arXiv subjects

Federico Mescia

Publications and source records attributed to Federico Mescia.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2017

Two Higgs Doublet Models and $b\to s$ exclusive decays

We computed the leading order Wilson coefficients relevant to all the exclusive $b\to s\ell^+\ell^-$ decays in the framework of Two Higgs Doublet Model (2HDM) with a softly broken $\mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry by including the $\mathcal{O}(m_b)$ corrections. We elucidate the issue of appropriate matching between the full and the effective theory when dealing with the (pseudo-)scalar operators for which keeping the external momenta different from zero is necessary. We then make a phenomenological analysis by using the measured $\mathcal{B}(B_s\to μ^+μ^-)$ and $\mathcal{B}(B\to K μ^+μ^-)_{\mathrm{high}-q^2}$, for which the hadronic uncertainties are well controlled, and discussed their impact on various types of 2HDM. A brief discussion of the decays with $τ$-leptons in the final state is also made.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Window for preferred axion models

We discuss phenomenological criteria for defining "axion windows", namely regions in the parameter space of the axion-photon coupling where realistic models live. Currently, the boundaries of this region depend on somewhat arbitrary criteria, and it would be highly desirable to specify them in terms of precise phenomenological requirements. We first focus on hadronic axion models within post-inflationary scenarios, in which the initial abundance of the new vectorlike quarks $Q$ is thermal. We classify their representations $R_Q$ by requiring that $i)$ the $Q$ are sufficiently short lived to avoid issues with long-lived strongly interacting relics, $ii)$ the theory remains weakly coupled up to the Planck scale. The more general case of multiple $R_Q$ is also studied, and the absolute upper and lower bounds on the axion-photon coupling as a function of the axion mass is identified. Pre-inflationary scenarios in which the axion decay constant remains bounded as $f_a\leq 5\cdot 10^{11}\,$GeV allow for axion-photon couplings only about 20% larger. Realistic Dine-Fischler-Srednicki-Zhitnitsky type of axion models also remain encompassed within the hadronic axion window. Some mechanisms that can allow to enhance the axion-photon coupling to values sizeably above the preferred window are discussed.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Loop effects of heavy new scalars and fermions in $b\to sμ^+μ^-$

Recent measurements of $b\to sμ^+μ^-$ processes at LHCb and BELLE have revealed tensions at the $2-3\,σ$ level between the Standard Model (SM) prediction and the experimental results in the channels $B\to K^*μ^+μ^-$ and $B_s\toϕμ^+μ^-$, as well as in the lepton-flavor universality violating observable $R_K={\rm Br}(B\to Kμ^+μ^-)/{\rm Br}(B\to Ke^+e^-$). Combined global fits to the available $b\to sμ^+μ^-$ data suggest that these tensions might have their common origin in New Physics (NP) beyond the SM because some NP scenarios turn out to be preferred over the SM by $4-5\,σ$. The fact that all these anomalies are related to muons further suggests a connection (and a common NP explanation) with the long-standing anomaly in the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, $a_μ$. In this article, we study the impact of a generic class of NP models featuring new heavy scalars and fermions that couple to the SM fermions via Yukawa-like interactions. We consider two different scenarios, introducing either one additional fermion and two scalars or two additional fermions and one scalar, and examine all possible representations of the new particles under the SM gauge group with dimension up to the adjoint one. The models induce one-loop contributions to $b\to sμ^+μ^-$ and $a_μ$ which are capable of solving the respective anomalies at the $2σ$ level, albeit a relatively large coupling of the new particles to muons is required. In the case of $b\to sμ^+μ^-$, stringent constraints from $B_s-\overline{B}_s$ mixing arise which can be relaxed if the new fermion is a Majorana particle.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Redefining the Axion Window

A major goal of axion searches is to reach inside the parameter space region of realistic axion models. Currently, the boundaries of this region depend on somewhat arbitrary criteria, and it would be desirable to specify them in terms of precise phenomenological requirements. We consider hadronic axion models and classify the representations $R_Q$ of the new heavy quarks $Q$. By requiring that $i)$ the $Q$ are sufficiently short lived to avoid issues with long lived strongly interacting relics, $ii)$ no Landau poles are induced below the Planck scale, fifteen cases are selected, which define a phenomenologically preferred axion window bounded by a maximum (minimum) value of the axion-photon coupling about twice (four times) larger than commonly assumed. Allowing for more than one $R_Q$, larger couplings, as well as complete axion-photon decoupling, become possible.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2015

Axion-Higgs interplay in the two Higgs-doublet model

We study the Dine-Fischler-Srednicki (DFS) model in the light of the recent Higgs LHC results and electroweak precision data. The DFS model is a natural extension of the two-Higgs doublet model endowed with a Peccei-Quinn symmetry and leading to a physically acceptable axion. For generic couplings, the model reproduces the minimal Standard Model showing only tiny deviations (extreme decoupling scenario) whereas all additional degrees of freedom (with the exception of the axion) are very heavy. Recently, new corners of this model have been highlighted where it may exhibit enlarged global symmetries making the corresponding models technically natural (naturalness scenario). In some cases an additional Higgs could be present at the weak scale. In this case, the new light $0^+$ state would be accompanied by relatively light charged and neutral pseudoscalar Higgses. We will use the oblique corrections, particularly $Δρ$, to constrain the mass spectrum in this case. As a final result, we also work out the non-linear parametrization of the DFS model in the generic case where all scalars except the lightest Higgs and the axion have masses at or beyond the TeV scale.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2015

Interpreting a 2 TeV resonance in WW scattering

A diboson excess has been observed ---albeit with very limited statistical significance--- in $WW$, $WZ$ and $ZZ$ final states at the LHC experiments using the accumulated 8 TeV data. Assuming that these signals are due to resonances resulting from an extended symmetry breaking sector in the standard model and exact custodial symmetry we determine using unitarization methods the values of the relevant low-energy constants in the corresponding effective Lagrangian. Unitarity arguments also predict the widths of these resonances. We introduce unitarized form factors to allow for a proper treatment of the resonances in Monte Carlo generators and a more precise comparison with experiment.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2014

Unitarity and causality constraints in composite Higgs models

We study the scattering of longitudinally polarized W bosons in extensions of the Standard Model where anomalous Higgs couplings to gauge sector and higher order O(p^4) operators are considered. These new couplings with respect to the Standard Model should be thought as the low energy remnants of some new dynamics involving the electroweak symmetry breaking sector. By imposing unitarity and causality constraints on the WW scattering amplitudes we find relevant restrictions on the possible values of the new couplings and the presence of new resonances above 300 GeV. We investigate the properties of these new resonances and their experimental detectability. Custodial symmetry is assumed to be exact throughout and the calculation avoids using the Equivalence Theorem as much as possible.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2013

Radiative corrections to WL WL scattering in composite Higgs models

The scattering of longitudinally polarized electroweak bosons is likely to play an important role in the elucidation of the fundamental nature of the Electroweak Symmetry Breaking sector and in determining the Higgs interactions with this sector. In this paper, by making use of the Equivalence Theorem, we determine the renormalization properties of the electroweak effective theory parameters in a model with generic Higgs couplings to the W and Z bosons. When the couplings between the Higgs and the electroweak gauge bosons deviate from their Standard Model values, additional counterterms of O(p^4) in the usual chiral counting are required. We also determine in the same approximation the full radiative corrections to the WL WL->ZL ZL process in this type of models. Assuming custodial invariance, all the related processes can be easily derived from this amplitude.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

Natural SUSY and Kaon Mixing in view of recent results from Lattice QCD

Lattice results are available for Delta S=2 matrix elements for the first time in full QCD, which improve considerably the status of hadronic uncertainties in K-Kbar mixing with respect to earlier phenomenological studies. Using an average of the ETMC and RBC results, we analyze epsilonK in Natural SUSY. This scenario arises as a consistent BSM framework after the latest results from the LHC. The analysis is improved with respect to previous studies including next-to-leading order matching conditions of order (alpha_s)^3. We derive new bounds for SUSY mass insertions in the scenario with a light third generation and study the implications for squark and gluino masses, compared with direct searches at the LHC. Assuming natural values for the flavor violating SUSY couplings of both chiralities, we find that the sbottom must be heavier than 3 TeV for a gluino mass up to 10 TeV. In this scenario no natural values for squark and gluino masses can satisfy the flavor bounds.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

Complementarity of Bs->mu+mu- and B-> K l+l- in New Physics searches

This year, LHC provided a very stringent bound on Br(Bs->mu+mu-), bringing it closer to the value predicted by the Standard Model (SM). Bs->mu+mu- was believed to be the golden mode at LHCb to find SUSY because a large enhancement was expected in the regime of moderate and large values of tanb. Other scenarios are still possible and a correlation with other decay channels is needed. We show that a complementary information on New Physics (NP) can be obtained model-indepedently from the B-> K l+l- decay mode. We provide a prediction Br(B-> K l+l-) based on the first lattice QCD results for all three relevant form factors, f0(q^2), f+(q^2) and fT(q^2). We were then able to provide the model-independent bounds on the complex couplings to scalar and pseudoscalr operators in the b->s sector.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

Complementarity of the constraints on New Physics from B_s -> mu+ mu- and from B -> K l+l- decays

We discuss the advantages of combining the experimental bound on Br(B_s -> mu+ mu-) and the measured Br(B -> K l+l-) to get the model independent constraints on physics beyond the Standard Model. Since the two decays give complementary information, one can study not only the absolute values of the Wilson coefficients that are zero in the Standard Model, but also their phases. To identify the sector in which the new physics might appear, information about the shapes of the transverse asymmetries in B -> K* l+l- at low q^2's can be particularly useful. We also emphasize the importance of measuring the forward-backward asymmetry in B -> K l+l- decay at large q^2's.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

Complete Anatomy of B -> K*ll and its angular distribution

We present a complete and optimal set of observables for the exclusive 4-body B meson decay B -> K*(->K pi) l+l- in the low dilepton mass region, that contains a maximal number of clean observables. This basis of observables is built in a systematic way. We show that all the previously defined observables and any observable that one can construct, can be expressed as a function of this basis. This set of observables contains all the information that can be extracted from the angular distribution in the cleanest possible way. We provide explicit expressions for the full and the uniangular distributions in terms of this basis. The conclusions presented here can be easily extended to the large-q^2 region. We study the sensitivity of the observables to right-handed currents and scalars. Finally, we present for the first time all the symmetries of the full distribution including massive terms and scalar contributions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

Pseudo Goldstone Bosons Phenomenology in Minimal Walking Technicolor

We construct the non-linear realized Lagrangian for the Goldstone Bosons associated to the breaking pattern of SU(4) to SO(4). This pattern is expected to occur in any Technicolor extension of the standard model featuring two Dirac fermions transforming according to real representations of the underlying gauge group. We concentrate on the Minimal Walking Technicolor quantum number assignments with respect to the standard model symmetries. We demonstrate that for, any choice of the quantum numbers, consistent with gauge and Witten anomalies the spectrum of the pseudo Goldstone Bosons contains electrically doubly charged states which can be discovered at the Large Hadron Collider.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2010

A Phenomenological Study of Bottom Quark Fragmentation in Top Quark Decay

Top-quark physics is one of the main fields of investigation at the Tevatron accelerator and, ultimately, at the LHC. We perform a phenomenological analysis of ttbar events at hadron colliders, with a focus on observables relying on bottom-quark fragmentation in top-quark decay. In particular, we investigate the B-lepton invariant-mass distribution in the dilepton channel and give an estimate of the contribution of bottom fragmentation to the Monte Carlo uncertainty on the top-quark mass reconstruction.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2008

Constraints on New Physics in MFV models: a model-independent analysis of Delta F=1 processes

We analyse the constraints on dimension-six Delta F=1 effective operators in models respecting the MFV hypothesis, both in the one-Higgs doublet case and in the two-Higgs doublet scenario with large tan beta. The constraints are derived mainly from the b -> s inclusive observables measured at the B factories. The implications of these bounds in view of improved measurements in exclusive and inclusive observables in b -> s l^+ l^- and s -> d nu nubar transitions are discussed.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2008

B -> D tau nu Branching Ratios: Opportunity for Lattice QCD and Hadron Colliders

In the Standard Model, scalar contributions to leptonic and semileptonic decays are helicity suppressed. The hypothesis of additional physical neutral/charged Higgses can enhance such scalar contributions and give detectable effects especially in B physics. For the charged Higgs, experimental information on both Br(B -> D tau nu) and Br(B -> tau nu) has already become available and in particular the B -> D tau nu branching ratio measurements will be further improved in the coming years. Hadronic uncertainties of scalar contributions in semileptonic decays are already in much better shape than the ones plaguing the helicity suppressed leptonic decays B -> tau nu. Combining existing experimental information form the B factories, we explore which existing and future lattice estimates will be useful to directly address new physics effects from measurements of Br(B_{u,d,s} -> D_{u,d,s} tau nu), which can be performed also at hadron colliders.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2007

Precision tests with Kl3 and Kl2 decays

The analysis made in 2000 indicated that the unitarity relation Vud^2 + Vus^2 + Vub^2 = 1 might be broken at the 2.3 sigma level. At that time, however, Vus was inferred from old experimental data. Since then, a great experimental and theoretical effort has been invested to understand the source of that discrepancy. Thanks to the new and improved measurements by BNL-E865, KLOE, KTeV, ISTRA+ and NA48, the old Kl3 decay rate got shifted so that the new Vus is now consistent with unitarity. On the theory side, much progress in the lattice QCD has been made in order to tame the systematic uncertainties related to the computation of the Kl3 form factors. This joint progress allowed to assess the validity of the CKM unitarity relation at the level of less than 1%. The key challenge of the future lattice studies will be to simulate lighter pions in the region in which ChPT predictions apply. Also interesting is the recent progress in accurately computing the kaon and pion decay constants on the lattice, which then give us access to Vus and Vud from the corresponding leptonic decays. In addition, we discuss that the Kl3 and Kl2 decays offer the possibility to test various scenarios of physics beyond Standard Model.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2007

Semileptonic D-decays and Lattice QCD

We explore four different strategies to extract the D-meson semileptonic decay form factors from the Green functions computed in QCD numerically on the lattice. From our numerical tests we find that two such strategies, based on the use of double ratios of 3-point correlation functions, lead to an appreciable reduction of systematic uncertainties. This is an important step in reducing the overall uncertainty in the lattice QCD results for the D-decay form factors which are needed to determine the CKM entries |Vcd| and |Vcs| experimentally, that are nowadays known by imposing the unitarity of the CKM matrix.

hep-lat↗