arXiv subjects

K. S. Babu

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

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

arXiv2003

Quark-Lepton Quartification

We propose that quarks and leptons are interchangeable entities in the high-energy limit. This naturally results in the extension of [SU(3)]^3 trinification to [SU(3)]^4 quartification. In addition to the unbroken color SU(3)_q of quarks, there is now also a color SU(3)_l of leptons which reduces to an unbroken SU(2)_l. We discuss the natural occurrence of SU(2)_l doublets at the TeV energy scale, which leads remarkably to the unification of all gauge couplings without supersymmetry. Proton decay occurs through the exchange of scalar bosons, with a lifetime in the range 10^{34} - 10^{36} years.

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arXiv2003

Gauged Baryon Parity and Nucleon Stability

We show that the Standard Model Lagrangian, including small neutrino masses, has an anomaly-free discrete Z_6 symmetry. This symmetry can emerge naturally from I^{3}_{R}+L_i+L_j-2L_k gauge symmetry (L_i is the i-th lepton number) and ensure the stability of the nucleon even when the threshold of new physics Λis low. All ΔB=1 and ΔB=2 (B is the baryon number) effective operators are forbidden by the Z_6 symmetry. ΔB=3 operators are allowed, but they arise only at dimension 15. We estimate the lifetime for "triple nucleon decay" resulting from these operators and find that Λcan be as low as 10^2 GeV. We suggest a simple mechanism for realizing reasonable neutrino masses and mixings even with such a low scale for Λ.

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arXiv2003

Standard Model CP violation in Polarised b->d l^+ l^-

In the standard model, we study CP violating rate asymmetries in the decay b->d l^+ l^- when one of the leptons is polarised. We find an asymmetry of (5 -- 15)% in the polarised decay spectrum which is comparable to known results for the unpolarised case. In the kinematic region separating the rho-omega and $c \bar c$ resonances, which is also theoretically cleanest, the polarised contribution to the asymmetry is larger than the unpolarised results. In order to observe a 3 sigma signal for direct CP violation in the polarised spectrum, assuming 100% efficiency, about 10^10 $B \bar B$ pairs are required at a B factory. Our results indicate an asymmetric contribution from the individual polarisation states to the unpolarised CP asymmetry. Taking advantage of this, one can attribute any new physics to be most sensitive to a specific polarisation state.

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arXiv2002

Stabilizing the Axion by Discrete Gauge Symmetries

The axion solution to the strong CP problem makes use of a global Peccei-Quinn U(1) symmetry which is susceptible to violations from quantum gravitational effects. We show how discrete gauge symmetries can protect the axion from such violations. PQ symmetry emerges as an approximate global symmetry from discrete gauge symmetries. Simple models based on Z_N symmetries with N =11,12, etc are presented realizing the DFSZ axion and the KSVZ axion. The discrete gauge anomalies are cancelled by a discrete version of the Green-Schwarz mechanism. In the supersymmetric extension our models provide a natural link between the SUSY breaking scale, the axion scale, and the SUSY-preserving μterm.

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arXiv2002

Finite Theories and the SUSY Flavor Problem

We study a finite SU(5) grand unified model based on the non-Abelian discrete symmetry A_4. This model leads to the democratic structure of the mass matrices for the quarks and leptons. In the soft supersymmetry breaking sector, the scalar trilinear couplings are aligned and the soft scalar masses are degenerate, thus solving the SUSY flavor problem.

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arXiv2002

Neutrino Counting, NuTeV Measurements, Higgs Mass and V_{us} as Probes of Vectorlike Families in ESSM/SO(10)

The Extended Supersymmetric Standard Model (ESSM), motivated on several grounds, introduces two vector-like families [16+ 16-bar of SO(10)] with masses of order one TeV. In an earlier work, a successful pattern for fermion masses and mixings (to be called pattern I) has been proposed within a unified SO(10)-framework, based on MSSM, which makes seven predictions, in good accord with observations, including V_{cb} ~ 0.04, and \sin^22θ_{ν_μν_τ} \~ 1. To exibit new phenomenological possibilities which may arise within ESSM, we present here a variant pattern (to be called pattern II) for fermion masses and mixings, within the SO(10)/ESSM framework, which possesses the same degree of success as pattern I as regards the masses and mixings of all fermions including neutrinos. The main point of this paper is to first note that either one of these two patterns, embedded in ESSM, would lead to a reduction in the LEP neutrino-counting from N_ν= 3 (in good agreement with the data) and also provide a simple explanation of the (g-2)_μ-anomaly, as pointed out in the accompanying paper. They can, however, be distinguished from each other by (a) a sharpening of our understanding of the true magnitude of the anomaly in ν_μ-nucleon scattering, recently reported by the NuTeV group, (b) improved measurements of m_t, m_H and m_W, (c) improved tests of e-μlepton-universality in charged current processes, and (d) improvements in the measurements of V_{ud} and V_{us}. Pattern II (extended to ESSM) would predict departures from the standard model in the right direction with regard to (a) and (b), though not as regards (c) and (d) while Pattern I practically would coincide with the standard model as regards its predictions for all four features: (a)-(d).

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arXiv2002

Natural R-Parity, μ-term, and Fermion Mass Hierarchy From Discrete Gauge Symmetries

In the minimal supersymmetric Standard Model with seesaw neutrino masses we show how R-parity can emerge naturally as a discrete gauge symmetry. The same discrete symmetry explains the smallness of the μ-term (the Higgsino mass parameter) via the Giudice--Masiero mechanism. The discrete gauge anomalies are cancelled by a discrete version of the Green--Schwarz mechanism. The simplest symmetry group is found to be Z_4 with a charge assignment that is compatible with grand unification. Several other Z_N gauge symmetries are found for N=10,12,18,36 etc, with some models employing discrete anomaly cancellation at higher Kac-Moody levels. Allowing for a flavor structure in Z_N, we show that the same gauge symmetry can also explain the observed hierarchy in the fermion masses and mixings.

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arXiv2002

Two-loop Neutrino Mass Generation and its Experimental Consequences

If neutrino masses have a radiative origin, their smallness can be naturally understood even when lepton number violation occurs near the weak scale. We analyze a specific model of this type wherein the neutrino masses arise as two--loop radiative corrections. We show that the model admits the near bimaximal mixing pattern suggested by the current neutrino oscillation data. Unlike the conventional seesaw models, these two--loop models can be directly tested in lepton flavor violating decays tau -> 3 mu and mu -> e + gamma as well as at colliders by the direct observation of charged scalars needed for the mass generation. It is shown that consistency with the neutrino oscillation data requires that the leptonic rare decays should be within reach of forthcoming experiments and that the charged scalars are likely to be within reach of the LHC.

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arXiv2002

Lepton Flavor Violation and the Origin of the Seesaw Mechanism

The right--handed neutrino mass matrix that is central to the understanding of small neutrino masses via the seesaw mechanism can arise either (i) from renormalizable operators or (ii) from nonrenormalizable or super-renormalizable operators, depending on the symmetries and the Higgs content of the theory beyond the Standard Model. In this paper, we study lepton flavor violating (LFV) effects in the first class of seesaw models wherein the ν_R Majorana masses arise from renormalizable Yukawa couplings involving a B-L = 2 Higgs field. We present detailed predictions for τ-> μ+ γand μ-> e + γbranching ratios in these models taking the current neutrino oscillation data into account. Focusing on minimal supergravity models, we find that for a large range of MSSM parameters suggested by the relic abundance of neutralino dark matter and that is consistent with Higgs boson mass and other constraints, these radiative decays are in the range accessible to planned experiments. We compare these predictions with lepton flavor violation in the second class of models arising entirely from the Dirac Yukawa couplings. We study the dependence of the ratio r \equiv B(μ-> e+γ)/B(τ->μ+γ) on the MSSM parameters and show that measurement of r can provide crucial insight into the origin of the seesaw mechanism.

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arXiv2002

Finite Grand Unified Theories and the Quark Mixing Matrix

In N = 1 super Yang-Mills theories, under certain conditions satisfied by the spectrum and the Yukawa couplings, the beta functions will vanish to all orders in perturbation theory. We address the generation of realistic quark mixing angles and masses in such finite Grand Unified Theories. Working in the context of finite SUSY SU(5), we present several examples with realistic quark mixing matrices. Non-Abelian discrete symmetries are found to be important in satisfying the conditions for finiteness. Our realistic examples are based on permutation symmetries and the tetrahedral symmetry $A_4$. These examples enable us to address questions such as the decay rate of the proton in finite GUTs.

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arXiv2002

Radiative processes (tau -> mu gamma, mu -> e gamma and muon g-2) as probes of ESSM/SO(10)

The Extended Supersymmetric Standard Model (ESSM), motivated on several grounds, introduces two vectorlike families (16 + 16-bar) of SO(10)) with masses of order one TeV. It is noted that the successful predictions of prior work on fermion masses and mixings, based on MSSM embedded in SO(10), can be retained rather simply within the ESSM extension. These include an understanding of the smallness of V_{cb} ~ 0.04 and the largeness of nu_mu - nu_tau oscillation angle, sin^2 2 theta_{nu_mu nu_tau}^{osc} ~ 1. We analyze the new contributions arising through the exchange of the vectorlike families of ESSM to radiative processes including tau -> mu gamma, mu -> e gamma, b -> s gamma, EDM of the muon and the muon (g-2). We show that ESSM makes significant contributions especially to the decays tau -> mu gamma and mu -> e gamma and simultaneously to muon (g-2). For a large and plausible range of relevant parameters, we obtain: a_mu^{ESSM} ~ +(10-40) times 10^{-10}, with a correlated prediction that tau -> mu gamma should be discovered with an improvement in its current limit by a factor of 3-20. The implications for mu -> e gamma are very similar. The muon EDM is within reach of the next generation experiments. Thus, ESSM with heavy leptons being lighter than about 700 GeV (say) can be probed effectively by radiative processes before a direct search for these vectorlike leptons and quarks is feasible at the LHC.

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arXiv2002

Higgs-Mediated tau -> 3 mu in the Supersymmetric Seesaw Model

Recent observations of neutrino oscillations imply non-zero neutrino masses and flavor violation in the lepton sector, most economically explained by the seesaw mechanism. Within the context of supersymmetry, lepton flavor violation (LFV) among the neutrinos can be communicated by renormalization group flow to the sleptons and from there to the charged leptons. We show that LFV can appear in the couplings of the neutral Higgs bosons, an effect that is strongly enhanced at large tan(beta). In particular, we calculate the branching fraction for tau -> 3 mu and mu -> 3 e mediated by Higgs and find that they can be as large as 10^{-7} and 5x10^{-14} respectively. These modes, along with B^0 -> mu mu, can provide important evidence for supersymmetry before direct discovery of supersymmetric partners occurs. Along with tau -> mu gamma and mu -> e gamma, they can also provide key insights into the form of the neutrino Yukawa mass matrix.

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arXiv2002

Underlying A_4 Symmetry for the Neutrino Mass Matrix and the Quark Mixing Matrix

The discrete non-Abelian symmetry $A_4$, valid at some high-energy scale, naturally leads to degenerate neutrino masses, without spoiling the hierarchy of charged-lepton masses. Realistic neutrino mass splittings and mixing angles (one of which is necessarily maximal and the other large) are then induced radiatively in the context of softly broken supersymmetry. The quark mixing matrix is also calculable in a similar way. The mixing parameter $U_{e3}$ is predicted to be imaginary, leading to maximal CP violation in neutrino oscillations. Neutrinoless double beta decay and $τ\to μγ$ should be in the experimentally accessible range.

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arXiv2002

Lepton number violating muon decay and the LSND neutrino anomaly

We show that lepton number violating muon decays, μ^+ -> e^+ + ν_e-bar + ν_i-bar (i=e, μor τ), can consistently explain the neutrino anomaly reported by the LSND experiment. Two effective operators in the Standard Model are identified which lead to just such decays and no other processes. The scale of new physics Λmust be relatively low, Λ< 500 GeV. Extensions of the Standard Model which realize these effective operators are presented. Since new physics affects only the decay of the muon, and not of π^+-, our scenario predicts a null result for ν_μ-bar - ν_e-bar oscillation searches at the Fermilab mini--BOONE experiment. Models which realize these effective operators, while consistent with all available data, can be tested in the near future through (i) discovery of new scalar particles with masses below about 500 GeV, (ii) small but observable deviations in e^+ e^- -> μ^+ μ^- and e^+ e^- -> ννγcross sections, (iii) observable corrections to the muon g-2, and (iv) lepton number violating Z^0 decays with branching ratios of order 10^{-7}.

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arXiv2002

Family Unification in Five and Six Dimensions

In family unification models, all three families of quarks and leptons are grouped together into an irreducible representation of a simple gauge group, thus unifying the Standard Model gauge symmetries and a gauged family symmetry. Large orthogonal groups, and the exceptional groups $E_7$ and $E_8$ have been much studied for family unification. The main theoretical difficulty of family unification is the existence of mirror families at the weak scale. It is shown here that family unification without mirror families can be realized in simple five-dimensional and six-dimensional orbifold models similar to those recently proposed for SU(5) and SO(10) grand unification. It is noted that a family unification group that survived to near the weak scale and whose coupling extrapolated to high scales unified with those of the Standard model would be evidence accessible in principle at low energy of the existence of small (Planckian or GUT-scale) extra dimensions.

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arXiv2002

Predictive Schemes for Bimaximal Neutrino Mixings

We present simple and predictive scenarios for neutrino masses which lead to a bimaximal pattern of mixings that apparently provides the best fit to the current solar and atmospheric neutrino data. It is shown that an approximate global L_e-L_μ-L_τsymmetry, broken only by Planck scale effects, can naturally explain the bimaximal mixing pattern. In one scenario, the solar neutrino oscillation parameters are induced entirely through radiative renormalization group effects. A one parameter model describing all neutrino data is presented, which predicts U_{e3} = \sqrt{m_e/m_τ} \simeq 0.017. A second two parameter scheme predicts U_{e3} to be vanishingly small. We also show how these scenarios can be extended to accommodate the LSND observations within a 3+1 neutrino oscillation scheme by including a mirror sector of particles and forces.

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arXiv2002

Eliminating the d=5 proton decay operators from SUSY GUTs

A general analysis is made of the question whether the d=5 proton decay operators coming from exchange of colored Higgsinos can be completely eliminated in a natural way in supersymmetric grand unified models. It is shown that they can indeed be in SO(10) while at the same time naturally solving the doublet-triplet splitting problem, having only two light Higgs doublets, and using no more than a single adjoint Higgs field. Accomplishing all of this requires that the vacuum expectation value of the adjoint Higgs field be proportional to the generator I_{3R} rather than to B-L, as is usually assumed. It is shown that such models can give realistic quark and lepton masses. We also point out a new mechanism for solving the μproblem in the context of SO(10) SUSY GUTs.

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arXiv2001

Bimaximal Neutrino Mixings from Lopsided Mass Matrices

Current solar and atmospheric neutrino oscillation data seem to favor a bimaximal pattern for neutrino mixings where the matrix elements U_{e2} and U_{μ3} are of order one, while U_{e3} is much smaller. We show that such a pattern can be obtained quite easily in theories with ``lopsided'' mass matrices for the charged leptons and the down type quarks. A relation connecting the solar and atmospheric neutrino mixing angles is derived, \tan^2θ_{atm} \simeq 1+ \tan^2θ_{sol}, which predicts \sin^2 2θ_{atm} \simeq 0.97 corresponding to the best fit LMA solution for solar neutrinos. Predictive schemes in SO(10) realizing these ideas are presented. A new class of SO(10) models with lopsided mass matrices is found which makes use of an adjoint VEV along the I_{3R} direction, rather than the traditional B-L direction.

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