arXiv subjects

Hyun Min Lee

Publications and source records attributed to Hyun Min Lee.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Inelastic dark matter and baryon flavor symmetry in light of LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment

We present a novel model for inelastic dark matter in a simple extension of the Standard Model (SM) with a local $U(1)'$ baryon flavor symmetry, such as $U(1)_{B_i-B_j}$ with $i\neq j$. In this framework, we realize a realistic flavor structure for the mixing Yukawa couplings due to higher dimensional operators or renormalizable couplings between the SM quarks and extra vector-like quarks that are anomaly-free by themselves. We regard a Dirac singlet fermion as being dark matter and obtaining a small mass splitting for inelastic dark matter, only after the $U(1)'$ symmetry is broken spontaneously. We show that there is a consistent parameter space for explaining both the LZ nuclear recoil event and the correct relic density for dark matter and the existing collider and indirect detection bounds are satisfied at the same time. In this case, we predict a relatively light $Z'$ boson with $10-20\,{\rm GeV}$ mass and a weak gauge coupling, suggesting a dedicated search at colliders. The future data with higher recoil energies at direct detection experiments will play a decisive role of discriminating between the scenarios of light and heavy dark matter.

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arXiv2026

Spontaneous Scoto-leptogenesis

We propose a low-scale spontaneous leptogenesis scenario within the dynamical minimal scotogenic model for accommodating neutrino masses and inert scalar dark matter simultaneously. Thus, we dub the mechanism Spontaneous Scoto-leptogenesis. In this setup, a rolling Majoron arising from the global $U(1)_{B-L}$ symmetry breaking induces an effective chemical potential for the $B-L$ charge in the presence of $B-L$ violating interactions that allow for the efficient decays and inverse decays of right handed neutrinos (RHN), so it gives rise to the observed baryon asymmetry of the Universe through the electroweak sphaleron conversion. The mechanism becomes effective in the strong washout regime and successfully lowers the viable mass scale of the lightest RHN to the range of TeV scales, thereby making the thermal scotogenic leptogenesis with two hierarchical RHNs accessible to direct tests. We identify the roles of the $λ_5$ coupling for spontaneous leptogenesis and inert scalar dark matter through the efficient erasure of the inert scalar asymmetry. We also explore the regime for Majoron dark matter from the kinetic misalignment, showing that a multicomponent dark sector comprising the inert scalar and the Majoron can be realized in the model. The resulting framework provides a unified origin for low-scale baryogenesis, neutrino masses, and multicomponent dark sector, so it can be tested by complementary experimental probes through direct detection experiments, collider searches for inert scalars, and future detection of Majoron dark matter or dark radiation.

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arXiv2026

Pseudo-scalar dark matter from a broken gauged symmetry

We propose a novel model for pseudo-scalar dark matter (PSDM) by extending the Standard Model (SM) with a dark gauged $U(1)_X$ symmetry, but without dark charged fermions. We impose a $Z_2$ symmetry to ensure the stability of pseudo-scalar dark matter and regard the $U(1)_X$ symmetry as being broken dominantly by a large VEV of the singlet scalar field. The would-be Goldstone associated with the $U(1)_X$ gauge boson is almost orthogonal to the direction of PSDM. As a result, we show that PSDM appears as a stable pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson receiving the mass from the $U(1)_X$ invariant mixing potential and the corresponding cross section for direct detection gets suppressed even for the weak-scale mass of PSDM. We also show that the correct relic density can be explained by the PSDM annihilations into the SM particles or into a pair of light Higgs-like scalars, being compatible with the bounds from Higgs invisible decay, Higgs data and indirect detection.

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arXiv2026

Higgs Scattering and Entanglement in SMEFT

We regard the weak isospin of the Higgs doublet as a qubit and classify the entanglement measures for the Higgs scattering in the Standard Model Effective Field Theories (SMEFT) and their Ultra-Violet complete models. We consider Higgs scattering in the unbroken phase for electroweak symmetry. Treating the final state as a momentum-isospin bipartite system, we obtain von Neumann and linear entropies to quantify momentum-isospin correlation. From the momentum reduced state, we calculate the concurrence, which measures the entanglement between the two isospins. Both quantities are set by the isospin singlet and triplet scattering amplitudes, and hence by the Wilson coefficients of the dimension-6 and dimension-8 Higgs operators. We find that the von Neumann entropy grows as a function of the total energy in SMEFT as compared to the SM case, but it undergoes a cancellation in the medium energy below the cut-off scale due to the interference effects between the dimension-4 and dimension-8 operators, in particular, when the effective interactions stem dominantly from a massive graviton. Assuming the dominance of dimension-8 operators, we find the conditions for entanglement suppression in the forward or backward scatterings or across all the kinematics. We also show the correlations between the entanglement suppression and the positivity bounds in the forward limit.

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arXiv2026

Pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone inflation with $Z_N$ symmetric waterfall fields

We propose a hybrid inflation model where a pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson inflaton couples to $N$ waterfall scalar fields respecting a $Z_N$ symmetry. We identify the phases for the inflation and the consequent waterfall transition, concretely, in $Z_2$, $Z_3$ and $Z_4$ cases. From the Coleman-Weinberg potential for the inflaton, we show that the quadratically divergent corrections coming from the waterfall sector are cancelled due to the $Z_N$ symmetry, while the logarithmically divergent corrections are absent only for $N>2$, ensuring the radiative stability of the inflaton potential. We show the parameter space for a successful inflation with the loop-corrected inflaton potential in each model and compare the results between different discrete symmetries. We further analyze the vacuum structure of the models and the reheating process due to the $Z_N$-invariant Higgs-portal couplings for the waterfall fields. We find that the reheating temperature can be smaller than the mass of the waterfall field condensate such that the $Z_N$ symmetry is not restored after reheating and there is no domain wall problem in the models. We also comment on the possibility of multi-component dark matter from the $Z_N$ partners of the waterfall field condensate.

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arXiv2026

Higgs pole inflation with loop corrections in light of ACT results

We present the Coleman-Weinberg potential for the inflaton in the pole inflation scenarios such as the Higgs pole inflation and the Peccei-Quinn (PQ) pole inflation. The loop corrections stem from the Standard Model particles and extra singlet scalar fields in the former case, making the quartic coupling for the Higgs inflaton modified by the inflaton-dependent power corrections during inflation. We also obtain similar power corrections to the quartic coupling for the PQ inflaton, depending on the realizations of the PQ symmetry in KSVZ and DFSZ models. We show that the loop corrections can shift the spectral index in the pole inflation to a larger value in favor of the ACT results, while being compatible with the bound on the tensor-to-scalar ratio. For a positive one-loop beta function for the inflaton quartic coupling (namely, $b_1>0$), a sub-dominant contribution from the two-loop corrections can be accommodated. On the other hand, if the one-loop beta function for the inflaton coupling is negative (namely, $b_1<0$), we need sizable contributions from two-loops that are larger than the one-loop corrections due to the ACT results.

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arXiv2026

Self-resonant dark matter with $Z_4$ gauged symmetry

We present a new model for two-component scalar dark matter (DM), consisting of two complex scalar fields. In this model, both the DM components are stable due to the remaining $Z_4$ gauge symmetry, which is the remnant of the $U(1)^\prime$ local symmetry. When the resonance condition for DM masses is fulfilled, we show that the elastic co-scattering processes between two components of dark matter ($u$-channel processes) are enhanced due to the Yukawa potential with a small effective mass for the lighter DM mediator, so we can use such co-scattering processes for dark matter to explain the small-scale problems at galaxies. Moreover, there are also semi-annihilation processes that two components of dark matter annihilate into one dark matter particle and a dark photon/Higgs, which are enhanced by the $u$-channel Sommerfeld factor. Focusing on some benchmark models for two-component dark matter satisfying the observed relic density, we obtain the bounds for the dark photon portal couplings from the direct detection for boosted dark matter, which is produced from the semi-annihilation processes at the galactic center.

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arXiv2026

Spontaneous Leptogenesis in Type I Seesaw

Type-I seesaw models with a spontaneously broken $B-L$ symmetry provide a natural framework for spontaneous leptogenesis driven by a Majoron. The kinetic background of the Majoron acts as a CP-violating source, generating a lepton asymmetry both through the decay of right-handed neutrinos and through equilibration via inverse-decay processes. We construct the Boltzmann equations in a fully consistent manner, incorporating both effects, to enable a quantitative analysis. When the neutrino Yukawa coupling is large enough to maintain $B-L$ violating interactions in thermal equilibrium, the resulting asymmetry closely tracks its equilibrium value. In contrast, when this condition is not satisfied, a nontrivial interplay emerges between decay and inverse-decay dynamics, determined by the Yukawa coupling strength and the initial abundance of right-handed neutrinos.

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arXiv2026

Decaying vector dark matter with low reheating temperature for KM3NeT signal and its impact on gravitational waves

We propose a new model to explain the KM3NeT neutrino event through a low reheating scenario with a suppression in the GW spectrum originating from cosmic string networks. To achieve this, we extend the SM gauge sector by an abelian gauge symmetry and a singlet scalar. Once the abelian gauge symmetry spontaneously breaks, the extra gauge boson acquires mass and becomes a suitable Dark Matter (DM) candidate. Due to the kinetic mixing with the hypercharge gauge group, DM can decay into SM particles. To explain the KM3NeT signal, we need $\mathcal{O}(100)$ PeV DM, which can be produced in the correct order of DM density in a low reheating scenario. In this scenario, the overabundance issue of heavy DM can be tackled by diluting its abundance through the continuous injection of entropy when the matter-like inflaton decays into the SM bath. Using the low reheating scenario, we can obtain the correct value of DM density both for freeze-out and freeze-in mechanisms for super-heavy DM. Moreover, we have studied the Gravitational Waves (GWs) produced from cosmic strings, which fall within the detectable range of future proposed GW experiments. Additionally, the dominance of a quadratic inflaton potential before the reheating temperature changes the temperature-scale factor relation, which suppresses the GW spectrum at higher frequencies. Choosing an arbitrarily low reheating temperature provides only a tiny fraction of the DM density due to dilution from entropy injection. This fraction of the vector DM suggests that only the extragalactic contribution is relevant in the KM3NeT event because DM lifetime is shorter than the age of the Universe.

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arXiv2025

Peccei-Quinn Genesis

We propose a cogenesis mechanism that unifies the origin of QCD axion dark matter and the baryon asymmetry of the Universe in the framework of Peccei-Quinn pole inflation. The model integrates the Peccei-Quinn symmetry with the seesaw mechanism for neutrino masses. This allows for spontaneous leptogenesis, which generates the required $B-L$ asymmetry around the seesaw scale. The necessary initial axion kinetic misalignment is naturally sourced by a PQ field driving pole inflation. Analysis within the KSVZ axion model demonstrates that achieving simultaneous correct DM abundance and baryon asymmetry limits the axion decay constant to be smaller than about $10^9$ GeV. This framework offers a unified solution to four fundamental problems: the strong CP problem, neutrino mass, matter-antimatter asymmetry, and inflation.

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arXiv2025

Neutrino masses and mixed dark matter from doublet and singlet scalars

We consider the extension of the Standard Model with an inert scalar doublet, three right-handed neutrinos, and singlet scalar fields, $φ$ and $S$. In this model, neutrino masses are zero in the limit of the unbroken $Z_4$ discrete symmetry. We show that when the singlet scalar field $φ$ gets a VEV, the $Z_4$ symmetry is broken to $Z_2$, and neutrino masses are generated at one-loops due to the mixings between the neutral components of the inert scalar doublet and the singlet scalar field $S$. There is a dark matter candidate from the lightest neutral scalar field, which is a mixture of the inert scalar doublet and the singlet scalar field $S$, in general. The $Z_4$ breaking mass terms are constrained by electroweak precision data and direct detection (DD) bounds for dark matter, favoring small mixings or almost degenerate masses for the DM scalars. As a result, we discuss the implications of the results for small neutrino masses and DD-safe dark matter.

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arXiv2025

Higgs portal vector dark matter at a low reheating temperature

In this study, we explore vector dark matter (DM) production in the early Universe focusing on a scenario with a low reheating temperature. One can achieve low reheat temperature in many ways, for example, by considering a longer lifetime of the inflaton field. We analyze the impact of various model parameters on DM production, including gauge coupling and reheat temperature, while incorporating all relevant constraints from DM relic density, collider bounds, and DM direct and indirect detection experiments. Our results reveal a strong correlation between DM mass and reheat temperature, with viable parameter space requiring $T_R/M_{W_D} \sim 0.1$. While DM production from decays is generally subdominant, we identify a regime where freeze-in production from decay is dominant due to the phase space suppression. For DM masses below 100 GeV, production is primarily driven by SM fermions, whereas higher masses come due to the Higgses annihilation. The enhanced coupling strength in our framework enables potential detection in direct and indirect detection and collider experiments. The direct detection experiments have already explored some parts of the region and future DARWIN will explore the further region whereas for indirect detection, the detection prospects for the present case are futile. We found that a very narrow region of the parameter space has been explored by the DM direct detection contrary to the WIMP DM case where most of the parameter space has been ruled out.

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arXiv2025

The pole inflation from broken non-compact isometry in Weyl gravity

We propose the microscopic origin of the pole inflation from the scalar fields of broken non-compact isometry in Weyl gravity. We show that the $SO(1,N)$ isometry in the field space in combination with the Weyl symmetry relates the form of the non-minimal couplings to the one of the potential in the Jordan frame. In the presence of an explicit breaking of the $SO(1,N)$ symmetry in the coefficient of the potential, we realize the pole inflation near the pole of the inflaton kinetic term. Applying our results to the Higgs or PQ inflation models, we find that there is one parameter family of the solutions for the pole inflation, depending on the overall coefficient of the Weyl covariant derivatives for scalar fields. The same coefficient not only makes the predictions of the pole inflation varying, being compatible with the Planck data, but also determines the mass of the Weyl gauge field. We also show that the isocurvature perturbations of the axion can be suppressed sufficiently during the PQ pole inflation, and the massive Weyl gauge field produced during reheating serves as a dark matter candidate.

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arXiv2025

Supersymmetry and LHC era

We review the basics of the supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model and discuss the implications of the constraints on the superpartner masses at the LHC for the Higgs mass, the $W$ boson mass, the muon $g-2$ and the proton lifetime.

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arXiv2025

Neutrino Theory in the Precision Era

This document summarises discussions on future directions in theoretical neutrino physics, which are the outcome of a neutrino theory workshop held at CERN in February 2025. The starting point is the realisation that neutrino physics offers unique opportunities to address some of the most fundamental questions in physics. This motivates a vigorous experimental programme which the theory community fully supports. \textbf{A strong effort in theoretical neutrino physics is paramount to optimally take advantage of upcoming neutrino experiments and to explore the synergies with other areas of particle, astroparticle, and nuclear physics, as well as cosmology.} Progress on the theory side has the potential to significantly boost the physics reach of experiments, as well as go well beyond their original scope. Strong collaboration between theory and experiment is essential in the precision era. To foster such collaboration, \textbf{we propose to establish a CERN Neutrino Physics Centre.} Taking inspiration from the highly successful LHC Physics Center at Fermilab, the CERN Neutrino Physics Centre would be the European hub of the neutrino community, covering experimental and theoretical activities.

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arXiv2025

WIMP-FIMP option and neutrino masses via a novel anomaly-free B-L symmetry

We propose a novel $U(1)_{B-L}$ model with singlet dark matter fermions composed of WIMP and FIMP, which is anomaly-free without a need for introducing right-handed neutrinos. Fermion dark matter masses are generated after the $U(1)_{B-L}$ is broken spontaneously, so the Yukawa couplings for WIMP and FIMP components can be distinguished by the hierarchical values of the vacuum expectation values of the single scalar fields. Moreover, the $U(1)_{B-L}$ gauge boson receives a TeV-scale mass for a tiny extra gauge coupling, so it goes out of equilibrium from the rest of the model content in the early Universe. Both the $U(1)_{B-L}$ gauge boson and FIMP component are produced from the decays of the bath particles, and the former can decay into FIMP DM and/or WIMP DM before BBN. The WIMP component can reside in the resonance region of the Higgs bosons or dominantly annihilate into a pair of singlet-like scalars. Thus, there is a flexibility to choose a small mixing between the visible and dark sectors, thereby evading all the current direct and indirect detection bounds. Furthermore, we show that WIMP and FIMP components can coexist in suitable fractions, depending on the choice of model parameters, allowing for additional protection for WIMP DM against various experimental bounds. Finally, we identify the dimension-6 and dimension-7 operators for Majorana neutrino masses in our model, being consistent with the $U(1)_{B-L}$ gauge symmetry, and provide a possibility of extending the model with additional singlet fermions for neutrino masses.

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arXiv2025

Standard Model anomalies and vacuum stability for lepton portals with extra $U(1)$ symmetry

Recently, the experimental values of the muon $(g-2)_μ$ and of the $W$ boson mass $m_{_W}$ have both indicated significant deviations from the SM predictions, motivating the exploration of extensions with extra particles and symmetries. We revisit a lepton portal model with $U(1)'$ gauge symmetry where an extra Higgs doublet, a scalar singlet and one $SU(2)_L$ singlet vector-like fermion are introduced. In this model, $(g-2)_μ$ can be explained by extra one-loop contributions from the vector-like lepton and the $Z'$ boson, whereas $m_{_W}$ can be increased by a tree-level mixing between the $Z$ and $Z'$. Setting the $Z'$ and lepton couplings at low energies to account for the SM anomalies, we perform a Renormalization Group analysis to investigate on the high-energy behaviour of the model, in particular on the issue of vacuum stability. We find that in the alignment limit for the two Higgs doublets, the Landau pole and the scale where perturbativity is lost are of order $10-100\,{\rm TeV}$, not far from the scales experimentally reached so far, and sensibly lower than the stability scale. We show how the Landau pole can be increased up to $\sim10^9\,{\rm GeV}$ in a misaligned scenario where the experimental anomalies are still accommodated and a positive shift of the Higgs quartic coupling to improve stability can be achieved.

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arXiv2025

Nonthermal Heavy Dark Matter from a First-Order Phase Transition

We study nonthermal production of heavy dark matter from the dynamics of the background scalar field during a first-order phase transition, predominantly from bubble collisions. In scenarios where bubble walls achieve runaway behavior and get boosted to very high energies, we find that it is possible to produce dark matter with mass several orders of magnitude above the symmetry breaking scale or the highest temperature ever reached by the thermal plasma. We also demonstrate that the existing formalism for calculating particle production from bubble dynamics in a first-order phase transition is not gauge invariant, and can lead to spurious results. While a rigorous and complete resolution of this problem is still lacking, we provide a practical prescription for the computation that avoids unphysical contributions and should provide reliable order-of-magnitude estimates of this effect. Furthermore, we point out the importance of three-body decays of the background field excitations into scalars and gauge bosons, which provide the dominant contributions at energy scales above the scale of symmetry breaking. Using our improved results, we find that scalar, fermion, and vector dark matter are all viable across a large range of mass scales, from O(10) TeV to a few orders of magnitude below the Planck scale, and the corresponding phase transitions can be probed with current and future gravitational wave experiments.

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