arXiv subjects

Antonio Delgado

Publications and source records attributed to Antonio Delgado.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Quark-Lepton Color-Flavor Unification

We present an $SU(12) \times SU(2)_L \times U(1)_R$ model unifying $SU(9)$ quark color-flavor with $SU(3)$ lepton flavor as a flavorful alternative to conventional theories of unification. We begin in the ultraviolet with a single yukawa shared by the unified up-type quarks and neutrinos, and no further new fermions. We show that gauged quark color-flavor and lepton flavor instantons dynamically generate the bottom and tau yukawas, which implements a massless quark solution to the strong CP problem and sets up a flavored type-I seesaw mechanism. Only two new scalar irreps are needed for the symmetry-breaking steps, which include quark color-flavor deconstruction and then infrared reunification, and the Standard Model gauge group in this theory emerges as \[G_{\rm SM} = \frac{SU(3)_C \times SU(2)_L \times U(1)_Y \times \mathbb{Z}^X_{18}}{\mathbb{Z}_{3} \times \Gamma \times \mathbb{Z}_3},\] where $\Gamma \in \lbrace 1, \mathbb{Z}_2 \rbrace$ is the electroweak global structure and there is a discrete gauge symmetry $X = B - 3(L_i + L_j - L_k)$ which brings additional $\mathbb{Z}_3$ global structure to the SM. This gauge symmetry acts as a flavorful upgrade of the $\mathbb{Z}^{B+L}_{18}$ anomaly-free global symmetry of the SM and stabilizes the proton absolutely. Non-invertible chiral symmetry-breaking is crucial to our model, and we discuss the rich spectrum of emergent generalized symmetries and topological defects appearing at various stages. In the infrared, the novel shared quotient between continuous and discrete groups links the one-form and two-form global symmetries of the Standard Model.

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arXiv2026

Geometric Amplitudes: A Covariant Functional Approach for Massless Scalar Theories

Functional geometry is a framework using concepts from geometry to understand the invariance of amplitudes in quantum field theory under a large class of field redefinitions, including those involving derivatives. It is inspired by recursion relations among correlation functions, where higher-point functions depend iteratively upon smaller correlators. Previous work has shown that, with suitable modifications, these correlation functions become covariant under field redefinitions, provided they are evaluated at the physical ``on-shell" point. In this paper, we show how to further modify correlation functions in massless scalar field theories to achieve ``off-shell" covariance. We investigate the conditions required for the framework to work and discuss the geometric interpretation of this construction -- which prioritizes the covariant transformation of observables under field redefinitions over the role of a metric tensor and its derivatives. While analogous modifications may exist for massive theories, we show that framework developed here does not extend straightforwardly to that case.

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arXiv2025

Non-factorizable Superamplitudes for Massive N = 1 Superstates

In this paper we study non-factorizable N = 1 superamplitudes for massive chiral superstates. We demonstrate how little group scaling and the supersymmetric Ward identities determine the form of non-factorizable massless superamplitudes, then extrapolate to massive superamplitudes by requiring they reduce to the massless form when we send all masses to zero. This technique does not depend on whether or not the superstates are self-conjugate (so that the fermionic components are either Dirac or Majorana) or whether the superamplitude is dressed with a form-factor.

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arXiv2025

Non-Invertible Peccei-Quinn Symmetry, Natural 2HDM Alignment, and the Visible Axion

We identify $m_{12}^2$ as a spurion of non-invertible Peccei-Quinn symmetry in the type II 2HDM with gauged quark flavor. Thus a UV theory which introduces quark color-flavor monopoles can naturally realize alignment without decoupling and can furthermore revive the Weinberg-Wilczek axion. As an example we consider the $SU(9)$ theory of color-flavor unification, which needs no new fermions. This is the first model-building use of non-invertible symmetry to find a Dirac natural explanation for a small $\textit{relevant}$ parameter.

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arXiv2024

Basis for Non-Factorizable Superamplitudes in N = 1 Supersymmetry

In this paper we develop a semi-standard Young tableau (SSYT) approach to construct a basis of non-factorizable superamplitudes in N = 1 massless supersymmetry. This amplitude basis can be directly translated to a basis for higher dimensional supersymmetric operators, yielding both the number of independent operators and their form. We deal with distinguishable (massless) chiral/vector superfields at first, then generalize the result to the indistinguishable case. Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this method compared to the previously studied Hilbert series approach.

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arXiv2024

Drell-Yan Bounds on Gapped Continuum Spectra

Theories with gapped continuum spectra have gotten some attention, either as pure 4D models like unparticles, or in 5D realizations as certain soft walls constructions. In this paper, we derive experimental bounds from Drell-Yan processes ($pp \to \ell^+\ell^-$, $pp \to \ell^\pm ν$) in a particular scenario where the electroweak bosons propagate in an extra dimension that produces a propagator with a continuum spectrum, on top of the isolated corresponding Standard Model pole. Using current LHC data we put a lower bound on the gap of 4.2 TeV (expected), 6.2 TeV (observed, bins with $< 10$ events combined) at 95\% CL, with some dependence in the observed limit on how low statistics bins are treated. We also study the limits for HL-LHC.

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arXiv2023

Hidden U(N) Symmetry behind N=1 Superamplitudes

In this paper we develop a Young diagram approach to constructing higher dimensional operators formed from massless superfields and their superderivatives in $\mathcal{N}=1$ supersymmetry. These operators are in one-to-one correspondence with non-factorizable terms in on-shell superamplitudes, which can be studied with massless spinor helicity techniques. By relating all spin-helicity variables to certain representations under a hidden $U(N)$ symmetry behind the theory, we show each non-factorizable superamplitude can be identified with a specific Young tableau. The desired tableau is picked out of a more general set of $U(N)$ tensor products by enforcing the supersymmetric Ward identities. We then relate these Young tableaux to higher dimensional superfield operators and list the rules to read operators directly from Young tableau. Using this method, we present several illustrative examples.

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arXiv2023

Counting Operators in $N=1$ Supersymmetric Gauge Theories

Following a recent publication, in this paper we count the number of independent operators at arbitrary mass dimension in $N=1$ supersymmetric gauge theories and derive their field and derivative content. This work uses Hilbert series machinery and extends a technique from our previous work on handling integration by parts redundancies to vector superfields. The method proposed here can be applied to both abelian and non-abelian gauge theories and for any set of (chiral/antichiral) matter fields. We work through detailed steps for the abelian case with single flavor chiral superfield at mass dimension eight, and provide other examples in the appendices.

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arXiv2023

Constructing Operator Basis in Supersymmetry: A Hilbert Series Approach

In this paper we introduce a Hilbert series approach to build the operator basis for a N = 1 supersymmetry theory with chiral superfields. We give explicitly the form of the corrections that remove redundancies due to the equations of motion and integration by parts. In addition, we derive the maps between the correction spaces. This technique allows us to calculate the number of independent operators involving chiral and antichiral superfields to arbitrarily high mass dimension. Using this method, we give several illustrative examples.

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arXiv2022

Report of the Topical Group on Physics Beyond the Standard Model at Energy Frontier for Snowmass 2021

This is the Snowmass2021 Energy Frontier (EF) Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) report. It combines the EF topical group reports of EF08 (Model-specific explorations), EF09 (More general explorations), and EF10 (Dark Matter at Colliders). The report includes a general introduction to BSM motivations and the comparative prospects for proposed future experiments for a broad range of potential BSM models and signatures, including compositeness, SUSY, leptoquarks, more general new bosons and fermions, long-lived particles, dark matter, charged-lepton flavor violation, and anomaly detection.

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arXiv2022

LHC search strategy for squarks in higgsino-LSP scenarios with leptons and $b$-jets in the final state

The higgsino Lightest Supersymmetric Particle (LSP) scenario opens up the possibility of decays of strongly produced particles to an intermediate neutralino, due to the Yukawa-suppressed direct decays to the higgsino. Those decays produce multijet signals with a Higgs or a $Z$ boson being produced in the decay of the intermediate neutralino to the LSP. In this paper we study the discovery prospects of squarks that produce $b$-jets and leptons in the final state. Our collider analysis provides signal significances at the 3$σ$ level for luminosities of 1 ab$^{-1}$, and at the 5$σ$ level if we project these results for 3 ab$^{-1}$.

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arXiv2021

Hunting Squarks in Higgsino LSP scenarios at the LHC

The assumption that strongly interacting sparticles will decay directly to the LSP plus jets breaks down in situations where those decays are Yukawa suppressed. That occurs when producing the first two generations of squarks and when, at the same time, there are several electroweakinos lighter than those squarks. In this paper we analyze the signal of pair production of squarks that subsequently decay to an intermediate neutralino ($\tildeχ_3^0$) plus jets. The neutralino will then decay to the LSP (mainly higgsino) and a Higgs. We have simulated the events and designed a discovery strategy based on a signal of two jets, four $b$-quarks and missing transverse energy. We obtain very promising values for the LHC sensitivity at 14 TeV and 300 fb$^{-1}$.

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arXiv2021

Search strategy for gluinos at the LHC with a Higgs boson decaying into tau leptons

The possibility in supersymmetric scenarios that the dark matter candidate is a Higgsino-like neutralino means that its production can be associated with Higgs bosons. Taking advantage of this fact, we propose a LHC search strategy for gluinos with $τ$ leptons in the final state, coming from the decay of a Higgs boson. We consider the strong production of a pair of gluinos, one of which decays into the Higgsino plus jets while the other decays into the bino plus jets. In turn, this bino decays into the Higgsino plus a Higgs boson which finally decays into a $τ$-lepton pair. Therefore, the experimental signature under study consists of 4 jets, 2 $τ$ leptons, and a large amount of missing transverse energy. Our cut-based search strategy allows us to reach, for a LHC center-of-mass energy of 14 TeV and a total integrated luminosity of 1 ab$^{-1}$, significances of up to 2 standard deviations, considering systematic uncertainties in the SM background of 30\%. The projections for 3 ab$^{-1}$ are encouraging, with significances at the evidence level, which in more optimistic experimental scenarios could exceed 4 standard deviations.

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arXiv2021

Novel Higgsino Dark Matter Signatures at the LHC

In the LHC searches for gluinos it is usually assumed that they decay predominantly into the lightest neutralino plus jets. In this work we perform a proof-of-concept collider analysis of a novel supersymmetric signal in which gluinos decay mostly into jets and the bino-like neutralino ($\tildeχ_3^0$), which in turn decays into the lightest Higgsino-like neutralino ($\tildeχ_1^0$), considered the dark matter candidate, together with the SM-like Higgs boson ($h$). This new physics signal then consists of an LHC final state made up by four light jets, four $b$-jets, and a large amount of missing transverse energy. We identify $t \bar t$, $V$+jets ($V$= $W$, $Z$), and $t \bar t + X$ ($X$ = $W$, $Z$, $γ^*$, $h$) productions as the most problematic backgrounds, and develop a search strategy for the high luminosity phase of the LHC, reaching signal significances at the evidence level for a luminosity of 1000 fb$^{-1}$. The prospects for a luminosity of 3000 fb$^{-1}$ are even more promising, with discovery-level significances.

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arXiv2021

Higgsino Dark Matter in the MSSM

A comologically stable neutral component from a nearly pure $SU(2)$ doublet, with a mass $\sim$1.1 TeV, is one appealing candidate for dark matter (DM) consistent with all direct dark matter searches. We have explored this possibility in the context of the Minimal Supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model (MSSM), with the Higgsino playing the role of DM, in theories where supersymmetry breaking is transmitted by gravitational interactions at the unification scale $M\simeq 2\times 10^{16}$ GeV. We have focussed our work in the search of "light" supersymmetric spectra, which could be at reach of present and/or future colliders, in models with universal and non-universal Higgs and gaugino Majorana masses. The lightest supersymmetric particles of the spectrum are, by construction, two neutralinos and one chargino, almost degenerate, with a mass $\sim $1.1 TeV, and a mass splitting of a few GeV. Depending on the particular scenario the gluino can be at its experimental mass lower bound $\sim$ 2.2 TeV; in the squark sector, the lightest stop can be as light as $\sim$ 1.3 TeV, and the lightest slepton, the right-handed stau, can have a mass as light as $1.2$ TeV. The lightest neutralino can be found at the next generation of direct dark matter experimental searches. In the most favorable situation, the gluino, with some specific decay channels, could be found at the next run of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), and the lightest stop at the High-Luminosity LHC run.

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arXiv2020

Multiscatter stellar capture of dark matter

Dark matter may be discovered through its capture in stars and subsequent annihilation. It is usually assumed that dark matter is captured after a single scattering event in the star, however this assumption breaks down for heavy dark matter, which requires multiple collisions with the star to lose enough kinetic energy to become captured. We analytically compute how multiple scatters alter the capture rate of dark matter and identify the parameter space where the affect is largest. Using these results, we then show how multiscatter capture of dark matter on compact stars can be used to probe heavy ($m_X >$ TeV) dark matter with remarkably small dark matter-nucleon scattering cross-sections. As one example, it is demonstrated how measuring the temperature of old neutron stars in the Milky Way's center provides sensitivity to high mass dark matter with dark matter-nucleon scattering cross-sections smaller than the xenon direct detection neutrino floor.

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arXiv2019

Reinterpreting $pp \to W^+W^-$ searches for charginos

The hallmark way to search for electroweakinos in natural supersymmetry at the LHC involves the trilepton plus missing energy final state. This approach assumes an electroweakino mass hierarchy that allows for cascade decays leading to a final state of $W^{\pm}Z^0$ plus missing energy. There are, however, situations when that decay pattern may not exist, such as when a chargino is the lightest electroweakino and the lightest supersymmetric particle is the gravitino. In regions of the parameter space where this ordering occurs, the production of any combination of neutralino/chargino leads to a $W^+W^- + X$ plus missing energy final state, where $X$ could be additional jets or leptons. If $X$ is soft, then all neutralino/chargino production modes fall into the same experimental final state, dileptons plus missing energy. ATLAS and CMS have leptonic $W^+W^-$ plus missing energy searches, but their interpretation assumes a spectrum consisting of an isolated charged state. In this paper, we identify the circumstances under which natural supersymmetry models can avoid $W^{\pm}Z^0$ plus missing energy bounds. For scenarios that escape $W^{\pm}Z^0$ plus missing energy, we then recast the latest ATLAS $W^+W^-$ plus missing energy search, taking into account all the states that contribute to the same signal. Assuming the lightest supersymmetric particle is massless, we find a bound of 460 GeV for a higgsino-like degenerate doublet. Finally, we extend our arguments to a non-supersymmetric simplified model containing new electroweak-scale $SU(2)_w$ doublets and singlets.

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arXiv2019

Constraining R-parity-violating couplings in $τ$-processes at the LHC and in electroweak precision measurements

We find new limits on the $λ'_{3jk}$ R-parity violating (RPV) couplings of the minimal supersymmetric standard model, using Drell-Yan differential cross sections at the LHC and electroweak precision measurements from LEP and SLC. Specifically, limits on six out of the nine $λ'_{3jk}$-couplings, with $j=1\text{ or }2$, are obtained using Drell-Yan data, with the remaining three (for $j=3$) bounded by precision electroweak data. We also update the limits on all $λ'_{ijk}$-couplings using electroweak data and find new bounds on $λ'_{132}$ and $λ'_{232}$ that are stronger than obtained elsewhere. A table of all current bounds on $λ'_{ijk}$ is given in an appendix.

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