arXiv subjects

Antonio Pich

Publications and source records attributed to Antonio Pich.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Flavour Anomalies

The experimental data on $b\to cτ\barν_τ$ and $b\to s\ell^+\ell^-$ transitions exhibit sizeable discrepancies with the Standard Model expectations. We present an overview of the present status and discuss possible interpretations within a model-independent effective Lagrangian approach. We also briefly elaborate on some other claimed flavour anomalies such as the recently observed CP asymmetry in $D^0$ decays or the $K^0\to ππ$ ratio $\varepsilon_K'/\varepsilon^{\phantom{'}}_K$. The Standard Model prediction for the direct $CP$-violating ratio $\varepsilon_K'/\varepsilon^{\phantom{'}}_K$ agrees with its measured value, once all theoretical ingredients are correctly taken into account.

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arXiv2019

Constraints on scalar leptoquarks from lepton and kaon physics

We present a comprehensive analysis of low-energy signals of hypothetical scalar leptoquark interactions in lepton and kaon transitions. We derive the most general effective four-fermion Lagrangian induced by tree-level scalar leptoquark exchange and identify the Wilson coefficients predicted by the five possible types of scalar leptoquarks. The current constraints on the leptoquark Yukawa couplings arising from lepton and kaon processes are worked out, including also loop-induced transitions with only leptons (or quarks) as external states. In the presence of scalar leptoquark interactions, we also derive the differential distributions for flavour-changing neutral-current transitions in semileptonic kaon modes, including all known effects within the Standard Model. Their interference with the new physics contributions could play a significant role in future improvements of those constraints that are currently hampered by poorly-determined non-perturbative parameters.

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arXiv2019

Global fit to $b \to c τν$ transitions

We perform a general model-independent analysis of $b \to c τ\barν_τ$ transitions, including measurements of $\mathcal{R}_D$, $\mathcal{R}_{D^*}$, their $q^2$ differential distributions, the recently measured longitudinal $D^*$ polarization $F_L^{D^*}$, and constraints from the $B_c \to τ\barν_τ$ lifetime, each of which has significant impact on the fit. A global fit to a general set of Wilson coefficients of an effective low-energy Hamiltonian is presented, the solutions of which are interpreted in terms of hypothetical new-physics mediators. From the obtained results we predict selected $b \to cτ\barν_τ$ observables, such as the baryonic transition $Λ_b \to Λ_c τ\barν_τ$, the ratio $\mathcal{R}_{J/ψ}$, the forward-backward asymmetries ${\cal A}_\text{FB}^{D^{(*)}}$, the $τ$ polarization asymmetries $\mathcal{P}_τ^{D^{(*)}}$, and the longitudinal $D^*$ polarization fraction $F_L^{D^*}$. The latter shows presently a slight tension with any new-physics model, such that an improved measurement could have an important impact. We also discuss the potential change due the very recently announced preliminary $\mathcal{R}_{D^{(*)}}$ measurement by the Belle collaboration.

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arXiv2019

Effective theories and resonances in strongly-coupled electroweak symmetry breaking scenarios

Due to the mass gap between the Standard Model and possible New Physics states, electroweak effective approaches are appropriate. Although a linear realization of the electroweak symmetry breaking with the Higgs forming a doublet together with the Goldstone bosons of the EWSB is a first possibility (SMEFT), we adopt the more general non-linear realization, where the Higgs is a singlet with independent couplings (EWET, HEFT or EWChL). We present the effective Lagrangian at low energies (the EWET, with only the SM fields) and at high energies (the resonance theory, with also a set of resonances). Taking into account the high scale of these resonances, their experimental searches seem to be more accessible by considering their imprints at low-energies, i.e., their imprints in the Low Energy Constants (LECs) of the EWET at energies lower than the resonance masses. We give some examples of these phenomenological connections.

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arXiv2019

Colorful Imprints of Heavy States in the Electroweak Effective Theory

We analyze heavy states from generic ultraviolet completions of the Standard Model in a model-independent way and investigate their implications on the low-energy couplings of the electroweak effective theory. We build a general effective Lagrangian, implementing the electroweak symmetry breaking $SU(2)_L\otimes SU(2)_R\to SU(2)_{L+R}$ with a non-linear Nambu-Goldstone realization, which couples the known particles to the heavy states. We generalize the formalism developed in previous works~[1,2] to include colored resonances, both of bosonic and fermionic type. We study bosonic heavy states with $J^P=0^\pm$ and $J^P=1^\pm$, in singlet or triplet $SU(2)_{L+R}$ representations and in singlet or octet representations of $SU(3)_C$, and fermionic resonances with $J=\frac{1}{2}$ that are electroweak doublets and QCD triplets or singlets. Integrating out the heavy scales, we determine the complete pattern of low-energy couplings at the lowest non-trivial order. Some specific types of (strongly- and weakly-coupled) ultraviolet completions are discussed to illustrate the generality of our approach and to make contact with current experimental searches.

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arXiv2019

Heavy Resonances in the Electroweak Effective Lagrangian

As a first step towards the construction of a general electroweak effective Lagrangian incorporating heavy states, we present here a simplified version where only vector and axial-vector spin-1 triplets are involved. We adopt an effective field theory formalism, implementing the electroweak chiral symmetry breaking SU(2)L x SU(2)R -> SU(2)L+R, which couples the heavy states to the SM fields. At low energies, the heavy degrees of freedom are integrated out from the action and their effects are hidden in the low-energy couplings of the Electroweak Effective Theory, which can be tested experimentally. Short-distance constraints are also implemented, requiring a proper behaviour in the high-energy regime. We analyze the phenomenological constraints from the oblique parameters S and T , at the next- to-leading order. Our results show that present data allow for strongly-coupled scenarios with massive bosons above the TeV scale.

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arXiv2018

Determining the strong coupling: status and challenges

The `XIIIth Quark Confinement and the Hadron Spectrum' conference (Confinement 2018) contained a `Round Table Discussion' on the status of the determinations of the strong coupling $α_s(m_Z)$ as well as prospects for future improvements. In this contribution, we summarize the different aspects of the discussion. In particular, we cover $α_s$ determinations from inclusive observables, such as the hadronic decays of the $Z$ boson and the $τ$ lepton; from global fits of parton distribution functions (PDFs); from high-energy collider observables, and from event shapes; as well as from various observables computed by lattice QCD, specifically from the QCD static energy. There is overall good agreement between these various determinations, but there are also outliers, differing from the world average by up to $-5\%$. Nevertheless, the general agreement constitutes a beautiful and significant test of the detailed nature of the strong interactions, and provides a crucial input for high-precision calculations in QCD and beyond.

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arXiv2018

Heavy resonances and the electroweak effective theory

Taking into account the negative results of direct searches for beyond the Standard Model fields and the consequent mass gap between Standard Model and possible unknown states, the use of electroweak effective theories is justified. Whereas at low energies we consider a non-linear realization of the electroweak symmetry breaking with a singlet Higgs and a strongly-coupled ultraviolet completion, at higher energies the known particles are assumed to be coupled to heavy states: bosonic fields with $J^P=0^\pm$ and $J^P=1^\pm$ (in electroweak triplets or singlets and in QCD octets or singlets) and fermionic states with $J=\frac{1}{2}$ (in electroweak doublets and in QCD triplets or singlets). By integrating out these heavy resonances, the pattern of next-to-leading order low-energy constants among the light fields can be studied. A phenomenological study trying to estimate the scale of these resonances is also shown.

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arXiv2018

Tau-decay determination of the strong coupling

We review the current status of the determination of the strong coupling from tau decay. Using the most recent release of the ALEPH data, a very comprehensive phenomenological analysis has been performed, exploring all strategies previously considered in the literature and several complementary approaches. Once their actual uncertainties are properly assessed, the results from all adopted methodologies are in excellent agreement, leading to a very robust and reliable value of the strong coupling, $α_s^{(n_f=3)}(m_τ^2) = 0.328\pm 0.013$, which implies $α_s^{(n_f=5)}(M_Z^2) = 0.1197\pm 0.0015$.

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arXiv2018

Confronting hadronic tau decays with non-leptonic kaon decays

In the chiral limit, the $D=6$ contribution to the Operator Product Expansion (OPE) of the $\mathrm{VV-AA}$ correlator of quark currents only depends on two vacuum condensates, which can be related to hadronic matrix elements associated to CP violation in non-leptonic kaon decays. We use those relations to determine $\langle(ππ)_{I=2}|\mathcal{Q}_{8}|K\rangle$, using the updated ALEPH spectral functions. Alternatively, we use those relations in the opposite direction. Taking the values of the matrix elements from the lattice to obtain the $D=6$ vacuum elements provides a new short-distance constraint which allows for an inclusive determination of $f_π$ and an updated value for the $D=8$ condensate.

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arXiv2018

Updated Standard Model Prediction for $\varepsilon'/\varepsilon$

A recent lattice evaluation of $\varepsilon'/\varepsilon$, finding a 2.1 $σ$ deviation from the experimental value, has revived the old debate about a possible $\varepsilon'/\varepsilon$ anomaly. The unfounded claims of a too low Standard Model prediction are based on incorrect estimates that neglect the long-distance re-scattering of the final pions in $K\rightarrow 2π$. In view of the current situation, we have recently updated the Standard Model calculation, including all known short- and long-distance contributions. Our result, $\text{Re}\left(\varepsilon'/\varepsilon\right) = (15 \pm 7)\cdot 10^{-4}$, is in complete agreement with the experimental measurement.

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arXiv2017

Flavour alignment in multi-Higgs-doublet models

Extended electroweak scalar sectors containing several doublet multiplets require flavour-aligned Yukawa matrices to prevent the appearance at tree level of unwanted flavour- changing neutral-current transitions. We analyse the misalignment induced by one-loop quantum corrections and explore possible generalizations of the alignment condition and their compatibility with current experimental constraints. The hypothesis of flavour alignment at a high scale turns out to be consistent with all known phenomenological tests.

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arXiv2017

Direct CP violation in $K^0\toππ$: Standard Model Status

In 1988 the NA31 experiment presented the first evidence of direct CP violation in the $K^0\toππ$ decay amplitudes. A clear signal with a $7.2\,σ$ statistical significance was later established with the full data samples from the NA31, E731, NA48 and KTeV experiments, confirming that CP violation is associated with a $ΔS=1$ quark transition, as predicted by the Standard Model. However, the theoretical prediction for the measured ratio $\varepsilon'/\varepsilon$ has been a subject of strong controversy along the years. Although the underlying physics was already clarified in 2001, the recent release of improved lattice data has revived again the theoretical debate. We review the current status, discussing in detail the different ingredients that enter into the calculation of this observable and the reasons why seemingly contradictory predictions were obtained in the past by several groups. An update of the Standard Model prediction is presented and the prospects for future improvements are analysed. Taking into account all known short-distance and long-distance contributions, one obtains $\mbox{Re}\left(\varepsilon'/\varepsilon\right) = (15 \pm 7)\cdot 10^{-4}$, in good agreement with the experimental measurement.

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arXiv2017

Tracks of resonances in electroweak effective Lagrangians

Taking into account the negative searches for New Physics at the LHC, electroweak effective theories are appropriate to deal with current energies. Tracks of new, higher scales can be studied through next-to leading order corrections of the electroweak effective theory. We assume a generic non-linear realization of the electroweak symmetry breaking with a singlet Higgs and a strongly-coupled UV-completion. We further consider a high-energy Lagrangian that incorporates explicitly a general set of new heavy fields. After integrating out these heavy resonances, we study the pattern of low-energy constants among the light fields, which are generated by the massive states.

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arXiv2017

Fingerprints of heavy scales in electroweak effective Lagrangians

The couplings of the electroweak effective theory contain information on the heavy-mass scales which are no-longer present in the low-energy Lagrangian. We build a general effective Lagrangian, implementing the electroweak chiral symmetry breaking $SU(2)_L\otimes SU(2)_R\to SU(2)_{L+R}$, which couples the known particle fields to heavier states with bosonic quantum numbers $J^P=0^\pm$ and $1^\pm$. We consider colour-singlet heavy fields that are in singlet or triplet representations of the electroweak group. Integrating out these heavy scales, we analyze the pattern of low-energy couplings among the light fields which are generated by the massive states. We adopt a generic non-linear realization of the electroweak symmetry breaking with a singlet Higgs, without making any assumption about its possible doublet structure. Special attention is given to the different possible descriptions of massive spin-1 fields and the differences arising from naive implementations of these formalisms, showing their full equivalence once a proper short-distance behaviour is required.

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arXiv2017

Scalar contributions to $b\to c (u) τν$ transitions

We perform a comprehensive analysis of scalar contributions in $b \to c τν$ transitions including the latest measurements of $R(D^{(*)})$, the $q^2$ differential distributions in $B \to D^{(*)} τν$, the $τ$ polarization asymmetry for $B \to D^{*} τν$, and the bound derived from the total width of the $B_c$ meson. We find that scalar contributions with the simultaneous presence of both left- and right-handed couplings to quarks can explain the available data, specifically $R(D^{(*)})$ together with the measured differential distributions. However, the constraints from the total $B_c$ width present a slight tension with the current data on $B \to D^{*}τν$ in this scenario, preferring smaller values for $R(D^*)$. We discuss possibilities to disentangle scalar new physics from other new-physics scenarios like the presence of only a left-handed vector current, via additional observables in $B \to D^{(*)}τν$ decays or additional decay modes like the baryonic $Λ_b \to Λ_c τν$ and the inclusive $B \to X_c τν$ decays. We also analyze scalar contributions in $b \to u τν$ transitions, including the latest measurements of $B \to τν$, providing predictions for $Λ_b \to p τν$ and $B \to πτν$ decays. The potential complementarity between the $b \to u$ and $b \to c$ sectors is finally investigated once assumptions about the flavour structure of the underlying theory are made.

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arXiv2016

Precision physics with QCD

The four-loop determination of the strong coupling from fully inclusive observables is reviewed. Special attention is given to the low-energy measurement extracted from the hadronic $τ$ decay width. A recent exhaustive analysis of the ALEPH data, exploring several complementary methodologies with very different sensitivities to inverse power corrections and duality violations, confirms the strong suppression of non-perturbative contributions to $R_τ$. It gives the value $α_s(m_τ^2)= 0.328 \pm 0.013$, which implies $α_s(M_Z^2)= 0.1197 \pm 0.0015$. The excellent agreement with the direct measurement at the $Z$ peak, $α_s(M_Z^2)= 0.1196 \pm 0.0030$, provides a beautiful test of asymptotic freedom. Together with the most recent lattice average from FLAG and the NNLO determinations from $e^+e^-$, PDFs and collider data quoted by the PDG, these two inclusive determinations imply a world average value $α_s(M_Z^2)= 0.1180 \pm 0.0010$.

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arXiv2016

Integrating out resonances in strongly-coupled electroweak scenarios

Accepting that there is a mass gap above the electroweak scale, the Electroweak Effective Theory (EWET) is an appropriate tool to describe this situation. Since the EWET couplings contain information on the unknown high-energy dynamics, we consider a generic strongly-coupled scenario of electroweak symmetry breaking, where the known particle fields are coupled to heavier states. Then, and by integrating out these heavy fields, we study the tracks of the lightest resonances into the couplings. The determination of the low-energy couplings (LECs) in terms of resonance parameters can be made more precise by considering a proper short-distance behaviour on the Lagrangian with heavy states, since the number of resonance couplings is then reduced. Notice that we adopt a generic non-linear realization of the electroweak symmetry breaking with a singlet Higgs.

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