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Enrico Lunghi

Publications and source records attributed to Enrico Lunghi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The Standard Model Prediction for the Rare Decay $B \to X_s ν\bar ν$

We present updated and comprehensive Standard Model predictions for the inclusive rare decay $B \to X_s ν\barν$. Using a state-of-the-art determination of the short-distance coefficient, including NLO QCD and electroweak effects, and implementing a consistent treatment of heavy-quark masses and power corrections within the kinetic scheme, we compute the total decay rate and the neutrino invariant mass spectrum. We incorporate all known perturbative contributions in the heavy quark limit up to $\mathcal{O}(α_s^3)$, evaluate non-perturbative corrections through the Heavy Quark Expansion up to $1/m_b^3$, and include estimates of four-quark operator matrix elements from HQET sum rules. We obtain the Standard Model branching ratios $\text{Br}(B^0 \to X_sν\barν) = (3.35 \pm 0.10)\times 10^{-5} $ and $ \text{Br}(B^+ \to X_sν\barν) = (3.62 \pm 0.11)\times 10^{-5}, $ representing a significant improvement in both central value and precision compared to previous determinations. We also provide predictions for partial rates with kinematic cuts relevant to Belle II. Our results are timely in view of recent measurements of $B \to Kν\barν$ and the first upper limits on inclusive $B \to X_sν\barν$, and they offer a robust baseline for future searches for physics beyond the Standard Model in $b\to sν\barν$ transitions.

hep-ph

Inclusive $\bar{B}\to X_s \ell^+\ell^-$ at the LHC: theory predictions and new-physics reach

We present theoretical predictions for observables in inclusive $\bar{B}\to X_s \ell^+\ell^-$ suitable for measurements at hadron colliders through a sum-over-exclusive approach. At low $q^2$ we calculate the branching ratio and three angular observables. At high $q^2$ we provide the branching ratio and the ratio of the $\bar B \to X_s \ell^+\ell^-$ rate with respect to the inclusive $\bar B \to X_u \ell \barν$ rate with the same phase-space cut. We compare our predictions to the $B$ factory measurements and also to an extraction of the experimental rate through a sum-over-exclusive method using branching ratios of the exclusive $\bar B \to K^{(*)}μ^+μ^-$ modes measured at LHCb. We find a consistent picture comparing Standard Model theory and experiment. As such, our analysis does not support a recent claim about a deficit in the inclusive branching ratio in the high-$q^2$ region. Finally, we present current model-independent bounds on new physics and emphasize the potential of complementary analyses of $\bar{B}\to X_s \ell^+\ell^-$ at Belle II and the LHC.

hep-ph

Kaon Physics: A Cornerstone for Future Discoveries

The kaon physics programme, long heralded as a cutting-edge frontier by the European Strategy for Particle Physics, continues to stand at the intersection of discovery and innovation in high-energy physics (HEP). With its unparalleled capacity to explore new physics at the multi-TeV scale, kaon research is poised to unveil phenomena that could reshape our understanding of the Universe. This document highlights the compelling physics case, with emphasis on exciting new opportunities for advancing kaon physics not only in Europe but also on a global stage. As an important player in the future of HEP, the kaon programme promises to drive transformative breakthroughs, inviting exploration at the forefront of scientific discovery.

hep-ph

Inclusive $\bar{B} \to X_s \ell^+ \ell^-$ with a hadronic mass cut

The hadronic mass spectrum of inclusive $\bar{B} \to X_s \ell^+ \ell^-$ is investigated at next to leading order in the heavy quark expansion. For mild cuts on the hadronic mass, the expansion, which applies when the cut is released, remains convergent. However, the cuts used at BaBar and Belle to reduce backgrounds from charged current semileptonic processes are too severe for a description in terms of matrix elements of local operators to apply. Strategies for interpolating between the two regions are discussed.

hep-ph

Signals of nonrenormalizable Lorentz and CPT violation at the LHC

We examine nonrenormalizable Lorentz- and CPT-violating effective operators applied to the quark sector of the Standard Model. Using Drell-Yan events collected by the ATLAS and CMS Collaborations, several constraints are extracted from time-independent modifications of the cross section on the $Z$-boson pole. The sensitivity to time-dependent modifications are also estimated by simulating a sidereal-time analysis. Our results suggest a dedicated search can improve on constraints from deep inelastic scattering by up to three orders in magnitude.

hep-ph

Isolating New Physics signatures of vectorlike quarks and heavy Higgses over multi $b$-jet backgrounds

We discuss models in which vectorlike quarks and a second Higgs doublet are simultaneously present and couple to the third generation of SM quarks. A general feature of these models is that cascade decays of vectorlike fermions into heavy Higgses (or vice versa, depending on their masses) dominate their respective branching ratios. The resulting collider signals involve a large multiplicity of $b$-jets and offer formidable experimental challenges. We present a detailed and realistic analysis of the expected sensitivity of dedicated searches at ATLAS and CMS.

hep-ph

Quark-sector Lorentz violation in $Z$-boson production

Quark-sector Lorentz violation is studied in the context of Drell-Yan dilepton production including effects from Z-boson exchange. We show the chiral nature of the weak interactions enables parity-violating and spin-dependent effects to be studied using unpolarized initial states. Constraints are placed on dimensionless and CPT-even coefficients for Lorentz violation for the first two generations of quarks using measurements from the Large Hadron Collider.

hep-ph

2$b$ or not 2$b$: on the rejection of $g\to b\bar b$ jets

Motivated by new physics models which lead to final states containing a high multiplicity of bottom and top quarks, we develop a tagging strategy to suppress reducible and non-reducible multi-jet backgrounds. The idea takes advantage of the properties of light parton showers and of the gluon fragmentation into heavy quarks to reject jets that do not originate from a bottom quark.

hep-ph

Leptonic cascade decays of a heavy Higgs boson through vectorlike leptons at the LHC

We demonstrate the potential of fully leptonic cascade decays of a heavy neutral Higgs boson through vectorlike leptons as a simultaneous probe for extended Higgs sectors and extra matter particles at the LHC. The processes we explore are unique in that their event topologies lead to di-boson-like leptonic final states with a lepton pair which does not reconstruct the mass of a gauge boson. By recasting existing $2\ell + E_T^{\rm miss}$ and $3/4\ell$ searches channels using run2 data from the LHC we obtain $\textit{model independent}$ bounds on the masses of heavy scalars and vectorlike leptons and use these results to explore future prospects at the HL-LHC. Our results can be directly applied to any kind of new physics scenarios sharing the final states and the event topology. For concreteness, we apply our results to a benchmark scenario: a two Higgs doublet model type-II augmented with vectorlike leptons. Remarkably, even with current data the sensitivity of our analysis shows a reach for masses of a heavy neutral Higgs and vectorlike leptons up to 2 TeV and 1.5 TeV, respectively. Even for low $\tanβ\gtrsim 1,$ the analysis retains sensitivity to heavy Higgs masses slightly above 1 TeV. The future sensitivities at the HL-LHC extend the reach for heavy Higgses and new leptons to 2.7 TeV and 2 TeV, respectively.

hep-ph

Combined signatures of heavy Higgses and vectorlike fermions at the HL-LHC

In extensions of two Higgs doublet models with vectorlike quarks and leptons the decays of new scalars or fermions can be altered by the presence of the other, depending on the hierarchy of new physics. If new fermions are heavier than Higgses, their decays may be dominated by cascade decays through charged and neutral heavy Higgs bosons. In the opposite hierarchy, the decay of a heavy Higgs can lead to single production of vectorlike quarks and leptons when Yukawa couplings to SM fermions are present. We explore the resulting novel collider signatures in either case and present projected sensitivities of future runs of the LHC to the masses and branching ratios of new fermions and heavy Higgses. Importantly, we discuss kinematic challenges of the signatures and suggest strategic observables which could be adopted in future analyses. Interpreting the prospective reach of the LHC in the context of a type-II 2HDM, we find that in the presence of vectorlike fermions heavy Higgs boson masses slightly above 2 TeV can be explored at the HL-LHC even at low $\tanβ$. For heavy Higgs decays through vectorlike leptons, this reach extends to slightly above 3 TeV for $\tanβ\gtrsim 10$. Further, these search strategies imply a reach for vectorlike quark and lepton masses close to 2.4 TeV and 1.5 TeV, respectively. This article is partly based on Refs. [1-6]

hep-ph

Tau-jet signatures of vectorlike quark decays to heavy charged and neutral Higgs bosons

We study $4b+2τ$ and $4b+1τ$ signatures of heavy neutral and charged Higgs bosons originating from cascade decays of pair-produced new quarks. Decays of vectorlike quarks through heavy Higgses can easily dominate in the two Higgs doublet model of type-II, and the studied signatures are common to many possible decay chains. We design search strategies for these final states and discuss the mass ranges of heavy Higgs bosons and new quarks that can be explored at the Large Hadron Collider as functions of branching ratios in a model independent way. We further combine the results with a similar study focusing on decays which lead to a $6b$ final state and interpret the sensitivity to charged and neutral Higgs bosons and vectorlike quarks in the type-II two Higgs doublet model. We find that the LHC reach for their masses extends to well above 2 TeV in the case of an SU(2) doublet quark and to at least 1.8 TeV for a bottom-like SU(2) singlet quark in the whole range of $\tanβ$ between 1 and 50.

hep-ph

Charged and neutral Higgs bosons in final states with six bottom quarks

In extensions of two Higgs doublet models with vectorlike quarks, the decays of vectorlike quarks may be easily dominated by cascade decays through charged or neutral Higgs bosons leading to signatures with 6 top or bottom quarks. Since top quark decays also contain bottom quarks, the 6 bottom quarks in final states is a common signature to a large class of possible decay chains. We present a search strategy focusing on this final state and find the mass ranges of vectorlike quarks and Higgs bosons that can be explored at the Large Hadron Collider. Among other results the sensitivity to the charged Higgs boson, extending above 2 TeV, stands out when compared to models without vectorlike matter.

hep-ph

Phenomenology of inclusive $\bar{B}\to X_s \ell^+ \ell^-$ for the Belle II era

With the first data being recorded at Belle II, we are at the brink of a new era in quark flavour physics. The many exciting new opportunities for Belle~II include a full angular analysis of inclusive ${\bar B \to X_{s} \, \ell^+\ell^-}$ which has the potential to reveal new physics, in particular by its interplay with the exclusive $b \to s \ell^+\ell^-$ counterparts studied extensively at LHCb. In this paper, we present fully updated Standard Model predictions for all angular observables necessary for this endeavour. These predictions are tailored to Belle II and include an elaborate study of the treatment of collinear photons which become crucial when aiming for the highest precision. In addition, we present a phenomenological study of the potential for Belle II to reveal possible new physics in the inclusive decay channel, both in an independent manner and in combination with exclusive modes.

hep-ph

Hunting for Vectorlike Quarks

We analyze decays of vectorlike quarks in extensions of the standard model and a two Higgs doublet model. We identify several typical patterns of branching ratios of the lightest new up-type quark, $t_4$, and down-type quark, $b_4$, depending on the structure of Yukawa couplings that mix the vectorlike and standard model quarks (we assume only mixing with the third generation) and also on their doublet or singlet nature. We find that decays into heavy neutral or charged Higgs bosons, when kinematically open, can easily dominate and even be close to 100\%: $b_4\to H b$ at medium to large $\tan β$, $t_4\to H t$ at small $\tan β$ and $b_4\to H^\pm t$, $t_4\to H^\pm b$ at both large and small $\tan β$. The pair production of vectorlike quarks leads to $6 t$, $4t 2b$, $2t4b$ and $6b$ final states. The decay modes into $W$, $Z$ and $h$ follow the pattern expected from the Goldstone boson equivalence limit that we generalize to scenarios with all possible couplings. We also discuss in detail the structure of Yukawa couplings required to significantly deviate from the pattern characteristic of the Goldstone boson equivalence limit that can result in essentially arbitrary branching ratios.

hep-ph

Signals with six bottom quarks for charged and neutral Higgs bosons

In extensions of two Higgs doublet models with vectorlike quarks, the decays of vectorlike quarks may easily be dominated by cascade decays through charged or neutral Higgs bosons leading to signatures with 6 top or bottom quarks. Since top quark decays also contain bottom quarks, a common signature for many possible decay chains is 6 bottom quarks in the final state. We present a search strategy focusing on this final state and find the mass ranges of vectorlike quarks and Higgs bosons that can be explored at the Large Hadron Collider. Among other results, the sensitivity to the charged and neutral Higgs bosons, extending to about 2 TeV, stands out when compared to models without vectorlike matter.

hep-ph

Lorentz and CPT Violation in Partons

A framework is presented for the factorization of high-energy hadronic processes in the presence of Lorentz and CPT violation. The comprehensive effective field theory describing Lorentz and CPT violation, the Standard-Model Extension, is used to demonstrate factorization of the hadronic tensor at leading order in electroweak interactions for deep inelastic scattering and for the Drell-Yan process. Effects controlled by both minimal and nonminimal coefficients for Lorentz violation are explored, and the equivalent parton-model description is derived. The methodology is illustrated by determining cross sections and studying estimated attainable sensitivities to Lorentz violation using real data collected at the Hadronen-Elektronen Ring Anlage and the Large Hadron Collider and simulated data for the future US-based electron-ion collider.

hep-ph

Lorentz violation and the electron-ion collider

We investigate the prospects for detecting violations of Lorentz symmetry in unpolarized deep inelastic electron-proton scattering in the context of the future electron-ion collider. Simulated differential cross-section data are used to place expected bounds on a class of quark-sector coefficients for Lorentz violation that induce sidereal time dependence in the scattering cross section. We find that, with $100 \; {\rm fb}^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity, the expected bounds are in the $10^{-5}-10^{-7}$ range and are roughly two orders of magnitude stronger than those that can be extracted from existing HERA data. We also discuss the possibility of extracting bounds on the remaining time-independent coefficients.

hep-ph

Cascade decays of Heavy Higgs bosons through vectorlike quarks

We study cascade decays of heavy neutral Higgs bosons through vectorlike quarks. We focus on scenarios where decay modes into pairs of vectorlike quarks are not kinematically open which extends the sensitivity of the LHC to larger masses. Assuming only mixing with the third family of standard model quarks the new decay modes of heavy Higgs bosons are: $H\to t_4 t \to Wbt, Zt t, ht t$ and $H\to b_4 b \to Wtb, Zb b, hb b$, where $t_4$ ($b_4$) is the new up-type (down-type) quark mass eigenstate. In the numerical analysis we assume the CP even Higgs boson in the two Higgs doublet model type-II but the signatures are relevant for many other scenarios. We identify the region of the parameter space where these decay modes are significant or can even dominate, and thus they provide the best opportunities for the simultaneous discovery of a new Higgs boson and vectorlike quarks. We further explore the reach of the High Luminosity LHC for two representative decay modes, $t_4\to Zt\to\ell\ell t$ and $b_4\to Zb\to\ell\ell b$, and found that cross sections at a 0.1 fb level can be probed with simple cut based analyses. We also find that the rates for Higgs cascade decays can be much larger than the rates for a single production of vectorlike quarks. Furthermore, the reach for vectorlike quarks in Higgs cascade decays and pair production extends to comparable masses.

hep-ph