arXiv subjects

Antonio Costantini

Publications and source records attributed to Antonio Costantini.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

A clustering aggregation algorithm on neutral-atoms and annealing quantum processors

This work presents a hybrid quantum-classical algorithm to perform clustering aggregation, designed for neutral-atoms quantum computers and quantum annealers. Clustering aggregation is a technique that mitigates the weaknesses of clustering algorithms, an important class of data science methods for partitioning datasets, and is widely employed in many real-world applications. By expressing the clustering aggregation problem instances as a Maximum Independent Set (MIS) problem and as a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) problem, it was possible to solve them by leveraging the potential of Pasqal's Fresnel (neutral-atoms processor) and D-Wave's Advantage QPU (quantum annealer). Additionally, the designed clustering aggregation algorithm was first validated on a Fresnel emulator based on QuTiP and later on an emulator of the same machine based on tensor networks, provided by Pasqal. The results revealed technical limitations, such as the difficulty of adding additional constraints on the employed neutral-atoms platform and the need for better metrics to measure the quality of the produced clusterings. However, this work represents a step towards a benchmark to compare two different machines: a quantum annealer and a neutral-atom quantum computer. Moreover, findings suggest promising potential for future advancements in hybrid quantum-classical pipelines, although further improvements are needed in both quantum and classical components.

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arXiv2022

The Effective Vector Boson Approximation in High-Energy Muon Collisions

Due to the inclination for forward gauge radiation, lepton colliders beyond a few TeV are effectively electroweak (EW) boson colliders, suggesting the treatment of EW bosons as constituents of high-energy leptons. In the context of a muon collider, we revisit the validity of $W$ and $Z$ parton distribution functions (PDFs) at leading order in $2\to n$ process. We systematically investigate universal and quasi-universal power-law and logarithmic corrections that arise when deriving (polarized) weak boson PDFs in the collinear limit. We go on to survey a multitude of $2\to n$ processes at $\sqrt{s}=2-30$ TeV via polarized and unpolarized EW boson fusion/scattering. To conduct this study, we report a public implementation of the Effective $W/Z$ and Weizsäcker-Williams Approximations, which we collectively call the Effective Vector Boson Approximation, into the Monte Carlo event generator \texttt{MadGraph5\_aMC@NLO}. This implementation lays the groundwork for developing matrix-element matching prescriptions involving EW parton showers and renormalized EW PDFs. To further with this agenda, we give recommendations on using $W/Z$ PDFs.

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arXiv2022

Vector Boson Scattering Processes: Status and Prospects

Insight into the electroweak (EW) and Higgs sectors can be achieved through measurements of vector boson scattering (VBS) processes. The scattering of EW bosons are rare processes that are precisely predicted in the Standard Model (SM) and are closely related to the Higgs mechanism. Modifications to VBS processes are also predicted in models of physics beyond the SM (BSM), for example through changes to the Higgs boson couplings to gauge bosons and the resonant production of new particles. In this review, experimental results and theoretical developments of VBS at the Large Hadron Collider, its high luminosity upgrade, and future colliders are presented.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Non-Leptonic Decays of Bileptons

We provide a detailed analysis of the decays of doubly-charged bilepton gauge bosons $Y^{\pm\pm}$, as predicted in models based on a $SU(3)_C\times SU(3)_L\times U(1)_X$ symmetry. In addition to the decay modes into same-sign lepton pairs, which were already investigated in scenarios wherein each branching ratio was about one third, there are, depending on the mass spectrum, possible non-leptonic decays which reduce the leptonic rates. These non-leptonic decays are typically into a light quark (antiquark) and a heavy TeV-scale antiquark (quark), which carries double lepton number and decays via virtual bileptons. We choose two benchmark points to represent the particle spectrum and present a phenomenological analysis of such decays. We find that, while the LHC statistics are too low, even in the high-luminosity phase, they can lead to a visible signal at a future 100 TeV hadron collider (FCC-$hh$). A more exhaustive exploration with a rigorous inclusion of tagging efficiencies, detector simulations and higher-order corrections to the partonic cross section, aiming at assessing the reach of LHC and FCC-$hh$ for bileptons as a function of the model parameters, as well as a recast of four-top searches in terms of the bilepton model, are deferred to future work.

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arXiv2021

(New) Physics at a multi-TeV $μ$ Collider

We present the results of the physics reach of a multi-TeV muon collider for popular models of physics beyond the Standard Model. We include also details about a model predicting the scalar dark matter in the spectrum. Finally we present some preliminary results about the Effective Vector Approximation and its implementation in the Monte Carlo generator {\sc MadGraph5\_aMC@NLO}.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Vector-like quarks decaying into singly and doubly charged bosons at LHC

We investigate the production of vector-like quarks with charge $5/3$ at the LHC and their subsequent decays into new singly or doubly charged bosons plus a heavy quark (top or bottom). In particular, we explore final states with same-sign di-leptons (electron or muon pairs), with the leptons coming from the decay of the new bosons and, in the case of production of singly charged bosons, from top quarks as well. These processes are predicted by classes of models based on extensions of the gauge group of the Standard Model, such as the 331 Model, where the electroweak symmetry is described by $SU(3)_L\times U(1)_X$, $X$ being a new abelian charge. For this purpose, a CMS search for vector-like partners with charge 5/3 decaying into $Wt$ is recast to obtain model-independent bounds and projected reaches at future luminosity stages of the LHC. The results are then interpreted as mass bounds for the new particles predicted in the 331 Model and as a constrain on the scale of its spontaneous symmetry breaking. The complete set of model-independent results are provided as recast efficiencies, to allow for reinterpretation in different scenarios.

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arXiv2021

Obscure Higgs boson at Colliders

In this study we consider an extension of the Standard Model with a complex hypercharge zero triplet scalar. In this scenario one of the charged Higgs bosons remains purely triplet and does not couple to the fermions, making it elusive at colliders. Also the physical pseudoscalar is a pure triplet and this purity makes it a suitable dark matter candidate without the need of discrete symmetries, unlike other extensions. The bounds from relic density and direct dark matter search experiments select its mass to be $\sim 1.35-1.60$ TeV. The pure triplet charged Higgs gives rise to displaced signatures and their sensitivity at LHC and MATHUSLA have been studied. The prospects at present and future hadron/muon colliders of such exotic scalars are pointed out by calculating their productions cross-section and dominant decay modes. We present also the expected reach for the triplet states at a multi-TeV muon collider.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

The scalar potential of the 331 model: theoretical constraints

We discuss the main features of the scalar sector of a class of BSM models with enlarged gauge symmetry, the so called 331 Models. The theoretical constraints on the scalar potential such as unitarity, perturbativity and boundedness-from-below, are presented, together with the analytical exact digitalization of the scalar sector. The phenomenology of exotic scenarios predicted by the 331 Models can be tested in light of these theoretical constraints.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

Vector boson fusion at multi-TeV muon colliders

High-energy lepton colliders with a centre-of-mass energy in the multi-TeV range are currently considered among the most challenging and far-reaching future accelerator projects. Studies performed so far have mostly focused on the reach for new phenomena in lepton-antilepton annihilation channels. In this work we observe that starting from collider energies of a few TeV, electroweak (EW) vector boson fusion/scattering (VBF) at lepton colliders becomes the dominant production mode for all Standard Model processes relevant to studying the EW sector. In many cases we find that this also holds for new physics. We quantify the size and the growth of VBF cross sections with collider energy for a number of SM and new physics processes. By considering luminosity scenarios achievable at a muon collider, we conclude that such a machine would effectively be a "high-luminosity weak boson collider," and subsequently offer a wide range of opportunities to precisely measure EW and Higgs coupling as well as to discover new particles.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

Theoretical constraints on the Higgs potential of the general $331$ model

This article reviews the theoretical constraints on the scalar potential of a general extension of the Standard Model that encompasses a $SU(3)_c\times SU(3)_L\times U(1)_X$ gauge symmetry. In this respect, the boundedness-from-below is analysed to identify the correct criteria for obtaining the physical minima of the Higgs parameter space. Furthermore, perturbativity and unitarity bounds are discussed in light of the exact diagonalisation of the scalar fields. This study represents a framework for fast numerical checks on specific $331$ Model benchmarks that are relevant for future collider searches.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

BSM Physics from Enlarged Gauge Symmetry: the 331 Model, a case of study

We discuss the most relevant features of a BSM model with extra gauge symmetry, the so called 331 model. The gauge group is $SU(3)_c\times SU(3)_L \times U(1)_X$ impling the presence of extra gauge bosons, both charged and neutral, as well as extra/exotic fermions and an enlarged scalar sector. We present the relevant phenomenology of doubly-charged gauge bosons, which are a distinctive feature of a version of the 331 model, and discuss the role of BSM phenomenology as a tool for testing GUT (inspired) theories.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2018

Extra Quarks and Bileptons in BSM Physics in a $331$ Model

We describe some salient features of the $331_F$ (Frampton-Pisano-Pleitez) bilepton model, in which the constraints of anomaly cancelation require the number of generations to be three. In a class of six models, four of which characterised by a $β$ parameter describing the embedding of the hypercharge in the $SU(3)_L$ symmetry, a specific choice for $β$ allows bileptons in the spectrum, i.e. vectors and scalars of lepton numbers $\pm 2$. At the same time the model allows exotic quarks, with the third quark generation treated asymmetrically respect to the other two. Bileptons generate specific signatures in the form of multilepton final states in Drell-Yan like processes, with and without associated jets, which can be searched for at the LHC.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2018

Probing and Distinguishing Representations at the LHC

The discovery made at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has revealed that the spontaneous symmetry breaking mechanism is realised in a gauge theory such as the Standard Model (SM) by at least one Higgs doublet. However, the possible existence of other scalar bosons cannot be excluded. We analyze signatures extensions of the SM, characterized by an extra representations of scalars, in view of the recent and previous Higgs data. We show that such representations can be probed and distinguished, mostly with multileptonic final states, with a relatively low luminosity at the LHC.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2018

Exploring Scalar and Vector Bileptons at the LHC

We present an analysis on the production of two same-sign lepton pairs at the LHC, mediated by bileptons in the $SU(3)_c\times SU(3)_L\times U(1)_X$ theory, the so-called 331 model. Compared to other 331 scenarios, in this model the embedding of the hypercharge is obtained with the addition of 3 exotic quarks and doubly-charged vector gauge bosons with lepton numbers $\pm 2$ in the spectrum ($Y^{\pm\pm}$), which can mediate the production of four-lepton final states. Furthermore, a complete description of the model requires the introduction of a Higgs scalar sector, which is a sextet of $SU(3)_L$, necessary in order to correctly account for the lepton masses. As a result of this, new doubly-charged scalar states $H^{\pm\pm}$ are part of the spectrum as well and can in principle compete with the vector bileptons in giving rise to four-lepton final states. We investigate both channels and study several observables at the LHC, for both signal and Standard Model $ZZ$ background. With respect to previous work on vector- and scalar-bilepton production, we use the most updated exclusion limits at the LHC and implement the 331 model in a full Monte Carlo simulation code, capable of being interfaced with any analysis framework. Our result is that the 331 signal can be discriminated from the background with a significance of 6-9 standard deviations, depending on the LHC luminosity, with the vector bileptons dominating over the scalar ones.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Distinguishing charged Higgs bosons from different representations at the LHC

Extending the Standard Model (SM) scalar sector via one or multiple Higgs field(s) in higher representation brings one or more charged Higgs bosons in the spectrum. Some of these gauge representations with appropriate hypercharge can bring up doubly charged Higgs boson and can be easily distinguished from the existing models with only singly charged Higgs boson. In this study we focus on distinguishing the singly charged Higgs bosons from different representations, viz. doublets and triplets of $SU(2)_L$ gauge group. We consider a supersymmetric extension of SM with a gauge singlet and $SU(2)_L$ triplet with $Y=0$ as a benchmark scenario with the possibility of rich phenomenology due to existence of light pseudoscalar for $Z_3$ symmetric superpotential. A detailed collider simulation considering all the SM backgrounds has been carried out in order to classify the final states which are favourable to charged Higgs boson from one particular representation than others. We show that such different representations can be probed an distinguished via looking at single charged Higgs boson phenomenology at the LHC with 14 TeV center of mass energy within $\sim 50$ fb$^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Two-Loop Renormalization Group Equations and Gauge Couplings Unification

We analize the impact of two-loop renormalization group equations on the $SU(3)_c\times SU(2)_w\times U(1)_Y$ gauge couplings unification in various supersymmetric theories. In general the presence of superfields in higher representation than the doublet spoil the gauge couplings unification at one-loop. The situation is more interesting when the renormalization group equations are calculated at two-loop. In this case we show that the unification of the gauge couplings can be achieved for models with triplet superfield(s). In the analysis of the models with triplet superfield(s) we show that the dimensionless couplings do not have a Landau pole in their evolution at high energies but they run to a nontrivial ultraviolet fixed point.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Bilepton Signatures at the LHC

We discuss the main signatures of the Bilepton Model at the Large Hadron Collider, focusing on its gauge boson sector. The model is characterised by five additional gauge bosons, four charged and one neutral, beyond those of the Standard Model, plus three exotic quarks. The latter turn into ordinary quarks with the emission of bilepton doublets $(Y^{++},Y^{+})$ and $(Y^{--},Y^{-})$ of lepton number $L=-2$ and $L=+2$ respectively, with the doubly-charged bileptons decaying into same-sign lepton pairs. We perform a phenomenological analysis investigating processes with two doubly-charged bileptons and two jets at the LHC and find that, setting suitable cuts on pseudorapidities and transverse momenta of final-states jets and leptons, the model yields a visible signal and the main Standard Model backgrounds can be suppressed. Compared to previous studies, our investigation is based on a full Monte Carlo implementation of the model and accounts for parton showers, hadronization and an actual jet-clustering algorithm for both signal and Standard Model background, thus providing an optimal framework for an actual experimental search.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Studies on Conformal and Superconformal Extensions of the Standard Model with an Application to Gravity

In this thesis we study some theoretical and phenomenological aspects of classical conformal symmetry in specific extensions of the SM. We consider both supersymmetric and non supersymmetric cases. We discuss the perturbative structure of the superconformal anomaly effective action. We show that the manifestation of the anomaly is in the presence of massless intermediate states in correlators involving the Ferrara-Zumino supercurrent with two vector supercurrents. This universal feature is typical both of chiral and conformal anomalies. These results are used in a study of a possible extension of the SM with a dilaton, deriving some bounds on a possible conformal scale. Then we turn to investigate a specific superconformal theory, the TNMSSM, which extends the MSSM with one extra triplet and a scalar singlet superfield. The manifestation of the classical conformal symmetry in this model is in the existence of a very light pseudoscalar in the physical spectrum. We study the main proprieties of this state and its potential discovery at the LHC. In the last part of this work we discuss an application of the graviton-photon-photon vertex to gravitational lensing for a Schwarzschild background. In particular, we introduce the notion of a semiclassical lens equation for the deflection of a photon nearing the horizon of a black hole.

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