arXiv subjects

Emanuele Bagnaschi

Publications and source records attributed to Emanuele Bagnaschi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Quasi-Gaussian Missing Higher Order Uncertainties

We review Bayesian models for estimating the uncertainty induced by missing higher orders in perturbative predictions. These models return probability distributions, which have peculiar shapes typically very different from the Gaussian distribution often assumed in physics analysis. In this work, we are able to obtain smooth probability distributions with quasi-Gaussians shapes by suitably modifying the likelihood and the priors of the models.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

Theoretical and phenomenological aspects of the Electroweak physics WG studies for the 2026 ESPPU Physics Briefing Book

The 2025-2026 update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics placed renewed emphasis on quantitatively robust comparisons between future collider projects. Within this context, the Electroweak physics working group of the Physics Preparatory Group (PPG EW WG) carried out a comprehensive assessment of the projected sensitivities of different facilities to Higgs boson, electroweak and top-quark observables, with particular attention on different scenarios of theoretical uncertainties. These studies are summarized in the Physics Briefing Book. The aim of this document is to (a) provide a more detailed account of the evaluation of theoretical uncertainties, which was undertaken within the PPG EW WG, and (b) document the collider-specific inputs used in the electroweak and Standard Model effective field theory (SMEFT) fits and discuss any needed modifications in order to harmonize assumptions between projects. In presenting the detailed theoretical uncertainty treatment and the explicit collider inputs and assumptions, this work aims to improve the reproducibility and future extensibility of the results presented in the Physics Briefing Book.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

Higgs Boson Pair Production via Gluon Fusion: Higher-Order Corrections and Theoretical Uncertainties

In this contribution, the higher-order QCD and electroweak corrections to Standard Model Higgs boson pair production via the gluon-fusion mechanism, $gg\to hh$, are summarized and the different sources of theoretical uncertainty are assessed. The discussion includes finite top quark mass effects, matching to parton showers, approximate NNLO and N$^3$LO QCD corrections, NLO electroweak effects, and uncertainties associated with the top quark mass scheme and perturbative scale choices. In addition, we provide an updated state-of-the-art recommendation for the inclusive gluon-fusion Higgs boson pair production cross section and the corresponding Higgs boson pair invariant-mass distribution.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

Higgs-Boson Decays: Updates

In this contribution, new developments for the Standard Model Higgs-boson decays will be summarized. This addresses extensions of the grids used by {\tt Hdecay} to implement finite NLO mass effects for $H\to gg$ as well as explicit numbers for the branching fraction for the strange-Yukawa induced part of $H\to s\bar s$ together with the related uncertainties. In addition, first results of the strong and weak Dalitz decays of the Higgs-boson decays $H\to s\bar s + g/γ$ are presented. The Dalitz decays define the separation between the Yukawa-induced part and the continuum, that is not induced by the strange-Yukawa coupling, and thus pave the way towards a solid determination of the strange-Yukawa coupling at future $e^+e^-$ colliders, but will also be relevant for solid bounds on the strange-Yukawa coupling at the LHC.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Consistent Excesses in the LHC Electroweak SUSY Searches: GUT-based Singlino/Higgsino Interpretation in the NMSSM

The search for supersymmetric models remains one of the main items on the BSM search program at the LHC, with EW SUSY partners still allowed with masses as low as a few hundred GeV. Over the last years, searches for the "golden channel", $pp \to \tildeχ^0_2 \tildeχ^{\pm}_1 \to \tildeχ^0_1 Z^{(*)} \tildeχ^0_1 W^{\pm (*)}$ show consistent excesses between ATLAS and CMS in the 2~soft-lepton and 3~soft-lepton plus missing-$E_T$ searches, assuming $m_{\tildeχ^0_2} \approx m_{\tildeχ^{\pm}_1} \gtrsim 200$ GeV and $Δm_{21} := m_{\tildeχ^0_2} - m_{\tildeχ^0_1} \approx 20$ GeV. We interpret these excesses in the framework of the Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. We assume a singlino dominated lightest neutralino as a Dark Matter (DM) candidate. The second and third lightest neutralinos are higgsino like, with the higgsino mixing parameter $μ$ being smaller than the soft SUSY-breaking bino and wino masses, $M_1$ and $M_2$. We furthermore assume the approximate GUT relations $M_1 \sim M_2/2 \sim M_3/6$, with the implication for our scenario of a gluino mass $m_{\tilde{g}} \sim M_3 \gtrsim 3$ TeV. Scalar masses are assumed to heavy and do not play a role in our analysis. We find that this scenario is in agreement with all relevant experimental constraints, comprising the LHC searches for SUSY particles and additional Higgs bosons, the LHC Higgs-boson rate measurements, the DM direct detection limits and the upper limit on the DM relic density. We demonstrate that this scenario gives an excellent description of the observed excesses in the search for 2~and 3~soft-leptons plus \ETmiss, with $m_{\tildeχ^0_2} \sim m_{\tildeχ^0_3} \sim m_{\tildeχ^{\pm}_1}$ and $Δm_{21} \sim 20$ GeV. This constitutes the first explanation of the soft-lepton excesses in a model with GUT relations among the soft SUSY-breaking parameters.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Physics Briefing Book: Input for the 2026 update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics

The European Strategy for Particle Physics (ESPP) reflects the vision and presents concrete plans of the European particle physics community for advancing human knowledge in fundamental physics. The ESPP is updated every five-to-six years through a community-driven process. It commences with the submission of specific proposals and other input from the community at large, outlining projects envisioned for the near-, mid-, and long-term future. All submitted contributions are evaluated by the Physics Preparatory Group (PPG), and a preliminary analysis is presented at a Symposium meant to foster a broad community discussion on the scientific value and feasibility of the various ideas proposed. The outcomes of the analysis and the deliberations at the Symposium are synthesized in the current Briefing Book, which provides an important input in the deliberations of the Strategy recommendations by the European Strategy Group (ESG).

hep-ex↗

arXiv2025

t-channel dark matter at the LHC -- a whitepaper

This report, summarising work achieved in the context of the LHC Dark Matter Working Group, investigates the phenomenology of $t$-channel dark matter models, spanning minimal setups with a single dark matter candidate and mediator to more complex constructions closer to UV-complete models. For each considered class of models, we examine collider, cosmological and astrophysical implications. In addition, we explore scenarios with either promptly decaying or long-lived particles, as well as featuring diverse dark matter production mechanisms in the early universe. By providing a unified analysis framework, numerical tools and guidelines, this work aims to support future experimental and theoretical efforts in exploring $t$-channel dark matter models at colliders and in cosmology.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Reinterpretation and preservation of data and analyses in HEP

Data from particle physics experiments are unique and are often the result of a very large investment of resources. Given the potential scientific impact of these data, which goes far beyond the immediate priorities of the experimental collaborations that obtain them, it is imperative that the collaborations and the wider particle physics community publish and preserve sufficient information to ensure that this impact can be realised, now and into the future. The information to be published and preserved includes the algorithms, statistical information, simulations and the recorded data. This publication and preservation requires significant resources, and should be a strategic priority with commensurate planning and resource allocation from the earliest stages of future facilities and experiments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

The ECFA Early-Career Researchers Panel: Report for the year 2023

The European Committee for Future Accelerators (ECFA) Early-Career Researcher (ECR) panel, which represents the interests of the ECR community to ECFA, presents in this document its initiatives and activities in the year 2023. This report summarises the process of the first big turnover in the panel composition at the start of 2023 and reports on the activities of the active working groups - either pursued from before or newly established. The overarching goal of the ECFA-ECR panel is to better understand and support the diverse interests of early-career researchers in the ECFA community and beyond.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2024

Focus topics for the ECFA study on Higgs / Top / EW factories

In order to stimulate new engagement and trigger some concrete studies in areas where further work would be beneficial towards fully understanding the physics potential of an $e^+e^-$ Higgs / Top / Electroweak factory, we propose to define a set of focus topics. The general reasoning and the proposed topics are described in this document.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

The rise and fall of light stops in the LHC top quark sample

We discuss the possibility that light new physics in the top quark sample at the LHC can be found by investigating with greater care well known kinematic distributions, such as the invariant mass $m_{b\ell}$ of the $b$-jet and the charged lepton in fully leptonic $t\bar{t}$ events. We demonstrate that new physics can be probed in the rising part of the already measured $m_{b\ell}$ distribution. To this end we analyze a concrete supersymmetric scenario with light right-handed stop quark, chargino and neutralino. The corresponding spectra are characterized by small mass differences, which make them not yet excluded by current LHC searches and give rise to a specific end-point in the shape of the $m_{b\ell}$ distribution. We argue that this sharp feature is general for models of light new physics that have so far escaped the LHC searches and can offer a precious handle for the implementation of robust searches that exploit, rather than suffer from, soft bottom quarks and leptons. Recasting public data on searches for new physics, we identify candidate models that are not yet excluded. For these models we study the $m_{b\ell}$ distribution and derive the expected signal yields, finding that there is untapped potential for discovery of new physics using the $m_{b\ell}$ distribution.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Higgs boson pair production at NLO in the POWHEG approach and the top quark mass uncertainties

We present a new Monte Carlo code for Higgs boson pair production at next-to-leading order in the POWHEG-BOX Monte Carlo approach. The code is based on analytic results for the two loop virtual corrections which include the full top quark mass dependence. This feature allows to freely assign the value of all input parameters, including the trilinear Higgs boson self coupling, as well as to vary the renormalization scheme employed for the top quark mass. We study the uncertainties due to the top-mass renormalization scheme allowing the trilinear Higgs boson self coupling to vary around its Standard Model value including parton shower effects. Results are presented for both inclusive and differential observables.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

The ECFA Early Career Researcher's Panel: composition, structure, and activities, 2021 -- 2022

The European Committee for Future Accelerators (ECFA) Early Career Researcher's (ECR) panel, which represents the interests of the ECR community to ECFA, officially began its activities in January 2021. In the first two years, the panel has defined its own internal structure, responded to ECFA requests for feedback, and launched its own initiatives to better understand and support the diverse interests of early career researchers. This report summarises the panel composition and structure, as well as the different activities the panel has been involved with during the first two years of its existence.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2022

Higgs-mass prediction in the NMSSM with heavy BSM particles

We address the prediction for the mass of the SM-like Higgs boson in NMSSM scenarios where all BSM particles, including the singlets, have masses at the TeV scale. We provide a full one-loop computation of the matching condition for the quartic Higgs coupling in the NMSSM, supplemented with the two-loop contributions that involve the strong gauge coupling. We discuss the impact of the one- and two-loop corrections that are specific to the NMSSM on the prediction for the Higgs mass, and propose a method to estimate of the uncertainty associated with the uncomputed higher-order terms. Finally, we illustrate how the measured value of the Higgs mass can be used to constrain some yet-unmeasured parameters of the NMSSM.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

SMEFT Analysis of $m_{W}$

We use the Fitmaker tool to incorporate the recent CDF measurement of $m_W$ in a global fit to electroweak, Higgs, and diboson data in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) including dimension-6 operators at linear order. We find that including any one of the SMEFT operators ${\cal O}_{HWB}$, ${\cal O}_{HD}$, ${\cal O}_{\ell \ell}$ or ${\cal O}_{H \ell}^{(3)}$ with a non-zero coefficient could provide a better fit than the Standard Model, with the strongest pull for ${\cal O}_{HD}$ and no tension with other electroweak precision data. We then analyse which tree-level single-field extensions of the Standard Model could generate such operator coefficients with the appropriate sign, and discuss the masses and couplings of these fields that best fit the CDF measurement and other data. In particular, the global fit favours either a singlet $Z^\prime$ vector boson, a scalar electroweak triplet with zero hypercharge, or a vector electroweak triplet with unit hypercharge, followed by a singlet heavy neutral lepton, all with masses in the multi-TeV range for unit coupling.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Pseudoscalar MSSM Higgs Production at NLO SUSY--QCD

One of the most important mechanisms at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) for the production of the pseudoscalar Higgs boson of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) is the loop-induced gluon fusion process $gg\to A$. The higher-order QCD corrections have been obtained a long time ago and turned out to be large. However, the genuine supersymmetric (SUSY--)QCD corrections have been obtained only in the limit of large SUSY particle masses so far. We describe our calculation of the next-to-leading-order (NLO) SUSY--QCD results with full mass dependence and present numerical results for a few representative benchmark points. We also address the treatment of the effective top and bottom Yukawa couplings, in the case of heavy SUSY particles, in terms of effective low-energy theories where the heavy degrees of freedom have been decoupled. Furthermore, we include a discussion of the relation between the SUSY--QCD corrections that we have computed and the Adler--Bardeen theorem for the axial anomaly. In addition, we apply our results to the gluonic and photonic pseudoscalar Higgs decays $A\to gg,γγ$ at NLO.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Simple and statistically sound recommendations for analysing physical theories

Physical theories that depend on many parameters or are tested against data from many different experiments pose unique challenges to statistical inference. Many models in particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology fall into one or both of these categories. These issues are often sidestepped with statistically unsound ad hoc methods, involving intersection of parameter intervals estimated by multiple experiments, and random or grid sampling of model parameters. Whilst these methods are easy to apply, they exhibit pathologies even in low-dimensional parameter spaces, and quickly become problematic to use and interpret in higher dimensions. In this article we give clear guidance for going beyond these procedures, suggesting where possible simple methods for performing statistically sound inference, and recommendations of readily-available software tools and standards that can assist in doing so. Our aim is to provide any physicists lacking comprehensive statistical training with recommendations for reaching correct scientific conclusions, with only a modest increase in analysis burden. Our examples can be reproduced with the code publicly available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4322283.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Unveiling Hidden Physics at the LHC

The field of particle physics is at the crossroads. The discovery of a Higgs-like boson completed the Standard Model (SM), but the lacking observation of convincing resonances Beyond the SM (BSM) offers no guidance for the future of particle physics. On the other hand, the motivation for New Physics has not diminished and is, in fact, reinforced by several striking anomalous results in many experiments. Here we summarise the status of the most significant anomalies, including the most recent results for the flavour anomalies, the multi-lepton anomalies at the LHC, the Higgs-like excess at around 96 GeV, and anomalies in neutrino physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and cosmic rays. While the LHC promises up to 4/ab of integrated luminosity and far-reaching physics programmes to unveil BSM physics, we consider the possibility that the latter could be tested with present data, but that systemic shortcomings of the experiments and their search strategies may preclude their discovery for several reasons, including: final states consisting in soft particles only, associated production processes, QCD-like final states, close-by SM resonances, and SUSY scenarios where no missing energy is produced. New search strategies could help to unveil the hidden BSM signatures, devised by making use of the CERN open data as a new testing ground. We discuss the CERN open data with its policies, challenges, and potential usefulness for the community. We showcase the example of the CMS collaboration, which is the only collaboration regularly releasing some of its data. We find it important to stress that individuals using public data for their own research does not imply competition with experimental efforts, but rather provides unique opportunities to give guidance for further BSM searches by the collaborations. Wide access to open data is paramount to fully exploit the LHCs potential.

hep-ph↗