We investigate numerically how accurately one could constrain the strengths of different short-range contributions to neutrino-less double beta decay in effective field theory. Depending on the outcome of near-future experiments yielding information on the neutrino masses, the corresponding bounds or estimates can be stronger or weaker. A particularly interesting case, resulting in strong bounds, would be a positive signal of neutrino-less double beta decay that is consistent with complementary information from neutrino oscillation experiments, kinematical determinations of the neutrino mass, and measurements of the sum of light neutrino masses from cosmological observations. The keys to more robust bounds are improvements of the knowledge of the nuclear physics involved and a better experimental accuracy.

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arXiv2010

Soft L_e-L_mu-L_tau flavour symmetry breaking and sterile neutrino keV Dark Matter

We discuss how a $L_e-L_μ-L_τ$ flavour symmetry that is softly broken leads to keV sterile neutrinos, which are a prime candidate for Warm Dark Matter. This is to our knowledge the first model where flavour symmetries are applied simultaneously to active and sterile neutrinos explaining at the same time active neutrino properties and this peculiar Dark Matter scenario. The essential point is that different scales of the symmetry breaking and the symmetry preserving entries in the mass matrix lead to one right-handed neutrino which is nearly massless compared to the other two. Furthermore, we naturally predict vanishing $θ_{13}$ and maximal $θ_{23}$, while the correct value of $θ_{12}$ must come from the mixing of the charged leptons. We can furthermore predict an exact mass spectrum for the light neutrinos, which will be testable in the very near future.

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arXiv2010

Enhancing Dark Matter Annihilation into Neutrinos

We perform a detailed and quasi model-independent analysis of direct annihilation of Dark Matter into neutrinos. Considering different cases for scalar and fermionic Dark Matter, we identify several settings in which this annihilation is enhanced, contrary to some statements in the literature. They key point is that several restrictions of, e.g., a supersymmetric framework do not hold in general. The mass generation mechanism of the neutrinos plays an important role, too. We illustrate our considerations by two examples that are not (as usually) suppressed by the smallness of the neutrino mass, for which we also present a numerical analysis. Our results can be easily used as guidelines for model building.

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arXiv2010

Ultra-low Q values for neutrino mass measurements

We investigate weak nuclear decays with extremely small kinetic energy release (Q value) and thus extremely good sensitivity to the absolute neutrino mass scale. In particular, we consider decays into excited daughter states, and we show that partial ionization of the parent atom can help to tune Q values to << 1 keV. We discuss several candidate isotopes undergoing beta+, beta-, bound state beta, or electron capture decay, and come to the conclusion that a neutrino mass measurement using low-Q decays might only be feasible if no ionization is required, and if future improvements in isotope production technology, nuclear mass spectroscopy, and atomic structure calculations are possible. Experiments using ions, however, are extremely challenging due to the large number of ions that must be stored. New precision data on nuclear excitation levels could help to identify further isotopes with low-Q decay modes and possibly less challenging requirements.

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arXiv2010

The GSI oscillation mystery

In this talk, a short discussion of the GSI anomaly is given. We discuss the physics involved using a comparison with pion decay, and explain why the observed oscillations cannot be caused by standard neutrino mixing.

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arXiv2009

Why a splitting in the final state cannot explain the GSI-Oscillations

In this paper, I give a pedagogical discussion of the GSI anomaly. Using two different formulations, namely the intuitive Quantum Field Theory language of the second quantized picture as well as the language of amplitudes, I clear up the analogies and differences between the GSI anomaly and other processes (the Double Slit experiment using photons, $e^+ e^- \to μ^+ μ^-$ scattering, and charged pion decay). In both formulations, the conclusion is reached that the decay rate measured at GSI cannot oscillate if only Standard Model physics is involved and the initial hydrogen-like ion is no coherent superposition of more than one state (in case there is no new, yet unknown, mechanism at work). Furthermore, a discussion of the Quantum Beat phenomenon will be given, which is often assumed to be able to cause the observed oscillations. This is, however, not possible for a splitting in the final state only.

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arXiv2009

Confronting Flavour Symmetries and extended Scalar Sectors with Lepton Flavour Violation Bounds

We discuss the tension between discrete flavour symmetries and extended scalar sectors arising from lepton flavour violation experiments. The key point is that extended scalar sectors will generically lead to flavour changing neutral currents, which are strongly constrained by experiments. Due to the large parameter space in the scalar sector such models will, however, usually have no big problems with existing and future bounds (even though the models might be constrained). This changes considerably once a flavour symmetry is imposed in addition: Due to the symmetry, additional relations between the different couplings arise and cancellations become impossible in certain cases. The experimental bounds will then constrain the model severely and can easily exclude it. We consider two examples which show how these considerations are realized. The same logic should apply to a much wider class of models.

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arXiv2009

Radiative Transmission of Lepton Flavor Hierarchies

We discuss a one loop model for neutrino masses which leads to a seesaw-like formula with the difference that the charged lepton masses replace the unknown Dirac mass matrix present in the usual seesaw case. This is a considerable reduction of parameters in the neutrino sector and predicts a strong hierarchical pattern in the right handed neutrino mass matrix that is easily derived from a $U(1)_H$ family symmetry. The model is based on the left-right gauge group with an additional $Z_4$ discrete symmetry which gives vanishing neutrino Dirac masses and finite Majorana masses arising at the one loop level. Furthermore, it is one of the few models that naturally allow for large (but not necessarily maximal) mixing angles in the lepton sector. A generalization of the model to the quark sector requires three iso-spin singlet vector-like down type quarks, as in $E_6$. The model predicts an inert doublet type scalar dark matter.

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arXiv2009

Statistical Analysis of future Neutrino Mass Experiments including Neutrino-less Double Beta Decay

We perform a statistical analysis with the prospective results of future experiments on neutrino-less double beta decay, direct searches for neutrino mass (KATRIN) and cosmological observations. Realistic errors are used and the nuclear matrix element uncertainty for neutrino-less double beta decay is also taken into account. Three benchmark scenarios are introduced, corresponding to quasi-degenerate, inverse hierarchical neutrinos, and an intermediate case. We investigate to what extend these scenarios can be reconstructed. Furthermore, we check the compatibility of the scenarios with the claimed evidence of neutrino-less double beta decay.

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arXiv2008

The GSI anomaly

Recently, an experiment at GSI Darmstadt has observed oscillating decay rates of heavy ions. Several controversial attempts have been made to explain this effect in terms of neutrino mixing. We briefly describe the experimental results, give an overview of the literature, and show that the effect cannot be due to neutrino mixing. If the effect survives, it could, however, be explained by hypothetical internal excitations of the mother ions (~ 10^(-15) eV).

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arXiv2008

Getting Information on |U_{e3}|^2 from Neutrino-less Double Beta Decay

We consider the possibility to gain information on the lepton mixing matrix element |U_{e3}| from an improved experimental limit on the effective neutrino mass governing neutrino-less double beta decay. We show that typically a lower limit on |U_{e3}| can be set. Furthermore, we give the values of the sum of neutrino masses and |U_{e3}| which are allowed and forbidden by an experimental upper limit on the effective mass. Alternative explanations for neutrino-less double beta decay or Dirac neutrinos would be required if future measurements showed that the values lie in the respective regions. Moreover, we argue that a measurement of |U_{e3}| from neutrino-less double beta decay is very difficult due to the expected errors on the effective mass and the oscillation parameters.

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