arXiv subjects

G. Lazarides

Publications and source records attributed to G. Lazarides.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Probing the Supersymmetry-Mass Scale With F-term Hybrid Inflation

We consider F-term hybrid inflation and supersymmetry breaking in the context of a model which largely respects a global U(1) R symmetry. The Kaehler potential parameterizes the Kaehler manifold with an enhanced U(1)x(SU(1,1)/U(1)) symmetry, where the scalar curvature of the second factor is determined by the achievement of a supersymmetry-breaking de Sitter vacuum without ugly tuning. The magnitude of the emergent soft tadpole term for the inflaton can be adjusted in the range (1.2-460) TeV -- increasing with the dimensionality of the representation of the waterfall fields -- so that the inflationary observables are in agreement with the observational requirements. The mass scale of the supersymmetric partners turns out to lie in the region (0.09-253) PeV which is compatible with high-scale supersymmetry and the results of LHC on the Higgs boson mass. The mu parameter can be generated by conveniently applying the Giudice-Masiero mechanism and assures the out-of-equilibrium decay of the R saxion at a low reheat temperature Trh<~163 GeV.

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arXiv2019

Monopoles, Strings, and Necklaces in $SO(10)$ and $E_6$

We employ a variety of symmetry breaking patterns in $SO(10)$ and $E_6$ Grand Unified Theories to demonstrate the appearance of topological defects including magnetic monopoles, strings, and necklaces. We show that independent of the symmetry breaking pattern, a topologically stable superheavy monopole carrying a single unit of Dirac charge as well as color magnetic charge is always present. Lighter intermediate mass topologically stable monopoles carrying two or three quanta of Dirac charge can appear in $SO(10)$ and $E_6$ models respectively. These lighter monopoles as well as topologically stable intermediate scale strings can survive an inflationary epoch. We also show the appearance of a novel necklace configuration in $SO(10)$ broken to the Standard Model via $SU(4)_c\times SU(2)_L\times SU(2)_R$. It consists of $SU(4)_c$ and $SU(2)_R$ monopoles connected by flux tubes. Necklaces consisting of monopoles and antimonopoles joined together by flux tubes are also identified. Even in the absence of topologically stable strings, a monopole-string system can temporarily appear. This system decays by emitting gravity waves and we provide an example in which the spectrum of these waves is strongly peaked around $10^{-4}~{\rm Hz}$ with $Ω_{\rm gw}h^2\simeq 10^{-12}$. This spectrum should be within the detection capability of LISA.

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arXiv2017

Light sterile neutrinos, dark matter, and new resonances in a $U(1)$ extension of the MSSM

We present $ψ'$MSSM, a model based on a $U(1)_{ψ'}$ extension of the minimal supersymmetric standard model. The gauge symmetry $U(1)_{ψ'}$, also known as $U(1)_N$, is a linear combination of the $U(1)_χ$ and $U(1)_ψ$ subgroups of $E_6$. The model predicts the existence of three sterile neutrinos with masses $\lesssim 0.1~{\rm eV}$, if the $U(1)_{ψ'}$ breaking scale is of order 10 TeV. Their contribution to the effective number of neutrinos at nucleosynthesis is $ΔN_ν\simeq 0.29$. The model can provide a variety of possible cold dark matter candidates including the lightest sterile sneutrino. If the $U(1)_{ψ'}$ breaking scale is increased to $10^3~{\rm TeV}$, the sterile neutrinos, which are stable on account of a $Z_2$ symmetry, become viable warm dark matter candidates. The observed value of the standard model Higgs boson mass can be obtained with relatively light stop quarks thanks to the D-term contribution from $U(1)_{ψ'}$. The model predicts diquark and diphoton resonances which may be found at an updated LHC. The well-known $μ$ problem is resolved and the observed baryon asymmetry of the universe can be generated via leptogenesis. The breaking of $U(1)_{ψ'}$ produces superconducting strings that may be present in our galaxy. A $U(1)$ R symmetry plays a key role in keeping the proton stable and providing the light sterile neutrinos.

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arXiv2017

Axion, mu Term, and Supersymmetric Hybrid Inflation

We show how successful supersymmetric hybrid inflation is realized in realistic models where the resolution of the minimal supersymmetric standard model mu problem is intimately linked with axion physics. The scalar fields that accompany the axion, such as the saxion, are closely monitored during and after inflation to ensure that the axion isocurvature perturbations lie below the observational limits. The scalar spectral index n_s is about 0.96 - 0.97, while the tensor-to-scalar ratio r, a canonical measure of gravity waves, lies well below the observable range in our example. The axion domain walls are inflated away, and depending on the axion decay constant f_a and the magnitude of the mu parameter, the axions and/or the lightest supersymmetric particle compose the dark matter in the universe. Non-thermal leptogenesis is naturally implemented in this class of models.

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arXiv2016

Diphoton resonances in a U(1)_{B-L} extension of the minimal supesymmetric standard model

Inspired by the 750 GeV diphoton state recently reported by ATLAS and CMS, we propose a U(1)_{B-L} extension of the MSSM which predicts the existence of four spin zero resonance states that are degenerate in mass in the supersymmetric limit. Vector-like fields, a gauge singlet field, as well as the MSSM Higgsinos are prevented from acquiring arbitrary large masses by a U(1) R-symmetry. Indeed, these masses can be considerably lighter than the Z' gauge boson mass. Depending on kinematics the resonance states could decay into right handed neutrinos and sneutrinos, and/or MSSM Higgs fields and Higgsinos with total decay widths in the multi-GeV range.

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arXiv2016

Shift Symmetry and Higgs Inflation in Supergravity with Observable Gravitational Waves

We demonstrate how to realize within supergravity a novel chaotic-type inflationary scenario driven by the radial parts of a conjugate pair of Higgs superfields causing the spontaneous breaking of a grand unified gauge symmetry at a scale assuming the value of the supersymmetric grand unification scale. The superpotential is uniquely determined at the renormalizable level by the gauge symmetry and a continuous R symmetry. We select two types of Kahler potentials, which respect these symmetries as well as an approximate shift symmetry. In particular, they include in a logarithm a dominant shift-symmetric term proportional to a parameter c- together with a small term violating this symmetry and characterized by a parameter c+. In both cases, imposing a lower bound on c-, inflation can be attained with subplanckian values of the original inflaton, while the corresponding effective theory respects perturbative unitarity for r+-=c+/c-<1. These inflationary models do not lead to overproduction of cosmic defects, are largely independent of the one-loop radiative corrections and accommodate, for natural values of r+-, observable gravitational waves consistently with all the current observational data. The inflaton mass is mostly confined in the range (3.7-8.1)x10^10 GeV.

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arXiv2015

Gravitational Waves from Double Hybrid Inflation

We present a two stage hybrid inflationary scenario in non-minimal supergravity which can predict values of the tensor-to-scalar ratio of the order of few times 0.01. For the parameters considered, the underlying supersymmetric particle physics model possesses two inflationary paths, the trivial and the semi-shifted one. The trivial path is stabilized by supergravity corrections and supports a first stage of inflation with a limited number of e-foldings. The tensor-to-scalar ratio can become appreciable while the value of the scalar spectral index remains acceptable as a result of the competition between the relatively mild supergravity corrections and the strong radiative corrections to the inflationary potential. The additional number of e-foldings required for solving the puzzles of hot big bang cosmology are generated by a second stage of inflation taking place along the semi-shifted path. This is possible only because the semi-shifted path is almost perpendicular to the trivial one and, thus, not affected by the strong radiative corrections along the trivial path and also because the supergravity effects remain mild. The requirement that the running of the scalar spectral index remains acceptable limits the possible values of the tensor-to-scalar ratio not to exceed about 0.05. Our model predicts the formation of an unstable string-monopole network, which may lead to detectable gravity wave signatures in future space-based laser interferometer observations.

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arXiv2015

Double hybrid inflation and gravitational waves

A double hybrid inflationary scenario in non-minimal supergravity which can predict values of the tensor-to-scalar ratio up to about 0.05 is presented. Larger values of this ratio would require unacceptably large running of the scalar spectral index. The underlying supersymmetric particle physics model possesses, for the chosen values of the parameters, practically two inflationary paths, the trivial and the semi-shifted one. The trivial path is stabilized by supergravity and supports a first stage of inflation with a limited number of e-foldings. The tensor-to-scalar ratio can become appreciable with the scalar spectral index remaining acceptable, as a result of the competition between the relatively mild supergravity and the strong radiative corrections to the inflationary potential. The additional number of e-foldings required for solving the puzzles of hot big bang cosmology are generated by a second stage of inflation along the semi-shifted path. This is possible only because the semi-shifted path is almost orthogonal to the trivial one and, thus, not affected by the strong radiative corrections on the trivial path and also because the supergravity effects remain mild. The model predicts the formation of an unstable network of open cosmic strings connecting monopoles to antimonopoles. This network decays to gravity waves well before recombination leading to possibly detectable signatures in future space-based laser interferometer gravitational-wave detectors.

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arXiv2015

Probing the hyperbolic branch/focus point region of the constrained minimal supersymmetric standard model with generalized Yukawa quasi-unification

We analyze the parametric space of the constrained minimal supersymmetric standard model with mu>0 supplemented by a generalized asymptotic Yukawa coupling quasi-unification condition which yields acceptable masses for the fermions of the third family. We impose constraints from the cold dark matter abundance in the universe and its direct detection experiments, the B-physics, as well as the masses of the sparticles and the lightest neutral CP-even Higgs boson. Fixing the mass of the latter to its central value from the LHC and taking 40<=tanbeta<=50, we find a relatively wide allowed parameter space with -11<=A_0/M_{1/2}<=15 and mass of the lightest sparticle in the range (0.09-1.1) TeV. This sparticle is possibly detectable by the present cold dark matter direct search experiments. The required fine-tuning for the electroweak symmetry breaking is much milder than the one needed in the neutralino-stau coannihilation region of the same model.

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arXiv2015

CMSSM With Generalized Yukawa Quasi-Unification: An Update

We analyze the parametric space of the constrained minimal supersymmetric standard model (CMSSM) with mu>0 supplemented by a generalized asymptotic Yukawa coupling quasi-unification condition which yields acceptable masses for the fermions of the third family. We impose constraints from the cold dark matter abundance in the universe and its direct detection experiments, the B-physics, as well as the masses of the sparticles and the lightest neutral CP-even Higgs boson, m_h. We identify two distinct allowed regions with M_{1/2}>m_0 and m_0>>M_{1/2} classified in the hyperbolic branch of the radiative electroweak symmetry breaking. In the first region we obtain, approximately, 44<=tan beta<=52, -3<=A_0/M_{1/2}<=0.1, 122<=m_h/GeV<=127, and mass of the lightest sparticle in the range (0.75-1.43) TeV. Such heavy lightest sparticle masses can become consistent with the cold dark matter requirement on the lightest sparticle relic density thanks to neutralino-stau coannihilations. In the latter region, fixing m_h to its central value from the LHC, we find a wider allowed parameter space with milder electroweak-symmetry-breaking fine-tuning, 40<=tanbeta<=50, -11<=A_0/M_{1/2}<=15 and mass of the lightest sparticle in the range (0.09-1.1) TeV. This sparticle is possibly detectable by the present cold dark matter direct search experiments.

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arXiv2014

Cold Dark Matter and Higgs Mass in the Constrained Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model with Generalized Yukawa Quasi-Unification

The construction of specific supersymmetric grand unified models based on the Pati-Salam gauge group and leading to a set of Yukawa quasi-unification conditions which can allow an acceptable b-quark mass within the constrained minimal supersymmetric standard model with mu>0 is briefly reviewed. Imposing constraints from the cold dark matter abundance in the universe, B physics, and the mass mh of the lighter neutral CP-even Higgs boson, we find that there is an allowed parameter space with, approximately, 44<tanbeta<52, -3<A0/M_{1/2}<0.1, 122<mh/GeV<127, and mass of the lightest sparticle in the range (0.75-1.43) TeV. Such heavy lightest sparticle masses can become consistent with the cold dark matter requirements on the lightest sparticle relic density thanks to neutralino-stau coannihilations which are enhanced due to stau-antistau coannihilation to down type fermions via a direct-channel exchange of the heavier neutral CP-even Higgs boson. Restrictions on the model parameters by the muon anomalous magnetic moment are also discussed.

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arXiv2013

Inflation, Leptogenesis, and Yukawa Quasi-Unification within a Supersymmetric Left-Right Model

A simple extension of the minimal left-right symmetric supersymmetric grand unified theory model is constructed by adding two pairs of superfields. This naturally violates the partial Yukawa unification predicted by the minimal model. After including supergravity corrections, we find that this extended model naturally supports hilltop F-term hybrid inflation along its trivial inflationary path with only a very mild tuning of the initial conditions. With a convenient choice of signs of the terms in the Kahler potential, we can reconcile the inflationary scale with the supersymmetric grand unified theory scale. All the current data on the inflationary observables are readily reproduced. Inflation is followed by non-thermal leptogenesis via the decay of the right-handed neutrinos emerging from the decay of the inflaton and any possible washout of the lepton asymmetry is avoided thanks to the violation of partial Yukawa unification. The extra superfields also assist us in reducing the reheat temperature so as to satisfy the gravitino constraint. The observed baryon asymmetry of the universe is naturally reproduced consistently with the neutrino oscillation parameters.

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arXiv2013

Constrained Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model with Generalized Yukawa Quasi-Unification

We analyze the constrained minimal supersymmetric standard model with mu>0 supplemented by a generalized `asymptotic' Yukawa coupling quasi-unification condition, which allows an acceptable b-quark mass. We impose constraints from the cold dark matter abundance in the universe, B physics, and the mass of the lightest neutral CP-even Higgs boson. We find that, in contrast to previous results obtained for a more restrictive Yukawa quasi-unification condition, the lightest neutralino can act as a cold dark matter candidate in a relatively wide parameter range. In this range, the lightest neutralino relic abundance is drastically reduced mainly by stau-antistau coannihilations and, thus, the upper bound on this abundance from cold dark matter considerations becomes compatible with the recent data on the branching ratio of B_s --> mu^+mu^-. Also, masses for the lightest neutral CP-even Higgs boson about (125-126) GeV, favored by LHC, can be easily accommodated. The mass of the lightest neutralino, though, comes out large (~1 TeV).

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arXiv2012

Dark Matter and Higgs Mass in the CMSSM with Yukawa Quasi-Unification

We present an updated analysis of the constrained minimal supersymmetric standard model with mu>0 supplemented by an `asymptotic' Yukawa coupling quasi-unification condition, which allows an acceptable b-quark mass. Imposing constraints from the cold dark matter abundance in the universe, B physics, the muon anomalous magnetic moment, and the mass m_h of the lightest neutral CP-even Higgs boson, we find that the lightest neutralino cannot act as a cold dark matter candidate. This is mainly because the upper bound on the lightest neutralino relic abundance from cold dark matter considerations, despite the fact that this abundance is drastically reduced by neutralino-stau coannihilations, is incompatible with the recent data on the branching ratio of B_s --> mu^+ mu^-. Allowing for a different particle, such as the axino or the gravitino, to be the lightest supersymmetric particle and, thus, constitute the cold dark matter in the universe, we find that the predicted m_h's in our model favor the range (119-126) GeV.

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arXiv2011

CMSSM with Yukawa Quasi-Unification Revisited

The constrained minimal supersymmetric standard model with mu>0 supplemented by an `asymptotic' Yukawa coupling quasi-unification condition, which allows an acceptable b-quark mass, is reinvestigated. Imposing updated constraints from the cold dark matter abundance in the universe, B physics, the muon anomalous magnetic moment, and the mass mh of the lightest neutral CP-even Higgs boson, we find that the allowed parameter space is quite limited but not unnaturally small with the cold dark matter abundance suppressed only via neutralino-stau coannihilations. The lightest neutralino with mass in the range (341-677) GeV is possibly detectable in the future direct cold dark matter searches via its spin-independent cross section with nucleon. In the allowed parameter space of the model, we obtain mh=(117-122.2) GeV.

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arXiv2010

F-Term Hybrid Inflation Followed by a Peccei-Quinn Phase Transition

We consider a cosmological set-up, based on renormalizable superpotential terms, in which a superheavy scale F-term hybrid inflation is followed by a Peccei-Quinn phase transition, resolving the strong CP and mu problems of the minimal supersymmetric standard model. We show that the field which triggers the Peccei-Quinn phase transition can remain after inflation well above the Peccei-Quinn scale thanks to (i) its participation in the supergravity and logarithmic corrections during the inflationary stage and (ii) the high reheat temperature after the same period. As a consequence, its presence influences drastically the inflationary dynamics and the universe suffers a second period of reheating after the Peccei-Quinn phase transition. Confronting our inflationary predictions with the current observational data, we find that, for about the central value of the spectral index, the grand unification scale can be identified with its supersymmetric value for the relevant coupling constant κ=0.002 and, more or less, natural values, +/-(0.01-0.1), for the remaining parameters. On the other hand, the final reheat temeperature after the Peccei-Quinn phase transition turns out to be low enough so as the gravitino problem is avoided.

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arXiv2007

Standard-smooth hybrid inflation

We consider the extended supersymmetric Pati-Salam model which, for mu>0 and universal boundary conditions, succeeds to yield experimentally acceptable b-quark masses by moderately violating Yukawa unification. It is known that this model can lead to new shifted or new smooth hybrid inflation. We show that a successful two-stage inflationary scenario can be realized within this model based only on renormalizable superpotential interactions. The cosmological scales exit the horizon during the first stage of inflation, which is of the standard hybrid type and takes place along the trivial flat direction with the inflaton driven by radiative corrections. Spectral indices compatible with the recent data can be achieved in global supersymmetry or minimal supergravity by restricting the number of e-foldings of our present horizon during the first inflationary stage. The additional e-foldings needed for solving the horizon and flatness problems are naturally provided by a second stage of inflation, which occurs mainly along the built-in new smooth hybrid inflationary path appearing right after the destabilization of the trivial flat direction at its critical point. Monopoles are formed at the end of the first stage of inflation and are, subsequently, diluted by the second stage of inflation to become utterly negligible in the present universe for almost all (for all) the allowed values of the parameters in the case of global supersymmetry (minimal supergravity).

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arXiv2007

New smooth hybrid inflation

We consider the extension of the supersymmetric Pati-Salam model which solves the b-quark mass problem of supersymmetric grand unified models with exact Yukawa unification and universal boundary conditions and leads to the so-called new shifted hybrid inflationary scenario. We show that this model can also lead to a new version of smooth hybrid inflation based only on renormalizable interactions provided that a particular parameter of its superpotential is somewhat small. The potential possesses valleys of minima with classical inclination, which can be used as inflationary paths. The model is consistent with the fitting of the three-year Wilkinson microwave anisotropy probe data by the standard power-law cosmological model with cold dark matter and a cosmological constant. In particular, the spectral index turns out to be adequately small so that it is compatible with the data. Moreover, the Pati-Salam gauge group is broken to the standard model gauge group during inflation and, thus, no monopoles are formed at the end of inflation. Supergravity corrections based on a non-minimal Kaehler potential with a convenient choice of a sign keep the spectral index comfortably within the allowed range without generating maxima and minima of the potential on the inflationary path. So, unnatural restrictions on the initial conditions for inflation can be avoided.

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