arXiv subjects

German Valencia

Publications and source records attributed to German Valencia.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

A Window onto New Invisible Particles via Semi-Visible Higgs Decays

Searches for new physics continue at the LHC in several forms, including new-particle searches, precision measurements of SM couplings, and searches for signals of new invisible particles. In this talk, we discuss the reach in parameter space of new invisible particles with the semi-visible Higgs decay modes $H\to \ell^+\ell^- + ~\rm E{\!\!\!/}_T$ and $H\to jj + ~\rm E{\!\!\!/}_T$. We first parametrise the new invisible particles and their interactions with the SM through an effective field theory at dimension six. We then study the respective signals and the corresponding background, finding small signals with large backgrounds. We find, however, that the kinematics of these processes are sufficiently rich to allow a signal extraction that we first quantify with a cut-based analysis and later with a multivariate BDT.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

`pandemonium`: High Dimensional Analysis in Linked Spaces

A common challenge in data analysis is uncovering relationships between predictors and responses in problems involving large numbers of both. When the number of predictors and responses is limited, visual approaches are particularly effective. We present an R package, pandemonium, designed to explore such problems by combining cluster analysis with linked visualisations. Clustering is performed in one set of variables to identify regions with similar patterns in that space. The resulting clusters are simultaneously visualised in both spaces using linked views based on non-linear dimension reduction and animated tours. We introduce the package through two examples that illustrate different types of linked spaces. In the first example, we consider how a set of input variables is mapped to latent activations in a neural network regression model, to identify input combinations that result in similar activation patterns. In the second example, we analyse a complex multivariable mathematical model arising in physics to investigate how structure in the predictor space relates to the responses.

stat.CO↗

arXiv2026

CP violation in $\Sigma^+\to p\ell^+\ell^-$ within the standard model and beyond

The LHCb collaboration has recently observed the rare hyperon decay $\Sigma^+\to p\mu^+\mu^-$. It can also measure the corresponding antihyperon channel with comparable precision and is thus in a position to extract information on $CP$ violation in this mode. Interestingly, the long-distance contributions that dominate it within the standard model provide large absorptive phases that could drive substantial $CP$ violation through interference with potential new-physics contributions. Here we explore this possibility, finding that the decay rate asymmetry is currently allowed to be as high as tens of percent, which can be probed by LHCb in the near future. We additionally consider the same with regard to the dielectron mode $\Sigma^+\to pe^+e^-$ as well as the related radiative one $\Sigma^+\to p\gamma$.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Semi-visible higgs decay as a probe for new invisible particles

We discuss the HL-LHC sensitivity to probe new invisible particles including scalars and fermions using semi-visible Higgs decays in the $pp\to ZH, Z\to jj\, (\ell^+\ell^-), ~H\to \ell^+\ell^- (jj) + ~\rm E{\!\!\!/}_T$ production mode. The kinematics of these decays allow new particle masses below $m\lesssim 50$ GeV. We carry out our analysis using both a cut-based approach and a multivariate method based on a boosted decision tree. We work within the dark-SMEFT framework with operators up to dimension six and a discrete $\mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry under which the new particles are odd and the SM particles are even. We compare our results to those obtained from considering the invisible $Z$-width, as well as perturbative unitarity arguments. Finally, we outline kinematic strategies at the LHC to distinguish different operator structures of the postulated invisible particles.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

CP violation in the hyperon decays $\Sigma\to N\pi$

The study of $CP$ violation in hyperon transitions has a long history. In the early 2000s the HyperCP experiment made a major effort to seek $CP$-odd signals in the decay sequence $\Xi^-\to\Lambda \pi^-$ and $\Lambda\to p\pi^-$, which motivated more searches. Most recently the BESIII and LHCb Collaborations have acquired or improved the upper bounds on $CP$ violation in a variety of hyperon nonleptonic processes, including $\Sigma^+\to n\pi^+$ and $\Sigma^+\to p\pi^0$. These measurements have not reached the standard-model level yet, but have stimulated a renewed interest in $CP$-violating new physics in strange-quark decay beyond what is constrained by the parameters $\varepsilon$ and $\varepsilon^\prime$ from the kaon sector. In this paper, after updating the standard-model expectations for $CP$-odd observables in the modes $\Sigma^\pm\to N\pi$, we revisit new-physics scenarios that could enhance the corresponding quantities in $\Lambda\to N\pi$ and $\Xi\to\Lambda\pi$ and apply them to the $\Sigma^\pm$ modes. We find that the $CP$ asymmetries in the latter can be significantly increased over the standard-model expectations, at levels which may be tested in the ongoing BESIII experiment and in future endeavors such as PANDA and the Super Tau Charm Facility.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Monojet and direct detection constraints on real scalar dark matter: EFT and a simple UV completion

We consider constraints that can be placed on certain invisible scalar particles through monojet studies at the LHC and compare them with those from direct detection experiments when interpreted as dark matter. Whereas direct detection constraints are typically more restrictive, we identify regions of parameter space where monojet studies provide important complementary bounds. We carry out our analysis using both a $\phi$SMEFT for real scalar particle pairs coupled to standard-model fields through operators of up to dimension six, and a simple UV completion with vector-like quarks, with both the scalars and the vector-like quarks being odd under a $\mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry, while the SM particles are even. The vector-like quarks can only decay into a jet and an invisible scalar, and we recast the current ATLAS monojet data to constrain their parameter space. Comparison of the two descriptions yields some insight into interpreting dark matter constraints obtained with EFTs.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Light dark-matter window constrained by \boldmath$K^+\to\pi^+$$+$$\not{\!\!E}$

We explore the constraints on new physics from the recent NA62 observation of the kaon decay $K^+\to\pi^+$+$\not{\!\!E}$ with missing energy $\not{\!\!E}$ in the context of a dark-matter (DM) scenario recently used to accommodate the Belle II finding of an enhanced rate of the $b$-meson decay $B^+\to K^+$+$\not{\!\!E}$ compared to the standard-model expectation. Specifically, assuming that a light real scalar boson $\phi$ plays the role of DM and working in an effective field-theory framework, we study model independently the impact of operators involving $\phi$ and ordinary quarks on the aforementioned transitions over the kaon mode's kinematical mass region of $m_\phi < (m_K - m_\pi)/2 = 177$ MeV. Such a DM particle is subject to significant restrictions from the observed relic abundance and from DM direct-detection experiments incorporating the Migdal effect, as well as from indirect searches in cosmic microwave background data and collider experiments, except when its mass is between 110 and 146 MeV. We demonstrate that $K^+\to\pi^+\phi\phi$ can saturate the new-physics window in the NA62 result if $m_\phi$ lies in the 110-130 MeV portion of the range left by the DM constraints, thus providing a complementary constraint on this scenario. Improved data from future Belle II and NA62 measurements and DM quests can test it more stringently. In particular, expanding the NA62 signal window into the region that is now removed due to three-body decay background modes could further explore the remaining mass window for this type of invisible particle, $130 < m_\phi < 177$ MeV.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

$B\to K{+}$invisible, dark matter, and $CP$ violation in hyperon decays

Recently the Belle II Collaboration has reported a measurement of the $B^+\to K^+\nu\bar\nu$ rate that is higher than the standard-model expectation. Since the emitted neutrinos are unobserved, the excess could be due to the $B^+$ decaying into a $K^+$ and a dark-matter pair. We entertain this possibility in a two-Higgs-doublet model supplemented with a real singlet scalar boson acting as the dark matter. This model also accommodates strangeness-changing interactions providing new sources of $CP$ violation which can affect hyperon and kaon nonleptonic transitions. We find that the resulting $CP$ violation in the hyperon sector can be significant, reaching the current empirical bounds, after taking into account constraints from kaon mixing and decay and from dark-matter relic-density data and direct searches including the Migdal effect. We demonstrate that the hyperon and kaon processes are complementary probes of this new-physics scenario. Its prediction for sizable hyperon $CP$ violation is potentially testable in ongoing experiments, such as BESIII, Belle II, and LHCb, and in next-generation ones like PANDA and at the Super Tau Charm Facility.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

High-$\rm{p_T}$ LHC constraints on SMEFT operators affecting rare kaon and hyperon decays

We consider the constraints on new physics affecting rare kaon and hyperon decay as parametrized by a low energy effective theory that can be obtained from high-$\rm p_T$ observables at LHC. To this end, we match the relevant low energy Wilson coefficients onto those in SMEFT at dimension six and compute their contributions to charged dilepton, monolepton, monojets, and $\rm VH$ searches by ATLAS and CMS. Constraints from rare kaon decays are generally more restrictive, with the ones arising from high-$\rm p_T$ measurements complementing them along directions in parameter space to which the former are not sensitive. We also illustrate the effect of a high luminosity LHC run in reducing the viable parameter regions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Pursue of CP violation in hyperon decay

I review the status of CP violation in hyperon decay in light of recent progress by BESIII and the anticipated improvements at the super tau-charm facility. I emphasize the complementarity between kaons and hyperons for studying CP violation in $|\Delta S|=1,2$ processes.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

$\Sigma^{+}\to p\ell^{+}\ell^{-}$ decays within the standard model and beyond

Motivated by the LHCb measurement of the hyperon decay mode $\Sigma^+\to p\mu^+\mu^-$ and prospects for improvement, we revisit the estimates for the rate and muon forward-backward asymmetry within the standard model and beyond. The standard model prediction has a fourfold ambiguity, and we suggest ways to resolve it with other measurements, including possible studies of $\Sigma^+\to p e^+e^-$ in the BESIII and LHCb experiments. We use the recent BESIII measurements of $\Sigma^+\to p \gamma$ and $\Sigma^+\to N\pi$ to reduce the uncertainty in the long-distance contribution to $\Sigma^+\to p\mu^+\mu^-$. Beyond the standard model, we consider a general effective Hamiltonian at low energy with ten operators whose Wilson coefficients parametrize the new physics. We derive expressions for the $\Sigma^+\to p\mu^+\mu^-$ rate and the associated muon forward-backward asymmetry in terms of these coefficients. Finally, we present the constraints on these Wilson coefficients that result from both kaon and hyperon decays and emphasize their complementarity.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Scalar dark matter explanation of the excess in the Belle II $B^+\to K^+ +$ invisible measurement

Recently Belle II reported the first measurement of $B^+\to K^++{\rm invisible (inv)}$, which is $2.7\sigma$ above the standard model (SM) prediction. If confirmed, this calls for new physics beyond SM. In the SM, the invisible particles are neutrino-anti-neutrino pairs. There are more possibilities when going beyond the SM. In this work, we focus on decays to dark matter (DM) and show that the $B\to K +\mathrm{inv}$ excess from Belle II and DM relic density can be simultaneously explained in a simple extension of the SM. The model introduces a real scalar singlet $\phi$ acting as a DM candidate, and two heavy vector-like quarks $Q,D$ with the same quantum numbers as the SM left-handed quark doublet and right-handed down-type quark singlet, respectively. All these new particles are odd under a $\mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry while the SM particles are even. The model can successfully explain the Belle II anomaly and DM relic density for TeV-scale heavy quarks with hierarchical Yukawa couplings involving $b$ and $s$ quarks. At the same time, it can easily satisfy other flavour physics constraints. Direct detection searches utilizing the Migdal effect constrain some of the parameter space.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Z and Higgs boson decays with doubly-charged scalars at one-loop: current constraints, future sensitivities, and application to lepton-triality models

We analyse the $Z$ and Higgs boson decays $Z\to \ell^+ \ell^- $ ($\ell = e, \mu,\tau$), $H\to \gamma\gamma$ and $H\to Z\gamma$ that are induced at one-loop level in models with a doubly-charged isosinglet scalar. After discussing current constraints, we derive the parameter space that will be probed by the HL-LHC and the possible future colliders the ILC, CEPC and FCC. We then apply those constraints to lepton triality models which are based on a discrete $Z_3$ family symmetry and were recently studied in the context of charged-lepton flavour-violating processes at Belle II and the proposed $\mu^+ \mu^+$ and $\mu^+ e^-$ collider known as $\mu$TRISTAN. We find that the future constraints that can be imposed by $Z \to \ell^+ \ell^-$ on the lepton flavour conserving couplings of the triality models reduce the viable parameter space to probe lepton flavour violating processes. The constraints from Higgs boson decays are the first on the Higgs portal sector of the triality models.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Revisiting models that enhance $B^+\to K^+ \nu\bar\nu$ in light of the new Belle II measurement

Belle II has recently reported the new measurement ${\cal B}(B^+\to K^+\nu\bar\nu)=(2.3\pm0.7)\times 10^{-5}$ \cite{Belle-II:2023esi} which is two times larger than their previous result (although consistent within errors) and about $2.7\,\sigma$ higher than the SM prediction. We re-examine new physics scenarios we have discussed previously which can enhance this rate to determine if they can accommodate the higher value reported in the new measurement. We use consistency with existing bounds on $B\to K^*\nu\bar\nu$, $b\to s \ell^+\ell^-$, $B\to D^{(*)}\ell\bar\nu$ and $B_s$ mixing to limit possible explanations for the excess. For the case of LFV neutrino couplings, we find that only two leptoquarks remain viable requiring a large $C_{9^\prime}^{\tau\tau}=-C_{10^\prime}^{\tau\tau}$. For models with different types of light dark matter particle pairs (scalar, fermion, or vector), the preliminary $q^2$ distribution from Belle II, which shows that the excess appears mostly for bins with $3\leq q^2\leq7$ GeV$^2$ \cite{Belle-II:2023esi}, implies only the vector current operators with scalar or vector dark matter particles with masses in the hundreds of MeV can match the anomaly.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Complementarity of $\mu$TRISTAN and Belle II in searches for charged-lepton flavour violation

We analyse the potential of the proposed $\mu^+ \mu^+$ and $\mu^+ e^-$ collider $\mu$TRISTAN to complement the searches for charged-lepton flavour-violation (CLFV) that can be carried out by Belle II. $\mu$TRISTAN offers the possibility of directly producing and studying new resonances that could mediate CLFV for a certain range of masses. In addition, we find that it can produce competitive bounds to those from Belle II for cases where the new resonance lies beyond direct reach. We illustrate these points with three $Z_3$ "lepton triality" models, where we also find an example that can only be probed by $\mu$TRISTAN. These three models feature doubly-charged scalars, denoted $k_{1,2,3}$ respectively, that induce both CLFV and flavour-conserving processes. Tree-level $k_1$ exchange induces the CLFV scattering process $\mu^+ e^- \to e^+ \tau^-$, while $k_2$ interactions induce $\mu^+ \mu^+ \to \tau^+ e^+$, $\mu^+ e^- \to \tau^+ \mu^-$ and make a non-SM contribution to the flavour-conserving scattering $\mu^+ \mu^+ \to \mu^+ \mu^+$. The $k_3$ model has a non-SM contribution to the flavour-conserving process $\mu^+ e^- \to \mu^+ e^-$. Other scattering processes involving $k_1$, $k_2$ or $k_3$ are not relevant for $\mu$TRISTAN and outside the scope of our analysis. We quantify the sensitivity of $\mu$TRISTAN for each of these processes. For the $k_1$ and $k_2$ cases we compare the $\mu$TRISTAN reach to the expected sensitivity of Belle II to the crossing symmetry related CLFV $\tau$ decays.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

$\Delta S=2$ nonleptonic hyperon decays as probes of new physics

Hyperon nonleptonic decays that change strangeness by two units, such as $\Xi\to N\pi$ and $\Omega^-\to nK^-,\Lambda\pi^-,\Sigma^{(*)}\pi$, are highly suppressed in the standard model. Only a few of them have been searched for to date, leading to experimental upper bounds which are many orders of magnitude above the expectations of the standard model. This leaves ample opportunity to look for indications of new physics in these processes. At the same time, most, but not all, $\Delta S=2$ interactions beyond the standard model are severely constrained by kaon-mixing data. We present two scenarios where new physics satisfying the kaon-mixing constraints can enhance the hyperon decay rates to levels that can be probed in future quests by BESIII and LHCb and at the proposed Super Tau-Charm Factory. Both scenarios require significant fine-tuning.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Clustering and visualization tools to study high dimensional parameter spaces: B anomalies example

We describe the applications of clustering and visualization tools using the so-called neutral B anomalies as an example. Clustering permits parameter space partitioning into regions that can be separated with some given measurements. It provides a visualization of the collective dependence of all the observables on the parameters of the problem. These methods highlight the relative importance of different observables, and the effect of correlations, and help to understand tensions in global fits. The tools we describe also permit a visual inspection of high dimensional observable and parameter spaces through both linear projections and slicing.

physics.data-an↗

arXiv2022

Lepton-flavour-violating tau decays from triality

Motivated by flavour symmetry models, we construct theories based on a low-energy limit featuring lepton flavour triality that have the flavour-violating decays $\tau^\pm \to \mu^\pm \mu^\pm e^\mp$ and $\tau^\pm \to e^\pm e^\pm \mu^\mp$ as the main phenomenological signatures of physics beyond the standard model. These decay modes are expected to be probed in the near future with increased sensitivity by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider. The simple standard model extensions featured have doubly-charged scalars as the mediators of the above decay processes. The phenomenology of these extensions is studied here in detail.

hep-ph↗