arXiv subjects

Dave Sutherland

Publications and source records attributed to Dave Sutherland.

27 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2017

Exponential Hierarchies from Anderson Localization in Theory Space

We present a new mechanism for generating exponential hierarchies in four-dimensional field theories inspired by Anderson localization in one dimension, exploiting an analogy between the localization of electron energy eigenstates along a one-dimensional disordered wire and the localization of mass eigenstates along a local "theory space" with random mass parameters. Mass eigenstates are localized even at arbitrarily weak disorder, with exponentially suppressed couplings to sites in the theory space. The mechanism is quite general and may be used to exponentially localize fields of any spin. We apply the localization mechanism to two hierarchies in Standard Model parameters --- the smallness of neutrino masses and the ordering of quark masses --- and comment on possible relevance to the electroweak hierarchy problem. This raises the compelling possibility that some of the large hierarchies observed in and beyond the Standard Model may result from disorder, rather than order.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Disassembling the Clockwork Mechanism

The clockwork mechanism is a means of naturally generating exponential hierarchies in theories without significant hierarchies among fundamental parameters. We emphasize the role of interactions in the clockwork mechanism, demonstrating that clockwork is an intrinsically abelian phenomenon precluded in non-abelian theories such as Yang-Mills, non-linear sigma models, and gravity. We also show that clockwork is not realized in extra-dimensional theories through purely geometric effects, but may be generated by appropriate localization of zero modes.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Exploring Peaks and Valleys in the Diphoton Spectrum

We investigate the effects of resonance-continuum interference on the diphoton spectrum in the presence of a new spin-0 or spin-2 state produced via gluons or quarks and decaying to pairs of photons. Interference effects can significantly influence the extraction of resonance masses and widths from the diphoton spectrum, particularly in the case of a spin-2 resonance produced via quarks. We illustrate these effects via a binned likelihood analysis of LHC diphoton data at both 8 and 13 TeV.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2016

An operator basis for the Standard Model with an added scalar singlet

Motivated by the possible di-gamma resonance at 750 GeV, we present a basis of effective operators for the Standard Model plus a scalar singlet at dimensions 5, 6, and 7. We point out that an earlier list at dimensions 5 and 6 contains two redundant operators at dimension 5.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2016

Quantum mechanics of a generalised rigid body

We consider the quantum version of Arnold's generalisation of a rigid body in classical mechanics. Thus, we quantise the motion on an arbitrary Lie group manifold of a particle whose classical trajectories correspond to the geodesics of any one-sided-invariant metric. We show how the derivation of the spectrum of energy eigenstates can be simplified by making use of automorphisms of the Lie algebra and (for groups of Type I) by methods of harmonic analysis. We show how the method can be extended to cosets, generalising the linear rigid rotor. As examples, we consider all connected and simply-connected Lie groups up to dimension 3. This includes the universal cover of the archetypical rigid body, along with a number of new exactly-solvable models. We also discuss a possible application to the topical problem of quantising a perfect fluid.

hep-th↗

arXiv2015

Anatomy of the ATLAS diboson anomaly

We perform a general analysis of new physics interpretations of the recent ATLAS diboson excesses over Standard Model expectations in LHC Run I collisions. Firstly, we estimate a likelihood function for the true signal in the $WW$, $WZ$, and $ZZ$ channels, finding that the maximum has zero events in the $WZ$ channel, though the likelihood is sufficiently flat to allow other scenarios. Secondly, we survey the possible effective field theories containing the Standard Model plus a new resonance that could explain the data, finding just two possibilities, viz., a vector that is either a left- or right-handed $SU(2)$ triplet. Finally, we compare these models with other experimental data and determine the parameter regions in which they provide a consistent explanation.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2015

Quantum Field Theory of Fluids

The quantum theory of fields is largely based on studying perturbations around non-interacting, or free, field theories, which correspond to a collection of quantum-mechanical harmonic oscillators. The quantum theory of an ordinary fluid is `freer', in the sense that the non-interacting theory also contains an infinite collection of quantum-mechanical free particles, corresponding to vortex modes. By computing a variety of correlation functions at tree- and loop-level, we give evidence that a quantum perfect fluid can be consistently formulated as a low-energy, effective field theory. We speculate that the quantum behaviour is radically different to both classical fluids and quantum fields, with interesting physical consequences for fluids in the low temperature regime.

hep-th↗

arXiv2014

Search Strategies for Top Partners in Composite Higgs models

We consider how best to search for top partners in generic composite Higgs models. We begin by classifying the possible group representations carried by top partners in models with and without a custodial $SU(2)\times SU(2) \rtimes \mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry protecting the rate for $Z \rightarrow b\overline{b}$ decays. We identify a number of minimal models whose top partners only have electric charges of $\frac{1}{3}, \frac{2}{3},$ or $\frac{4}{3}$ and thus decay to top or bottom quarks via a single Higgs or electroweak gauge boson. We develop an inclusive search for these based on a top veto, which we find to be more effective than existing searches. Less minimal models feature light states that can be sought in final states with like-sign leptons and so we find that 2 straightforward LHC searches give a reasonable coverage of the gamut of composite Higgs models.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2013

On LHC searches for CP-violating, dimension-6 electroweak gauge boson operators

We reconsider the prospects for observing a dimension-6, CP-violating operator involving $W^+W^-Z$ at the LHC. Firstly, we correct a number of earlier calculations of the loop contribution to the neutron electric dipole moment of a companion operator, involving $W^+W^-γ$, showing that measurements imply a very strong bound on the companion operator. Secondly, we quantify the link between the two operators, showing that strongly-coupled new physics could only be observable in proposed searches if it appeared at a scale below $\sim 170$ GeV. This is most unlikely, given the null results of other searches at the LHC and elsewhere.

hep-ph↗