arXiv subjects

K. S. Babu

Publications and source records attributed to K. S. Babu.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

arXiv1998

A Reexamination of Proton Decay in Supersymmetric Grand Unified Theories

We reconsider dimension-five proton decay operators, making semi-quantitative remarks which apply to a large class of supersymmetric GUTs in which the short-distance operators are correlated with the fermion Yukawa couplings. In these GUTs, which include minimal SU(5), the operators $(u^cd_i^c)^\dagger(d_jν_τ)$, induced by charged Higgsino dressing, completely dominate for moderate to large $\tanbeta$. The rate for $p \rarr (K^+,π^+) \barν_τ$ grows rapidly, as $\tanbeta^4$, and the K^+ to π^+ branching ratio can often be precisely predicted. At small $\tanbeta$ the operators $(u d_i)(d_j ν)$ are dominant, while the operators $(u d_i)(u \ell^-)$, with left-handed charged leptons, are comparable to the neutrino operators in the generic GUT and suppressed in minimal GUTs. Charged-lepton branching fractions are always small at large $\tanbeta$. The electron to muon ratio is small in minimal GUTs but can be larger, even of order one, in other models. All other operators are very small. At small $\tanbeta$ in non-minimal GUTs, gluino and neutralino dressing effects on neutrino rates are not negligible.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1998

Implications of a Minimal SO(10) Higgs Structure

A minimal SO(10) Higgs structure involving a single adjoint field along with spinors, vectors and singlets has been shown to break the SO(10) gauge symmetry to the standard model while stabilizing the F-flat directions and solving the doublet-triplet splitting problem naturally. With this minimal set of Higgs fields, we show how to construct quark and lepton mass matrices which explain well the many features of the observed spectrum, including the Georgi-Jarlskog mass relations. A large mixing of the muon- and tau-neutrinos results naturally as observed in the atmospheric neutrino data. A particular model relying on a family symmetry has been constructed which realizes the desired mass matrices.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1998

A Minimality Condition and Atmospheric Neutrino Oscillations

A structure is proposed for the mass matrices of the quarks and leptons that arises in a natural way from the assumption that the breaking of SO(10) gauge symmetry is achieved by the smallest possible set of vacuum expectation values. This structure explains well many features of the observed spectrum of quarks and leptons. It reproduces the Georgi-Jarlskog mass relations and postdicts the charm quark mass in reasonable agreement with data. It also predicts a large mixing angle between ν_μ and ν_τ, as suggested by atmospheric neutrino data. The mixing angles of the electron neutrino are predicted to be small.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1997

Suggested new modes in supersymmetric proton decay

We show that in supersymmetric unified theories such as SO(10), implementation of the see-saw mechanism for neutrino masses introduces a new set of color triplet fields and thereby a new source of d=5 proton decay operators. For neutrino masses in a plausible range, these operators are found to have the right strength to yield observable, but not yet excluded, proton decay rates. The flavor structure of the new operators is distinctive. Proton decay modes into a charged lepton, such as l^+ π^0, l^+ K^0 and l^+ ηwhere l = e or μ, can become prominent, even for low or moderate values of tan(β) < 10, along with the νK^+ and νπ^+ modes. A distinctive feature is the charged lepton modes involving an e^+ and/or a μ^+ with the ratio Γ(l^+ K^0):Γ(l^+ π^0) = 2:1.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1997

Solar neutrinos and grand unification

We consider the Grand Unification (GU) scenario for neutrino masses which is based on the see-saw mechanism with the mass of the heaviest right handed (RH) neutrino at the GU-scale: $M_3 \sim Λ_{GU}$, and on the quark-lepton symmetry for fermions from the third generation. The scenario predicts for the light neutrinos: $m_3 \sim (2 - 4) \cdot 10^{-3}$ eV and $m_2 \sim (0.3 - 3) \cdot 10^{-5}$ eV (in the case of a linear mass hierarchy of the RH neutrinos or/and in presence of the Planck scale suppressed non-renormalizable operators). It also predicts large $ν_e - ν_μ$ mixing: $~\sin^2 2θ_{eμ} \stackrel{_>}{_\sim} 0.2$. In this scenario the solar neutrinos ($ν_{\odot}$) undergo both the \nue $\to$ \nutau resonance conversion in the Sun and substantial \nue $\to$ \numu vacuum oscillations on the way from the Sun to the Earth. The interplay of both effects enlarges the range of neutrino parameters which solve the $ν_{\odot}$-problem. In particular, $ν_e - ν_τ$ mixing angle can be as small as the corresponding quark mixing: $\sin^2 2θ_{eτ} \geq (2~-~5) \cdot 10^{-4}$. The scenario predicts peculiar (oscillatory) distortion of the boron neutrino energy spectrum and seasonal variations of signals. Manifestations of these effects in the Super-Kamiokande and SNO experiments are studied.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1997

Implications of Generalized Z-Z' Mixing

We discuss experimental implications of extending the gauge structure of the Standard Model to include an additional U(1) interaction broken at or near the weak scale. We work with the most general, renormalizable Lagrangian for the SU(2)\times U(1)\times U(1) sector, with emphasis on the phenomenon of gauge kinetic mixing between the two U(1) gauge fields, and do not restrict ourselves to any of the "canonical" Z' models often discussed in the literature. Low-energy processes and Z-pole precision measurements are specifically addressed.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1997

Implications of a charged-current anomaly at HERA

We demonstrate that in the presence of mixing between different scalar leptoquark multiplets it is possible to simultaneously account for the HERA high-$Q^2$ neutral current anomaly, and produce a charged current anomaly of comparable magnitude. The reduced branching ratio to electrons and jets of the lightest leptoquark state results in a significant weakening of the CDF/D0 limits on scalar leptoquarks; masses consistent with the HERA neutral current excess are comfortably within the allowed range. We show that the possibilities for such a successful mixed leptoquark scenario are quite limited, and we investigate some aspects of their phenomenology.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1997

Modified parton distributions and the HERA high-Q^2 anomaly

A recent proposal seeks to explain the anomaly in the HERA high-Q^2 neutral current e^+p data by modifying the parton distribution functions at moderate-to-high-x and large Q^2. We investigate the consequences of this proposal for the HERA high-Q^2 data itself, in the neutral current e^-p channel and especially in the charged current e^\pm p channels. We find that there are striking signatures in the charged current which already serve to rule out many possibilities, including the (symmetric) intrinsic charm hypothesis. For those not ruled out, interesting signals are predicted in e^-p scattering.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1997

Comments on the high-$Q^2$ HERA anomaly

Taking the reported high-Q^2 anomaly at HERA as a signal of new physics, we show that several independent considerations point towards s-channel leptoquark production as the most attractive interpretation. We argue that even this option is highly constrained by flavor-changing processes: the couplings must be accurately diagonal in the quark and lepton mass eigenstate basis and should preserve individual quark and lepton family numbers. We propose a dynamical mechanism that might produce this pattern; it has distinctive experimental consequences.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1996

Experimental Consequences of a Minimal Messenger Model for Supersymmetry Breaking

We calculate the low-lying spectrum of new particles expected in a minimal model wherein supersymmetry breaking at < 100 TeV is indirectly transmitted to the Standard Model. We calculate the couplings of these particles relevant to their most nearly accessible experimental signatures, and estimate those signatures quantitatively. Running of various couplings plays a crucial role in the phenomenology, specifically in generating an adequate $\neutralino_1 - \slepton_R$ splitting.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1996

Leptophobic U(1)'s and the R_b - R_c Crisis

In this paper, we investigate the possibility of explaining both the R_b excess and the R_c deficit reported by the LEP experiments through Z-Z' mixing effects. We have constructed a set of models consistent with a restrictive set of principles: unification of the Standard Model (SM) gauge couplings, vector- like additional matter, and couplings which are both generation-independent and leptophobic. These models are anomaly-free, perturbative up to the GUT scale, and contain realistic mass spectra. Out of this class of models, we find three explicit realizations which fit the LEP data to a far better extent than the unmodified SM or MSSM and satisfy all other phenomenological constraints which we have investigated. One realization, the η-model coming from E_6, is particularly attractive, arising naturally from geometrical compactifications of heterotic string theory. This conclusion depends crucially on the inclusion of a U(1) kinetic mixing term, whose value is correctly predicted by renormalization group running in the E_6 model given one discrete choice of spectra.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1996

Gauged SO(3) family symmetry and squark mass degeneracy

It is shown that a gauged SO(3) family symmetry can suppress flavor-changing processes from squark-mass non-degeneracy to an acceptable level. The potentially dangerous SO(3) D-terms can be rendered harmless if the CP-violating phases appearing in the SO(3)-breaking sector are small, which can naturally be the case if CP is a spontaneously broken symmetry. This approach has certain advantages over models based on global or non-abelian discrete symmetries, and dovetails with some recent proposals for explaining the pattern of quark and lepton masses. Moreover this approach relates the near-degeneracy of the squark masses to an approximate CP invariance which can also explain the smallness of the electron and neutron electric dipole moments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1996

The problems of unification-mismatch and low $α_3$: A solution with light vector-like matter

The commonly accepted notion of a weak unified coupling $α_X \approx 0.04$, based on the assumption of the MSSM--spectrum, is questioned. It is suggested that the four--dimensional unified string coupling should very likely have an intermediate value $(\sim 0.2-0.3$, say) so that it may be large enough to stabilize the dilaton but not so large as to disturb the coupling--unification relations. Bearing this in mind, as well as the smallness of the MSSM unification scale $M_X$ compared to the string scale, the consequences of a previously suggested extension of the MSSM spectrum are explored. The extension contains two vector--like families of quarks and leptons with relatively light masses of order 1 TeV, having the quantum numbers of ${\bf 16}+{\bf \overline{16}}$ of $SO(10)$. It is observed that such an extension provides certain unique advantages. These include: (a) removing the stated mismatch between MSSM and string unifications with regard to $α_X$ and to some extent $M_X$ as well, (b) achieving coupling unification with a relatively low value of $α_3(m_Z)$, in accord with its world average value, and (c) following earlier works, providing a simple explanation of the observed inter--family mass--hierarchy. The extension provides scope for exciting new discoveries, beyond those of SUSY and Higgs particles, at future colliders, including the LHC and the NLC.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1995

Realistic Quark and Lepton Masses through SO(10) Symmetry

In a recent paper a model of quark and lepton masses was proposed. Without any family symmetries almost all the qualitative and quantitative features of the quark and lepton masses and Kobayashi-Maskawa mixing angles are explained, primarily as consequences of various aspects of $SO(10)$ symmetry. Here the model is discussed in much greater detail. The threefold mass hierarchy as well as the relations $m_τ^0 \simeq m_b^0, ~m_μ^0 \simeq 3m_s^0,~ m_e^0 \simeq {1 \over 3} m_d^0, ~m_u^0/m_t^0 \ll m_d^0/m_b^0, ~{\rm tan}θ_C \simeq \sqrt{m_d^0/m_s^0},~ V_{cb} \ll \sqrt{m_s^0/m_b^0}$ and $V_{ub} \sim V_{us}V_{cb}$ follow from a simple Yukawa structure at the unification scale. The model also gives definite predictions for $\tan β$, the neutrino mixing angles, and proton decay branching ratios. The $(ν_μ-ν_τ)$ mixing angle is typically large, tan$β$ is close to either $m_t^0/m_b^0$ or $m_c^0/m_s^0$, and proton decay is in the observable range, but there is a group theoretical suppression factor in the rate.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1995

Large neutrino mixing angles in unified theories

Typically in unified theories the neutrino mixing angles, like the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) angles of the quarks, are related to the small mass ratios between fermions of different generations and are therefore quite small. A new approach for explaining the intergenerational mass hierarchies is proposed here which, while giving small CKM angles, naturally leads to neutrino angles of order unity. Such large mixing angles may be required for a resolution of the atmospheric neutrino anomaly and may also be relevant for the solar neutrino puzzle. The mechanism presented here provides a framework in which novel approaches to the fermion mass question can arise. In particular, within this framework a variant of the texture idea allows highly predictive models to be constructed, an illustrative example of which is given. It is shown how the neutrino mixing angles may be completely determined in such schemes.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1995

Cold Plus Hot Dark Matter Cosmology in the Light of Solar and Atmospheric Neutrino Oscillations

We explore the implications of possible neutrino oscillations, as indicated by the solar and atmospheric neutrino experiments, for the cold plus hot dark matter scenario of large scale structure formation. We find that there are essentially three distinct schemes that can accommodate the oscillation data and which also allow for dark matter neutrinos. These include (i) three nearly degenerate (in mass) neutrinos, (ii) non-degenerate masses with $ν_τ$ in the eV range, and (iii) nearly degenerate $ν_μ-ν_τ$ pair (in the eV range), with the additional possibility that the electron neutrino is cosmologically significant. The last two schemes invoke a `sterile' neutrino which is light (< or ~ eV). We discuss the implications of these schemes for $\barν_μ- \barν_e$ and $ν_μ- ν_τ$ oscillation, and find that scheme (ii) in particular, predicts them to be in the observable range. As far as structure formation is concerned, we compare the one neutrino flavor case with a variety of other possibilities, including two and three degenerate neutrino flavors. We show, both analytically and numerically, the effects of these neutrino mass scenarios on the amplitude of cosmological density fluctuations. With a Hubble constant of 50 km s$^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-1}$, a spectral index of unity, and $Ω_{baryon} = 0.05$, the two and three flavor scenarios fit the observational data marginally better than the single flavor scheme. However, taking account of the uncertainties in these parameters, we show that it is premature to pick a clear winner.

astro-ph↗

arXiv1995

New vector-scalar contributions to neutrinoless double beta decay and constraints on R-parity violation

We show that in minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) with R-parity breaking as well as in the left-right symmetric model, there are new observable contributions to neutrinoless double beta decay arising from hitherto overlooked diagrams involving the exchange of one W boson and one scalar boson. In particular, in the case of MSSM, the present experimental bounds on neutrinoless double beta decay lifetime improves the limits on certain R-parity violating couplings by about two orders of magnitude. It is shown that similar diagrams also lead to enhanced rates for $μ^-\rightarrow e^+$ conversion in nuclei, which are in the range accessible to ongoing experiments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1995

Proton decay and realistic models of quark and lepton masses

It is shown that in realistic SUSY GUT models of quark and lepton masses both the proton decay rate and branching ratios differ in general from those predicted in the minimal $SU(5)$ supersymmetric model. The observation of proton decay, and in particular the branching ratio $B[(p \rightarrow π^+ \overlineν)/(p \rightarrow K^+ \overlineν)]$, would thus allow decisive tests of these fermion mass schemes. It is shown that the charged lepton decay modes $p \rightarrow K^0 μ^+, p \rightarrow K^0 e^+$ arising through gluino dressing diagrams are significant and comparable to the neutrino modes in large tan$β$ models. Moreover, it is found that in certain classes of models the Higgsino-mediated proton decay amplitudes are proportional to a model-dependent group-theoretical factor which in some cases can be quite small. The most interesting such class consists of $SO(10)$ models in which the dominant flavor-symmetric contribution to the up-quark mass matrix comes from an effective operator of the form ${\bf 16}_i{\bf 16}_j {\bf 10}_H {\bf 45}_H$, where $\langle {\bf 45}_H \rangle$ points approximately in the $I_{3R}$ direction. This class includes a recent model of quark and lepton masses proposed by the authors.

hep-ph↗