arXiv subjects

Daniel F. Litim

Publications and source records attributed to Daniel F. Litim.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Spectral Functions of Lorentzian Quantum Gravity

We compute spectral functions of graviton modes in Lorentzian quantum gravity, interpolating between classical general relativity and an asymptotically safe ultraviolet fixed point. Using functional renormalisation adapted for theories in Lorentzian signature, and enhanced by new symmetry conditions to account for underlying Ward identities, we derive and solve flow equations directly for the K\"all\'en-Lehmann representation of propagators. Consistent results are found for several sets of renormalisation conditions yielding normalisable spectral functions for the graviton and the scalar graviton mode, in agreement with effective theory in the infrared. We further calculate the full quantum effective action to quadratic order in curvature, extract graviton-induced form factors, and discuss implications for unitarity of quantum gravity.

hep-th↗

arXiv2026

Four Fermi Theory in Four Dimensions is Renormalisable

We demonstrate the renormalisability of quantum field theories in four dimensions with elementary self-interacting Dirac fermions and to leading order in the limit of many fermion flavours $N_{\rm f}$. Starting from the underlying divergence structure and using Gross-Neveu-type interactions as a template, we explain why extended four-fermion theories including higher-derivative interactions are well-defined, renormalisable, and predictive with only a few free parameters. We also provide the exact large-$N_{\rm f}$ leading beta functions of couplings and discuss quantum scaling dimensions, universality, $1/N_{\rm f}$ corrections, and extensions to other types of four fermion interactions. Implications for effective theory and model building are indicated.

hep-th↗

arXiv2025

Fixed points of semi-simple supersymmetric gauge theories

We study fixed points and phase diagrams of semi-simple supersymmetric gauge theories coupled to chiral superfields and a superpotential. Particular emphasis is put on new phenomena which arise due to the semi-simple nature of gauge interactions and the constraints dictated by supersymmetry, unitarity, and the $a$-theorem. Using field multiplicities as free parameters, we find all superconformal fixed points and classify theories according to their phase diagrams. Highlights include asymptotically free theories displaying a range of interacting fixed points in the IR, asymptotically non-free theories that become asymptotically safe due to residual interactions, UV-complete theories with gauge sectors that are simultaneously UV-free and IR-free, and theories that remain interacting both in the asymptotic UV and IR. Estimates for the sizes of conformal windows are also provided, and implications for model building are discussed.

hep-th↗

arXiv2025

Matter Spectral Functions from Quantum Gravity

We investigate Lorentzian quantum gravity coupled to a template matter sector with gauge fields, scalars and fermions. In the absence of quantised gravity, the matter sector by itself is renormalisable, but UV-incomplete. Provided quantum gravity offers an asymptotically safe UV-completion, we determine the photon and scalar two-point functions in the presence of gravitational fluctuations, and show that both possess a K\"all\'en-Lehmann spectral representation. Our results are achieved using functional renormalisation adapted for theories in Lorentzian signature. We explain why and how interactions with gravity modify both the infrared as well as the ultraviolet behaviour of matter spectral functions. We further determine the corresponding form factors on the level of the quantum effective action. Limitations and extensions of our study are discussed alongside implications for particle physics and unitarity of quantum gravity with matter.

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arXiv2025

Fermions and the Renormalisation Group at Large N

We investigate fermionic quantum field theories using functional renormalisation. In the limit of many fermion flavours $N$, we demonstrate that theories have exact solutions for their quantum effective actions given by quasi-local interaction functionals of fermion bilinears. The structure implies that local potential approximations are exact, exactly solvable, and that field anomalous dimensions vanish. Theories with non-trivial anomalous dimensions may also arise under conditions that are identified. We further demonstrate that higher derivative interactions are inevitably induced by point-like ones, including at large-$N$. The local potential flows for fermionic theories with the most general $U(N)$ symmetric interactions are provided. For sample theories with scalar, pseudo-scalar, vector, or axial-vector interactions, we identify conformal fixed points, scaling dimensions, conformal manifolds, and quantum-induced shifts in scaling dimensions of higher derivative interactions. We also study fermion mass generation, and subleading modifications due to finite $N$ corrections. Implications for conformal field theories, and applications in condensed matter and particle physics are indicated.

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arXiv2025

Dilaton Physics from Asymptotic Freedom

The dilaton is investigated from first principles in an asymptotically free Gross-Neveu-Yukawa theory in three dimensions. In the limit of many fermion flavours, the theory features a finite line of strongly interacting fixed points with continuous quantum phase transitions and a massless Goldstone boson, the dilaton, following spontaneous scale symmetry breaking at its endpoint. Interestingly, we find that the emergence of a vacuum expectation value and a dilaton can be understood as a double-scaling limit. Exploiting the scalar two-point function, we identify the dilaton in the spectrum, compute its decay constant, and obtain universal expressions for the induced dilaton mass in terms of small perturbations. Consistency of findings with soft dilaton theorems is equally established. Implications for spontaneously broken conformal theories are indicated.

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arXiv2024

Scale symmetry breaking and generation of mass at quantum critical points

We study an asymptotically free theory of $N$ relativistic Dirac fermions and a real scalar field coupled by Yukawa and scalar self-interactions in three dimensions using functional renormalisation. In the limit of many fermion flavours, the cubic scalar coupling becomes exactly marginal due to quantum fluctuations, leading to a line of strongly-coupled infrared fixed points. Fermion mass can be generated through a quantum phase transition even if chiral symmetry is absent. The line of fixed points terminates at a critical endpoint due to the loss of vacuum stability. Exactly at the endpoint, scale symmetry is broken spontaneously, leading to the generation of fermion mass. Intriguingly, the absence of chiral symmetry is a prerequisite for the spontaneous generation of fermion mass, and not a consequence thereof. We also highlight close similarities between Gross-Neveu and Gross-Neveu--Yukawa theories at and away from critical points, and establish the large-$N$ equivalence of their functional RG flows and quantum effective actions. Further implications including for conformal field theories are indicated.

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arXiv2024

Fermion Mass Generation without Symmetry Breaking

We study the generation of fermion mass in a context where interactions break a discrete chiral symmetry. Then, fermion mass is not protected by a symmetry, no symmetry is broken by the generation of mass, and a vanishing mass no longer enhances a symmetry. We elaborate these scenarios for template fermionic and Yukawa theories in three dimensions where mass can be generated either by fluctuations, strong dynamics, or the vacuum expectation value of a scalar field. We find that fluctuation-induced contributions to fermion mass are parametrically suppressed in the number of fermion flavours $N$. The generation of fermion mass then takes the form of a rapid crossover which turns into a second order quantum phase transition for large $N$, much like in settings with fundamental chiral symmetry. We further discuss theories where fermion mass can be generated spontaneously without breaking any symmetry other than scale symmetry. Implications of our findings are discussed.

hep-th↗

arXiv2024

Vacuum Stability in the Standard Model and Beyond

We revisit the stability of the Standard Model vacuum, and investigate its quantum effective potential using the highest available orders in perturbation theory and the most accurate determination of input parameters to date. We observe that the stability of the electroweak vacuum centrally depends on the values of the top mass and the strong coupling constant. We estimate that reducing their uncertainties by a factor of two to three is sufficient to establish or refute SM vacuum stability at the $5\sigma$ level. We further investigate vacuum stability for a variety of singlet scalar field extensions with and without flavor using the Higgs portal mechanism. We identify the BSM parameter spaces for stability and find sizable room for new physics. We further study the phenomenology of Planck-safe models at colliders, and determine the impact on the Higgs trilinear, the Higgs-to-electroweak-boson, and the Higgs quartic couplings, some of which can be significant. The former two can be probed at the HL-LHC, the latter requires a future collider with sufficient energy and precision such as the FCC-hh.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Asymptotic Safety Guaranteed at Four Loop

We investigate a family of four-dimensional quantum field theories with weakly interacting ultraviolet fixed points up to four loop order in perturbation theory. Key new ingredients are the three loop gauge contributions to quartic scalar beta functions, which we compute in the $\overline{\text{MS}}$ scheme for a template $SU(N_c)$ gauge theory coupled to $N_f$ fundamental fermions and elementary scalars. We then determine fixed point couplings, field and mass anomalous dimensions, and universal scaling exponents up to the first three non-trivial orders in a small Veneziano parameter. The phase diagram and UV-IR connecting trajectories are found and contrasted with asymptotic freedom. Further, the size of the conformal window, unitarity, and mechanisms leading to the loss of conformality are investigated. Our results provide blueprints for concrete 4d non-supersymmetric conformal field theories with standard model-like field content, and invite further model building.

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arXiv2023

Why is zero spatial curvature special?

Evidence for almost spatial flatness of the Universe has been provided from several observational probes, including the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) from galaxy clustering data. However, other than inflation, and in this case only in the limit of infinite time, there is no strong a priori motivation for a spatially flat Universe. Using the renormalization group (RG) technique in curved spacetime, we present in this work a theoretical motivation for spatial flatness. Starting from a general spacetime, the first step of the RG, coarse-graining, gives a Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) metric with a set of parameters. Then, we study the rescaling properties of the curvature parameter, and find that zero spatial curvature of the FLRW metric is singled out as the unique scale-free, non-singular background for cosmological perturbations.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2023

Old and new anomalies in charm

The recent LHCb determination of the direct CP asymmetries in the decays $D^0 \to K^+ K^-, π^+ π^-$ hints at a sizeable breaking of two approximate symmetries of the SM: CP and U-spin. We aim at explaining the data with BSM physics and use the framework of flavorful $Z^\prime$ models. Interestingly, experimental and theoretical constraints very much narrow down the shape of viable models: Viable, anomaly-free models are electron- and muon-phobic and feature a light $Z^\prime$ of 10-20 GeV coupling only to right-handed fermions. The $Z^\prime$ can be searched for in low mass dijets or at the LHC as well as dark photon searches. A light $Z^\prime$ of $\sim$ 3 GeV or $\sim$ 5-7 GeV can moreover resolve the longstanding discrepancy in the $J/ψ, ψ^\prime$ branching ratios with pion form factors from fits to $e^+ e^- \to π^+ π^-$ data, and simultaneously explain the charm CP asymmetries. Smoking gun signatures for this scenario are $Υ$ and charmonium decays into pions, taus or invisbles.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Two is better than one: The U-spin-CP anomaly in charm

The recent measurement of the CP-asymmetry in the decay $D \to K^+ K^-$ by LHCb, combined with $ΔA_{\text{CP}}$, evidences a sizable CP-asymmetry in $D \to π^+ π^-$ decays, which requires a dynamical enhancement of standard model higher-order contributions over tree-level ones by a factor of two. The data furthermore imply huge U-spin breaking, about 4-5 times larger than the nominal standard model one of $\lesssim 30 \%$ in charm. Enhanced breakdown of the two approximate symmetries points to models that violate U-spin and CP and disfavors flavor singlet contributions such as chromomagnetic dipole operators as explanations of the data. We analyze the reach of flavorful $Z^\prime$ models for charm CP-asymmetries. Models feature explicit U-spin and isospin breaking, allowing for correlations with $D \to π^0 π^0$ and $D^+ \to π^+ π^0$ decays with corresponding CP-asymmetries at a similar level and sign as $D \to π^+ π^-$, about $ {\cal{O}}(1-2) \cdot 10^{-3}$. Experimental and theoretical constraints narrow down the shape of viable models: anomaly-free models are leptophobic -- or at least electro- and muo-phobic -- with light $Z^\prime$ below ${\cal{O}}(20)$ GeV, and can be searched for in low mass dijets at the LHC, $Υ$ and charmonium decays, and dark photon signatures. A $Z^\prime$ around $\sim 3$ GeV or $\sim (5-7)$ GeV can relieve the tensions in the $J/ψ\to π^+ π^-$ and $ψ^\prime \to π^+ π^-$ branching ratios with pion form factors from fits to Babar and JLab data, and simultaneously explain the charm CP asymmetries. Models also feature sizable branching ratios into light right-handed neutrinos or vector-like dark fermions, which can be searched for in $e^+ e^- \to$~hadrons + invisibles at Belle II and BESIII. Due to the low new physics scale dark fermions may induce an early Landau pole which requires UV-completion near the TeV-scale.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Vacuum Stability as a Guide for Model Building

We explain why vector-like fermions are natural candidates to lift the Standard Model vacuum instability. Results are further discussed from the viewpoint of criticality. Several models allow for vector-like quarks and leptons in the TeV-range which can be searched for at the LHC.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Critical Fermions with Spontaneously Broken Scale Symmetry

We study relativistic fermions in three euclidean dimensions with four- and six-fermion interactions of the Gross-Neveu type. In the limit of many fermion flavors, and besides the isolated free fixed point, the theory displays a line of interacting ultraviolet fixed points. At the endpoint of the critical line, we establish that mass is generated through the spontaneous breaking of quantum scale invariance. Curiously, broken parity symmetry is a prerequisite for the spontaneous generation of mass rather than a consequence thereof. We also calculate critical exponents and find that hyperscaling relations are violated. Further similarities with critical scalar theories, and implications for conformal field theories and higher spin theories are discussed.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

Line of Fixed Points in Gross-Neveu Theories

In the limit of many fermion flavors it is demonstrated that the sextic Gross-Neveu theory in three dimensions displays a line of interacting UV fixed points, characterised by an exactly marginal sextic interaction. We determine the conformal window of UV-complete theories, universal scaling dimensions, and the phase diagram using renormalisation group methods. Massless theories arise naturally, and the generation of mass proceeds without the breaking of a discrete symmetry. Striking similarities with critical scalar theories at large $N$ are highlighted, and implications from the viewpoint of conformal field theory and the AdS/CFT conjecture are indicated.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

Lorentzian quantum gravity and the graviton spectral function

We present the first direct and non-perturbative computation of the graviton spectral function in quantum gravity. This is achieved with the help of a novel Lorentzian renormalisation group approach, combined with a spectral representation of correlation functions. We find a positive graviton spectral function, showing a massless one-graviton peak and a multi-graviton continuum with an asymptotically safe scaling for large spectral values. We also study the impact of a cosmological constant. Further steps to investigate scattering processes and unitarity in asymptotically safe quantum gravity are indicated.

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arXiv2022

Portals into Higgs vacuum stability

We address the notorious metastability of the standard model (SM) and promote it to a model building task: What are the new ingredients required to stabilize the SM up to the Planck scale without encountering subplanckian Landau poles? Using the SM extended by vector-like fermions (VLFs), we chart out the corresponding landscape of Higgs stability. We find that the gauge portal mechanism, triggered by new SM charge carriers, opens up sizeable room for stability in a minimally invasive manner. We also find models with Higgs criticality, and Yukawa portals opening up at stronger coupling. Several models allow for VLFs in the TeV-range, which can be searched for at the LHC. For nontrivial flavor structure severe flavor-changing neutral current constraints arise which complement those from stability, and push lower fermion masses up to $\mathcal{O}(10^3\,\text{TeV})$.

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