arXiv subjects

Carlos Munoz

Publications and source records attributed to Carlos Munoz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Interaction Dynamics of Borrelia Surface Proteins with Fibronectin

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is a significant public health concern in North America, with approximately 500,000 cases reported annually in the United States. The dissemination of B. burgdorferi from the initial tick bite site to various tissues is facilitated by surface adhesins that bind to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as fibronectin (Fn). This study investigates the binding dynamics of B. burgdorferi surface proteins RevA, BBK32, BmpA, OspA, and OspC to Fn using atomic force microscopy-based single-molecule force spectroscopy (AFM-SMFS). Our results demonstrate that RevA and BBK32 form strong, stable bonds with Fn, highlighting their roles as key mediators of host-cell attachment. By quantifying the rupture forces and kinetic parameters of these interactions, we provide a deeper understanding of B. burgdorferi adhesion mechanics and offer insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting early bacterial attachment.

physics.bio-ph↗

arXiv2024

A systematic study to investigate the effects of X-ray exposure on electrical properties of silicon dioxide thin films using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) is generally used for chemical analysis of surfaces and interfaces. This method involves the analysis of changes in binding energies and peak shapes of elements under consideration. It is also possible to use XPS to study the effect of X-ray radiation on the electrical properties of thin films. We measured the Si 2p peak using X-ray powers of 300 W and 150 W on approximately 135 nm silicon dioxide (SiO2) thin films grown on both n- and p-type substrates while applying DC or AC external biases. Using the shifts in the binding energy of the Si 2p peak, we calculated the resistances and the capacitances of the SiO2 thin film. The way that the binding energies of the Si 2p peak and the capacitance of the thin film change as a function of the type of Si substrate and the power of the X-ray are explained using band bending.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2021

Macroscopic features of quantum fluctuations in large N qubit system

We introduce a discrete Q-function of N qubit system projected into the space of symmetric measurements as a tool for analyzing general properties of quantum systems in the macroscopic limit. For known states the projected Q-function helps to visualize the results of collective measurements, and for unknown states it can be approximately reconstructed by measuring lowest moments of the of collective variables.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Explaining muon $g-2$ data in the $μν$SSM

We analyze the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon $g-2$ in the $μν$SSM. This $R$-parity violating model solves the $μ$ problem reproducing simultaneously neutrino data, only with the addition of right-handed neutrinos. In the framework of the $μν$SSM, light left muon-sneutrino and wino masses can be naturally obtained driven by neutrino physics. This produces an increase of the dominant chargino-sneutrino loop contribution to muon $g-2$, solving the gap between the theoretical computation and the experimental data. To analyze the parameter space, we sample the $μν$SSM using a likelihood data-driven method, paying special attention to reproduce the current experimental data on neutrino and Higgs physics, as well as flavor observables such as $B$ and $μ$ decays. We then apply the constraints from LHC searches for events with multi-leptons + MET on the viable regions found. They can probe these regions through chargino-chargino, chargino-neutralino and neutralino-neutralino pair production. We conclude that significant regions of the parameter space of the $μν$SSM can explain muon $g-2$ data.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

When do two networks have the same steady-state ideal?

Chemical reaction networks are often used to model and understand biological processes such as cell signaling. Under the framework of chemical reaction network theory, a process is modeled with a directed graph and a choice of kinetics, which together give rise to a dynamical system. Under the assumption of mass action kinetics, the dynamical system is polynomial. In this paper, we consider the ideals generated by the these polynomials, which are called steady-state ideals. Steady-state ideals appear in multiple contexts within the chemical reaction network literature, however they have yet to be systematically studied. To begin such a study, we ask and partially answer the following question: when do two reaction networks give rise to the same steady-state ideal? In particular, our main results describe three operations on the reaction graph that preserve the steady-state ideal. Furthermore, since the motivation for this work is the classification of steady-state ideals, monomials play a primary role. To this end, combinatorial conditions are given to identify monomials in a steady-state ideal, and we give a sufficient condition for a steady-state ideal to be monomial.

math.CO↗

arXiv2020

Searching for Supersymmetry: The $μν$SSM

We review the role played by the '$μ$ from $ν$' supersymmetric standard model ($μν$SSM) in the search for supersymmetry. First, we discuss its theoretical motivation, that is the simultaneous solution of $μ$- and $ν$-problems through the introduction of right-handed neutrinos. The latter produces $R$-parity violation (RPV), giving rise to interesting signals of new physics. As by-products, in the $μν$SSM there are dark matter candidates, and electroweak baryogenesis can be realized. Then, we survey signals by which the model could be tested at the large hadron collider (LHC). In addition to the enlarged Higgs sector with sneutrinos, we put special emphasis in analyzing the intimate connection between the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP) lifetime and the size of neutrino Yukawa couplings. Displaced vertices and/or multileptons are some of the interesting signatures that can be probed. Finally, we discuss possible extensions of the $μν$SSM such as the inclusion in the superpotential of the conventional trilinear lepton-number violating couplings, the addition of an extra $U(1)'$ gauge group to the symmetry of the standard model, or the reinterpretation of the Higgs doublets as a fourth family of leptons superfields motivating the existence of a fourth family of vector-like quark doublet superfields.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

MeV-GeV $γ$-ray telescopes probing gravitino LSP with coexisting axino NLSP as dark matter in the $μν$SSM

In $R$-parity violating supersymmetry, the gravitino as the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP) is a good candidate for dark matter, with the interesting characteristic to be detectable through $γ$-ray telescopes. We extend this analysis considering an axino next-to-LSP (NLSP) as a coexisting dark matter particle contributing with a detectable signal in the $γ$-ray spectrum. The analysis is carried out in the framework of the $μν$SSM, which solves the $μ$ problem reproducing simultaneously neutrino data only with the addition of right-handed neutrinos. We find that important regions of the parameter space can be tested by future MeV-GeV $γ$-ray telescopes through the line signal coming from the decay of the axino NLSP into photon-neutrino. In a special region, a double-line signal from axino NLSP and gravitino LSP is possible with both contributions detectable.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

MeV-GeV $γ$-ray telescopes probing axino LSP/gravitino NLSP as dark matter in the $μν$SSM

Axino and gravitino are promising candidates to solve the dark matter (DM) problem in the framework of supersymmetry. In this work, we assume that the axino is the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP), and therefore contributes to DM. In the case of R-parity violating models, the axino can decay into a neutrino-photon pair with a lifetime much longer than the age of the Universe, yielding a potentially detectable signal. Interestingly, a gravitino next-to-LSP (NLSP) can live enough as to contribute to the relic density. We study both scenarios, only axino LSP as DM, and axino LSP with gravitino NLSP as DM. We carry out the analysis in the context of the $μν$SSM, which solves the $μ$ problem and reproduces neutrino data, only adding couplings involving right-handed neutrinos. In particular, we perform a complete analysis of the relevant parameter space of the model considering constraints from neutrino physics, cosmological observations, and $γ$-ray detection. We find that the axino or the gravitino can produce a signal detectable by future MeV-GeV $γ$-ray telescopes. In addition, in a parameter region where we get a well-tempered mixture of both particles, a double-line signal arises as a smoking gun.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

Sampling the $μν$SSM for displaced decays of the tau left sneutrino LSP at the LHC

Within the framework of the $μν$SSM, a displaced dilepton signal is expected at the LHC from the decay of a tau left sneutrino as the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP) with a mass in the range $45 - 100$ GeV. We compare the predictions of this scenario with the ATLAS search for long-lived particles using displaced lepton pairs in $pp$ collisions, considering an optimization of the trigger requirements by means of a high level trigger that exploits tracker information. The analysis is carried out in the general case of three families of right-handed neutrino superfields, where all the neutrinos get contributions to their masses at tree level. To analyze the parameter space, we sample the $μν$SSM for a tau left sneutrino LSP with proper decay length $cτ> 0.1$ mm using a likelihood data-driven method, and paying special attention to reproduce the current experimental data on neutrino and Higgs physics, as well as flavor observables. The sneutrino is special in the $μν$SSM since its couplings have to be chosen so that the neutrino oscillation data are reproduced. We find that important regions of the parameter space can be probed at the LHC run 3.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

Electroweak superpartners scrutinized at the LHC in events with multi-leptons

We analyze a multi-lepton signal plus missing transverse energy from neutrinos expected at the LHC for a Bino-like neutralino as the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP), when the left sneutrino is the next-to-LSP and hence a suitable source of Binos. The discussion is carried out in the framework of the $μν$SSM, where the presence of $R$-parity violating (RPV) couplings involving right-handed neutrinos solves the $μ$ problem and can reproduce simultaneously the neutrino data. Left sneutrinos/sleptons are pair produced at $pp$ collisions decaying to Binos, with the latter decaying via RPV to $W\ell$ or $Zν$. This signal can be compared with LHC searches for electroweak superpartners through chargino-neutralino production. The reduced cross section of the sneutrino/slepton production in comparison with the one of the latter process, limits the sensitivity of the searches to small sneutrino/slepton masses. Although the resulting compressed spectrum typically evades the aforementioned searches, we show that analyses using recursive jigsaw reconstruction are sensitive to these scenarios. As a by-product, we find that the region of Bino masses $110-120$ GeV and sneutrino masses $120-140$ GeV can give rise to a tri-lepton signal compatible with the local excess recently reported by ATLAS.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2018

Looking for the left sneutrino LSP with displaced-vertex searches

We analyze a displaced dilepton signal expected at the LHC for a tau left sneutrino as the lightest supersymmetric particle with a mass in the range $45$-$100$ GeV. The sneutrinos are pair produced via a virtual $W$, $Z$ or $γ$ in the $s$ channel and, given the large value of the tau Yukawa coupling, their decays into two dileptons or a dilepton plus missing transverse energy from neutrinos can be significant. The discussion is carried out in the $μν$SSM, where the presence of $R$-parity violating couplings involving right-handed neutrinos solves the $μ$ problem and can reproduce the neutrino data. To probe the tau left sneutrinos we compare the predictions of the $μν$SSM with the ATLAS search for long-lived particles using displaced lepton pairs in $pp$ collisions at $\sqrt s= 8$ TeV, allowing us to constrain the parameter space of the model. We also consider an optimization of the trigger requirements used in existing displaced-vertex searches by means of a High Level Trigger that exploits tracker information. This optimization is generically useful for a light metastable particle decaying into soft charged leptons. The constraints on the sneutrino turn out to be more stringent. We finally discuss the prospects for the $13$ TeV LHC searches as well as further potential optimizations.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2018

Searching for left sneutrino LSP at the LHC

We analyze relevant signals expected at the LHC for a left sneutrino as the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP). The discussion is carried out in the `$μ$ from $ν$' supersymmetric standard model ($μν$SSM), where the presence of $R$-parity breaking couplings involving right-handed neutrinos solves the $μ$ problem and reproduces neutrino data. The sneutrinos are pair produced via a virtual $W$, $Z$ or $γ$ in the $s$ channel. From the prompt decay of a pair of left sneutrinos LSPs of any family, a significant diphoton signal plus missing transverse energy (MET) from neutrinos can be present in the mass range 118-132 GeV, with 13 TeV center-of-mass energy and an integrated luminosity of 100 fb$^{-1}$. In addition, in the case of a pair of tau left sneutrinos LSPs, given the large value of the tau Yukawa coupling diphoton plus leptons and/or multileptons can appear. We find that the number of expected events for the multilepton signal, together with properly adopted search strategies, is sufficient to give a significant evidence for a sneutrino of mass in the range 130-310 GeV, even with the integrated luminosity of 20 fb$^{-1}$. In the case of the signal producing diphoton plus leptons, an integrated luminosity of 100 fb$^{-1}$ is needed to give a significant evidence in the mass range 95-145 GeV. Finally, we discuss briefly the presence of displaced vertices and the associated range of masses.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Partonic Structure of Light Nuclei

We propose to study the partonic structure of $^4$He by measuring the Beam Spin Asymmetry (BSA) in coherent Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering (DVCS) and the differential cross-section of the Deeply Virtual Meson Production (DVMP) of the $ϕ$. Despite its simple structure, a light nucleus such as $^4$He has a density and a binding energy comparable to that of heavier nuclei. Therefore, by studying $^4$He nucleus, one can learn typical features of the partonic structure of atomic nuclei. The combination of CLAS12 and the ALERT detector provides a unique opportunity to study both the quark and gluon structure of a dense light nucleus. Coherent exclusive DVCS off $^4$He will probe the transverse spatial distribution of quarks in the nucleus as a function of the quarks' longitudinal momentum fraction, $x$. In parallel, the average spatial transverse gluon density of the $^4$He nucleus will be extracted within a GPD framework using the measured longitudinal cross-section for coherent $ϕ$ production in a similar range of $x$. Additionally, threshold effects of $ϕ$ production can be explored by exploiting the ALERT detector's large acceptance for low $|t|$ events.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2017

Spectator-Tagged Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering on Light Nuclei

The three-dimensional picture of quarks and gluons in the proton is set to be revealed through Deeply virtual Compton scattering while a critically important puzzle in the one-dimensional picture remains, namely, the origins of the EMC effect. Incoherent nuclear DVCS, i.e. DVCS on a nucleon inside a nucleus, can reveal the 3D partonic structure of the bound nucleon and shed a new light on the EMC effect. However, the Fermi motion of the struck nucleon, off-shell effects and final-state interactions (FSIs) complicate this parton level interpretation. We propose here a measurement of incoherent DVCS with a tagging of the recoiling spectator system (nucleus A-1) to systematically control nuclear effects. Through spectator-tagged DVCS, a fully detected final state presents a unique opportunity to systematically study these nuclear effects and cleanly observe possible modification of the nucleon's quark distributions. We propose to measure the DVCS beam-spin asymmetries (BSAs) on $^4$He and deuterium targets. The reaction $^4$He$(e,e^{\prime}γ\,p\,^3$H$)$ with a fully detected final state has the rare ability to simultaneously quantify FSIs, measure initial nucleon momentum, and provide a sensitive probe to other nuclear effects at the parton level. The DVCS BSA on a (quasi-free) neutron will be measured by tagging a spectator proton with a deuteron target. Similarly, a bound neutron measurement detects a spectator $^3$He off a $^4$He target. These two observables will allow for a self-contained measurement of the neutron off-forward EMC Effect.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2017

Tagged EMC Measurements on Light Nuclei

We propose to measure tagged deep inelastic scattering from light nuclei (deuterium and $^4$He) by detecting the low energy nuclear spectator recoil (p, $^3$H and $^3$He) in addition to the scattered electron. The proposed experiment will provide stringent tests leading to clear differentiation between the many models describing the EMC effect, by accessing the bound nucleon virtuality through its initial momentum at the point of interaction. Indeed, conventional nuclear physics explanations of the EMC effect mainly based on Fermi motion and binding effects yield very different predictions than more exotic scenarios, where bound nucleons basically loose their identity when embedded in the nuclear medium. By distinguishing events where the interacting nucleon was slow, as described by a mean field scenario, or fast, very likely belonging to a correlated pair, will clearly indicate which phenomenon is relevant to explain the EMC effect. An important challenge for such measurements using nuclear spectators is the control of the theoretical framework and, in particular, final state interactions. This experiment will directly provide the necessary data needed to test our understanding of spectator tagging and final state interactions in $^2$H and $^4$He and their impact on the semi-inclusive measurements of the EMC effect described above.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2017

On a reinterpretation of the Higgs field in supersymmetry and a proposal for new quarks

In the framework of supersymmetry, when $R$-parity is violated the Higgs doublet superfield $H_d$ can be interpreted as another doublet of leptons, since all of them have the same quantum numbers. Thus Higgs scalars are sleptons and Higgsinos are leptons. We argue that this interpretation can be extended to the second Higgs doublet superfield $H_u$, when right-handed neutrinos are assumed to exist. As a consequence, we advocate that this is the minimal construction where the two Higgs doublets can be interpreted in a natural way as a fourth family of lepton superfields, and that this is more satisfactory than the usual situation in supersymmetry where the Higgses are `disconnected' from the rest of the matter and do not have a three-fold replication. On the other hand, in analogy with the first three families where for each lepton representation there is a quark counterpart, we propose a possible extension of this minimal model including a vector-like quark doublet representation as part of the fourth family. We also discuss the phenomenology of the associated new quarks.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Search for sharp and smooth spectral signatures of $μν$SSM gravitino dark matter with Fermi-LAT

The $μν$SSM solves the $μ$ problem of supersymmetric models and reproduces neutrino data, simply using couplings with right-handed neutrinos $ν$'s. Given that these couplings break explicitly $R$ parity, the gravitino is a natural candidate for decaying dark matter in the $μν$SSM. In this work we carry out a complete analysis of the detection of $μν$SSM gravitino dark matter through $γ$-ray observations. In addition to the two-body decay producing a sharp line, we include in the analysis the three-body decays producing a smooth spectral signature. We perform first a deep exploration of the low-energy parameter space of the $μν$SSM taking into account that neutrino data must be reproduced. Then, we compare the $γ$-ray fluxes predicted by the model with Fermi-LAT observations. In particular, with the 95$\%$ CL upper limits on the total diffuse extragalactic $γ$-ray background using 50 months of data, together with the upper limits on line emission from an updated analysis using 69.9 months of data. For standard values of bino and wino masses, gravitinos with masses larger than about 4 GeV, or lifetimes smaller than $10^{28}$ s, produce too large fluxes and are excluded as dark matter candidates. However, when limiting scenarios with large and close values of the gaugino masses are considered, the constraints turn out to be less stringent, excluding masses larger than 17 GeV and lifetimes smaller than $4\times 10^{25}$ s.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Models of Supersymmetry for Dark Matter

A brief review of supersymmetric models and their candidates for dark matter is carried out. The neutralino is a WIMP candidate in the MSSM where $R$-parity is conserved, but this model has the $μ$ problem. There are natural solutions to this problem that necessarily introduce new structure beyond the MSSM, including new candidates for dark matter. In particular, in an extension of the NMSSM, the right-handed sneutrino can be used for this job. In $R$-parity violating models such as the $μν$SSM, the gravitino can be the dark matter, and could be detected by its decay products in gamma-ray experiments.

hep-ph↗