arXiv subjects

John March-Russell

Publications and source records attributed to John March-Russell.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2006

Signals of Inflation in a Friendly String Landscape

Following Freivogel {\it et al} we consider inflation in a predictive (or `friendly') region of the landscape of string vacua, as modeled by Arkani-Hamed, Dimopoulos and Kachru. In such a region the dimensionful coefficients of super-renormalizable operators unprotected by symmetries, such as the vacuum energy and scalar mass-squareds are freely scanned over, and the objects of study are anthropically or `environmentally' conditioned probability distributions for observables. In this context we study the statistical predictions of (inverted) hybrid inflation models, where the properties of the inflaton are probabilistically distributed. We derive the resulting distributions of observables, including the deviation from flatness $|1-Ω|$, the spectral index of scalar cosmological perturbations $n_s$ (and its scale dependence $dn_s/d\log k$), and the ratio of tensor to scalar perturbations $r$. The environmental bound on the curvature implies a solution to the $η$-problem of inflation with the predicted distribution of $(1-n_s)$ indicating values close to current observations. We find a relatively low probability ($<3%$) of `just-so' inflation with measurable deviations from flatness. Intermediate scales of inflation are preferred in these models.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2006

On the Delta I = 1/2 Rule in Holographic QCD

We study the $ΔI = 1/2$ rule for kaon decays and the $B_K$ parameter for $K^0 - {\bar K}^0$ mixing in a dual 5-dimensional holographic QCD model. We perform, in the chiral limit, computations of the relevant four-point current-current correlators, which depend upon self-interactions among the 5D bulk fields. Spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking ($χ$SB) is realized through boundary conditions on the bulk fields. Numerical results are analyzed in comparison with QCD, chiral perturbation theory ($χ$PT) and data, finding reasonable agreement with the experimental values of the $g_8$ and $g_{27}$ parameters describing the $ΔI =1/2,3/2$ decay channels.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2005

Improved Bounds on Universal Extra Dimensions and Consequences for LKP Dark Matter

We study constraints on models with a flat "Universal'' Extra Dimension in which all Standard Model fields propagate in the bulk. A significantly improved constraint on the compactification scale is obtained from the extended set of electroweak precision observables accurately measured at LEP1 and LEP2. We find a lower bound of M_c = R^{-1} > 700 (800) GeV at the 99% (95%) confidence level. We also discuss the implications of this constraint on the prospects for the direct and indirect detection of Kaluza-Klein dark matter in this model.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2005

Pseudo-Goldstones from Supersymmetric Wilson Lines on 5D Orbifolds

We consider a U(1) gauge theory on the five dimensional orbifold $\mathcal{M}_4\times S^1/Z_2$, where $A_5$ has even $Z_2$ parity. This leads to a light pseudoscalar degree of freedom $W(x)$ in the effective 4D theory below the compactification scale arising from a gauge-invariant brane-to-brane Wilson line. As noted by Arkani-Hamed et al in the non-supersymmetric $S^1$ case the 5D bulk gauge-invariance of the underlying theory together with the non-local nature of the Wilson line field leads to the protection of the 4D theory of $W(x)$ from possible large global-symmetry violating quantum gravitational effects. We study the $S^1/Z_2$ theory in detail, in particular developing the supersymmetric generalization of this construction, involving a pseudoscalar Goldstone field (the `axion') and its scalar and fermion superpartners (`saxion' and `axino'). The global nature of $W(x)$ implies the absence of independent Kaluza-Klein excitations of its component fields. The non-derivative interactions of the (supersymmetric) Wilson line in the effective 4D theory arising from U(1) charged 5D fields $Φ$ propagating between the boundary branes are studied. We show that, similar to the non-supersymmetric $S^1$ case, these interactions are suppressed by $\exp(-πR m_Φ)$ where $πR$ is the size of the extra dimension.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

Asymmetric Sneutrino Dark Matter and the Omega(b)/Omega(DM) Puzzle

The inferred values of the cosmological baryon and dark matter densities are strikingly similar, but in most theories of the early universe there is no true explanation of this fact; in particular, the baryon asymmetry and thus density depends upon unknown, and {\it a priori} unknown and possibly small, CP-violating phases which are independent of all parameters determining the dark matter density. We consider models of dark matter possessing a particle-antiparticle asymmetry where this asymmetry determines both the baryon asymmetry and strongly effects the dark matter density, thus naturally linking $Ω_{\rm{b}}$ and $Ω_{\rm{dm}}$. We show that sneutrinos can play the role of such dark matter in a previously studied variant of the MSSM in which the light neutrino masses result from higher-dimensional supersymmetry-breaking terms.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

Gauge Mediated Supersymmetry Breaking and Multi-TeV Gamma-Rays from the Galactic Center

Recently, the HESS telescope has observed a gamma-ray spectrum from the galactic center extending to at least $\sim$10 TeV. Although it has been suggested that this could be the product of annihilating dark matter particles, the candidates most frequently discussed (such as neutralinos) are far too light to account for this flux. In this letter, we consider stable particles from the messenger sector of gauge mediated supersymmetry breaking models as an alternative dark matter candidate. We find that a 20 to 30 TeV messenger state can provide a thermal relic density consistent with the measured dark matter density of the universe and can indeed generate the spectrum observed by HESS.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

TeV scale resonant leptogenesis from supersymmetry breaking

We propose a model of TeV-scale resonant leptogenesis based upon recent models of the generation of light neutrino masses from supersymmetry-breaking effects with TeV-scale right-handed (rhd) neutrinos, $N_i$. The model leads to naturally large cosmological lepton asymmetries via the resonant behaviour of the one-loop self-energy contribution to $N_i$ decay. Our model addresses the primary problems of previous phenomenological studies of low-energy leptogenesis: a rational for TeV-scale rhd neutrinos with small Yukawa couplings so that the out-of equilibrium condition for $N_i$ decay is satisfied; the origin of the tiny, but non-zero mass splitting required between at least two $N_i$ masses; and the necessary non-trivial breaking of flavour symmetries in the rhd neutrino sector. The low mass-scale of the rhd neutrinos and their superpartners, and the TeV-scale $A$-terms automatically contained within the model offer opportunities for partial direct experimental tests of this leptogenesis mechanism at future colliders.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

A Simple Model of Neutrino Masses from Supersymmetry Breaking

We analyze a class of supersymmetric models first introduced by Arkani-Hamed et al and Borzumati et al in which the light neutrino masses result from higher-dimensional supersymmetry-breaking terms in the MSSM super- and Kahler-potentials. The mechanism is closely related to the Giudice-Masiero mechanism for the MSSM $μ$ parameter, and leads to TeV-scale right-handed neutrino and sneutrino states, that are in principle accessible to direct experimental study. The dominant contribution to the light neutrino (Majorana) mass matrix is a one-loop term induced by a lepton-number violating $B$-term for the sneutrino states that is naturally present. We focus upon the simplification and analysis of the flavour structure of this general class of models, finding that simple and novel origins for the light neutrino mass matrix are possible. We find that a subdominant tree-level `see-saw' contribution may lead to interesting perturbations of the leading one-loop-induced flavour structure, possibly generating the small ratio $Δm_{\rm solar}^2/Δm_{\rm atm}^2$ dynamically.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2003

Calculable Corrections to Brane Black Hole Decay II: Greybody Factors for Spin 1/2 and 1

The production of black holes in extra-dimensional brane-world theories can lead to detectable signals via the Hawking evaporation of the black hole to brane-localised Standard Model modes. We calculate, as a function of partial wave number and number of toroidally compactified extra dimensions, the leading correction to the energy spectrum of such Hawking radiation (the greybody factors) for decay into spin 1/2 fermions and spin 1 gauge fields localised on the Standard Model brane. We derive the associated improved differential emission rates for both types of fields. We provide both simple expressions for the leading behavior of the greybody factors in the low-energy limit $\om r_H \ll 1$, and numerical evaluation of our full analytic expressions for the emission rates, valid for $\om r_H \sim 1$. The full analytic expressions demonstrate that both the greybody factors and emission rates are enhanced as the number of extra dimensions increases.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2002

The Flavour Hierarchy and See-Saw Neutrinos from Bulk Masses in 5d Orbifold GUTs

In supersymmetric grand unified theories (GUTs) based on S^1/(Z_2 x Z'_2) orbifold constructions in 5 dimensions, Standard Model (SM) matter and Higgs fields can be realized in terms of 5d hypermultiplets. These hypermultiplets can naturally have large bulk masses, leading to a localization of the zero modes at one of the two branes or to an exponential suppression of the mass of the lowest-lying non-zero mode. We demonstrate that these dynamical features allow for the construction of an elegant 3-generation SU(5) model in 5 dimensions that explains all the hierarchies between fermion masses and CKM matrix elements in geometrical terms. Moreover, if U(1)_χ(where SU(5) x U(1)_χ\subset SO(10)) is gauged in the bulk, but broken by the orbifold action at the SM brane, the right-handed neutrino mass scale is naturally suppressed relative to M_GUT. Together with our construction in the charged fermion sector this leads, via the usual see-saw mechanism, to a realistic light neutrino mass scale and large neutrino mixing angles.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2002

Proton Decay Signatures of Orbifold GUTs

In grand unified theories based on orbifold constructions in higher dimensions, Higgsino-mediated proton decay is absent. However, proton decay mediated by $X$ and $Y$ gauge bosons is typically enhanced to levels detectable by current and future experiments. We analyse the phenomenology of proton decay induced by the minimal coupling of $X,Y$ gauge bosons. In particular, we show that the novel realization of matter in orbifold GUTs can lead to unusual final state flavour structure, for example, the dominance of the $p\to K^0μ^+$ mode. Furthermore, we discuss proton decay induced by higher-derivative brane operators, finding potentially observable rates for natural values of the operator coefficients.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2002

Calculable Corrections to Brane Black Hole Decay I: The Scalar Case

In the context of brane-world theories, the production cross-section for black holes may be greatly enhanced. Such black holes can in principle lead to detectable signals via their Hawking evaporation to brane-localized modes. We calculate, in the semiclassical approximation, the leading corrections to the energy spectrum (the greybody factors) for decay into scalar fields, as a function of the number of toroidally compactified extra dimensions, and partial wave number.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2002

Depilating Global Charge From Thermal Black Holes

At a formal level, there appears to be no difficulty involved in introducing a chemical potential for a globally conserved quantum number into the partition function for space-time including a black hole. Were this possible, however, it would provide a form of black hole hair, and contradict the idea that global quantum numbers are violated in black hole evaporation. We demonstrate dynamical mechanisms that negate the formal procedure, both for topological charge (Skyrmions) and complex scalar-field charge. Skyrmions collapse to the horizon; scalar-field charge fluctuates uncontrollably.

hep-th↗

arXiv2002

The Structure of GUT Breaking by Orbifolding

Recently, an attractive model of GUT breaking has been proposed in which a 5 dimensional supersymmetric SU(5) gauge theory on an S^1/(Z_2\times Z_2') orbifold is broken down to the 4d MSSM by SU(5)-violating boundary conditions. Motivated by this construction and several related realistic models, we investigate the general structure of orbifolds in the effective field theory context, and of this orbifold symmetry breaking mechanism in particular. An analysis of the group theoretic structure of orbifold breaking is performed. This depends upon the existence of appropriate inner and outer automorphisms of the Lie algebra, and we show that a reduction of the rank of the GUT group is possible. Some aspects of larger GUT theories based on SO(10) and E_6 are discussed. We explore the possibilities of defining the theory directly on a space with boundaries and breaking the gauge symmetry by more general consistently chosen boundary conditions for the fields. Furthermore, we derive the relation of orbifold breaking with the familiar mechanism of Wilson line breaking, finding a one-to-one correspondence, both conceptually and technically. Finally, we analyse the consistency of orbifold models in the effective field theory context, emphasizing the necessity for self-adjoint extensions of the Hamiltonian and other conserved operators, and especially the highly restrictive anomaly cancellation conditions that apply if the bulk theory lives in more than 5 dimensions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2001

Towards a Theory of Flavor from Orbifold GUTs

We show that the recently constructed 5-dimensional supersymmetric $S^1/(Z_2\times Z_2')$ orbifold GUT models allow an appealing explanation of the observed hierarchical structure of the quark and lepton masses and mixing angles. Flavor hierarchies arise from the geometrical suppression of some couplings when fields propagate in different numbers of dimensions, or on different fixed branes. Restrictions arising from locality in the extra dimension allow interesting texture zeroes to be easily generated. In addition the detailed nature of the SU(5)-breaking orbifold projections lead to simple theories where $b-τ$ unification is maintained but similar disfavored SU(5) relations for the lighter generations are naturally avoided. We find that simple 5d models based on $S^1/(Z_2\times Z_2')$ are strikingly successful in explaining many features of the masses and mixing angles of the 2nd and 3rd generation. Successful three generation models of flavor including neutrinos are constructed by generalizing the $S^1/(Z_2\times Z'_2)$ model to six dimensions. Large angle neutrino mixing is elegantly accommodated. Novel features of these models include a simple $m_u=0$ configuration leading to a solution of the strong CP problem.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2001

Saltatory Relaxation of the Cosmological Constant

We modify and extend an earlier proposal by Brown and Teitelboim to relax the effective cosmological term by nucleation of branes coupled to a three-index gauge potential. Microscopic considerations from string/M theory suggest two major innovations in the framework. First, the dependence of brane properties on the compactification of extra dimensions may generate a very small quantized unit for jumps in the effective cosmological term. Second, internal degrees of freedom for multiply coincident branes may enhance tunneling rates by exponentially large density of states factors. These new features essentially alter the relaxation dynamics. By requiring stability on the scale of the lifetime of the universe, rather than absolute stability, we derive a non-trivial relation between the supersymmetry breaking scale and the value of the cosmological term. It is plausibly, though not certainly, satisfied in Nature.

hep-th↗

arXiv2000

Classical and Quantum Brane Cosmology

The first part of this lecture quickly touches upon some important but infrequently discussed issues in large extra dimension and warped extra dimension scenarios, with particular reference to effects in the early universe. The second part discusses a modification and extension of an earlier proposal by Brown and Teitelboim to relax the effective cosmological term by nucleation of fundamental membranes.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2000

Compact Hyperbolic Extra Dimensions: Branes, Kaluza-Klein Modes and Cosmology

We reconsider theories with low gravitational (or string) scale M_* where Newton's constant is generated via new large-volume spatial dimensions, while Standard Model states are localized to a 3-brane. Utilizing compact hyperbolic manifolds (CHM's) we show that the spectrum of Kaluza-Klein (KK) modes is radically altered. This allows an early universe cosmology with normal evolution up to substantial temperatures, and completely negates the constraints on M_* arising from astrophysics. Furthermore, an exponential hierarchy between the usual Planck scale and the true fundamental scale of physics can emerge with only order unity coefficients. The linear size of the internal space remains small. The proposal has striking testable signatures.

hep-ph↗