arXiv subjects

Lorenzo Calibbi

Publications and source records attributed to Lorenzo Calibbi.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2015

Singlet-Doublet Model: Dark matter searches and LHC constraints

The Singlet-Doublet model of dark matter is a minimal extension of the Standard Model with dark matter that is a mixture of a singlet and a non-chiral pair of electroweak doublet fermions. The stability of dark matter is ensured by the typical parity symmetry, and, similar to a "Bino-Higgsino" system, the extra matter content improves gauge coupling unification. We revisit the experimental constraints on the Singlet-Doublet dark matter model, combining the most relevant bounds from direct (spin independent and spin dependent) and indirect searches. We show that such comprehensive analysis sets strong constraints on a large part of the 4-dimensional parameter space, closing the notorious "blind-spots" of spin independent direct searches. Our results emphasise the complementarity of direct and indirect searches in probing dark matter models in diverse mass scale regimes. We also discuss the LHC bounds on such scenario, which play a relevant role in the low mass region of the dark matter candidate.

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arXiv2015

Universal Constraints on Low-Energy Flavour Models

It is pointed out that in a general class of flavour models one can identify certain universally present FCNC operators, induced by the exchange of heavy flavour messengers. Their coefficients depend on the rotation angles that connect flavour and fermion mass basis. The lower bounds on the messenger scale are derived using updated experimental constraints on the FCNC operators. The obtained bounds are different for different operators and in addition they depend on the chosen set of rotations. Given the sensitivity expected in the forthcoming experiments, the present analysis suggests interesting room for discovering new physics. As the highlights emerge the leptonic processes, $μ\rightarrow eγ$, $μ\rightarrow eee$ and $μ\rightarrow e$ conversion in nuclei.

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arXiv2015

The Flavour Portal to Dark Matter

We present a class of models in which dark matter (DM) is a fermionic singlet under the Standard Model (SM) gauge group but is charged under a symmetry of flavour that acts as well on the SM fermions. Interactions between DM and SM particles are mediated by the scalar fields that spontaneously break the flavour symmetry, the so-called flavons. In the case of gauged flavour symmetries, the interactions are also mediated by the flavour gauge bosons. We first discuss the construction and the generic features of this class of models. Then a concrete example with an abelian flavour symmetry is considered. We compute the complementary constraints from the relic abundance, direct detection experiments and flavour observables, showing that wide portions of the parameter space are still viable. Other possibilities like non-abelian flavour symmetries can be analysed within the same framework.

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arXiv2015

Effective field theory approach to $b\to s\ell\ell^{(\prime)}$, $B\to K^{()}ν\barν$ and $B\to D^{()}τν$ with third generation couplings

LHCb reported anomalies in $B\to K^* μ^+μ^-$, $B_s\toϕμ^+μ^-$ and $R(K)=B\to K μ^+μ^-/B\to K e^+e^-$. Furthermore, BaBar, BELLE and LHCb found hints for the violation of lepton flavour universality violation in $R(D^{(*)})=B\to D^{(*)}τν/B\to D^{(*)}\ellν$. In this note we reexamine these decays and their correlations to $B\to K^{(*)}ν\barν$ using gauge invariant dim-6 operators. For the numerical analysis we focus on scenarios in which new physics couples, in the interaction eigenbasis, to third generation quarks and lepton only. We conclude that such a setup can explain the $b\to sμ^+μ^-$ data simultaneously with $R(D^{(*)})$ for small mixing angles in the lepton sector (of the order of $π/16$) and very small mixing angles in the quark sector (smaller than $V_{cb}$). In these region of parameter space $B\to K^{(*)}τμ$ and $B_s\to τμ$ can be order $10^{-6}$. Possible UV completions are briefly discussed.

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arXiv2015

Charged Slepton Flavor post the 8 TeV LHC: A Simplified Model Analysis of Low-Energy Constraints and LHC SUSY Searches

Motivated by the null results of LHC searches, which together with the Higgs mass, severely constrain minimal supersymmetric extensions of the standard model, we adopt a model-independent approach to study charged slepton flavor. We examine a number of simplified models, with different subsets of sleptons, electroweak gauginos, and Higgsinos, and derive the allowed slepton flavor dependence in the region probed by current LHC searches, and in the region relevant for the 14 TeV LHC. We then study the impact of the allowed flavor dependence on lepton plus missing energy searches. In some cases, flavor dependence significantly modifies the reach of the searches. These effects may be even larger at the next LHC run, since for the higher masses probed at 14 TeV, larger flavor mixings and relative mass splittings are compatible with low-energy constraints. Retaining the full lepton flavor information can increase the sensitivity of the searches.

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arXiv2014

LHC Tests of Light Neutralino Dark Matter without Light Sfermions

We address the question how light the lightest MSSM neutralino can be as dark matter candidate in a scenario where all supersymmetric scalar particles are heavy. The hypothesis that the neutralino accounts for the observed dark matter density sets strong requirements on the supersymmetric spectrum, thus providing an handle for collider tests. In particular for a lightest neutralino below 100 GeV the relic density constraint translates into an upper bound on the Higgsino mass parameter $μ$ in case all supersymmetric scalar particles are heavy. One can define a simplified model that highlights only the necessary features of the spectrum and their observable consequences at the LHC. Reinterpreting recent searches at the LHC we derive limits on the mass of the lightest neutralino that, in many cases, prove to be more constraining than dark matter experiments themselves.

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arXiv2014

Lepton Flavor Violation in Flavored Gauge Mediation

We study the anatomy and phenomenology of Lepton Flavor Violation (LFV) in the context of Flavored Gauge Mediation (FGM). Within FGM, the messenger sector couples directly to the MSSM matter fields with couplings controlled by the same dynamics that explains the hierarchies in the SM Yukawas. Although the pattern of flavor violation depends on the particular underlying flavor model, FGM provides a built-in flavor suppression similar to wave function renormalization or SUSY Partial Compositeness. Moreover, in contrast to these models, there is an additional suppression of left-right (LR) flavor transitions by third-generation Yukawas that in particular provides an extra protection against flavor-blind phases. We exploit the consequences of this setup for lepton flavor phenomenology, assuming that the new couplings are controlled by simple U(1) flavor models that have been proposed to accommodate large neutrino mixing angles. Remarkably, it turns out that in the context of FGM these models can pass the impressive constraints from LFV processes and leptonic EDMs even for light superpartners, therefore offering the possibility of resolving the longstanding muon g-2 anomaly.

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arXiv2014

Selectron NLSP in Gauge Mediation

We discuss gauge mediation models in which the smuon and the selectron are mass-degenerate co-NLSP, which we, for brevity, refer to as selectron NLSP. In these models, the stau, as well as the other superpartners, are parametrically heavier than the NLSP. We start by taking a bottom-up perspective and investigate the conditions under which selectron NLSP spectra can be realized in the MSSM. We then give a complete characterization of gauge mediation models realizing such spectra at low energies. The splitting between the slepton families is induced radiatively by the usual hierarchies in the Standard Model Yukawa couplings and hence, no new sources of flavour misalignment are introduced. We construct explicit weakly coupled messenger models which give rise to selectron NLSP, while accommodating a 126 GeV MSSM Higgs mass, both within the framework of General Gauge Mediation and in extensions where direct couplings between the messengers and the Higgs fields are present. In the latter class of models, large A-terms and relatively light stops can be achieved. The collider signatures of these models typically involve multilepton final states. We discuss the relevant LHC bounds and provide examples of models where the decay of the NLSP selectron is prompt, displaced or long-lived. The prompt case can be viewed as an ultraviolet completion of a simplified model recently considered by the CMS collaboration.

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arXiv2014

A lower bound on light neutralino dark matter from LHC data

Under the hypothesis that the MSSM neutralino accounts for the observed dark matter density, we investigate how light this particle is still allowed to be after the latest LHC data. In particular, we discuss the impact of searches for events with multiple taus and missing transverse momentum, which are a generic prediction of the light neutralino scenario.

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arXiv2013

Cornering light Neutralino Dark Matter at the LHC

We investigate the current status of the light neutralino dark matter scenario within the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) taking into account latest results from the LHC. A discussion of the relevant constraints, in particular from the dark matter relic abundance, leads us to a manageable simplified model defined by a subset of MSSM parameters. Within this simplified model we reinterpret a recent search for electroweak supersymmetric particle production based on a signature including multi-taus plus missing transverse momentum performed by the ATLAS collaboration. In this way we derive stringent constraints on the light neutralino parameter space. In combination with further experimental information from the LHC, such as dark matter searches in the monojet channel and constraints on invisible Higgs decays, we obtain a lower bound on the lightest neutralino mass of about 24 GeV. This limit is stronger than any current limit set by underground direct dark matter searches or indirect detection experiments. With a mild improvement of the sensitivity of the multi-tau search, light neutralino dark matter can be fully tested up to about 30 GeV.

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arXiv2013

Gauge Mediation beyond Minimal Flavor Violation

We study a minimal modification of Gauge Mediation in which the messenger sector couples directly to the MSSM matter fields. These couplings are controlled by the same dynamics that explain the flavor hierarchies, and therefore are parametrically as small as the Yukawas. This setup gives rise to an interesting SUSY spectrum that is calculable in terms of a single new parameter. Due to large A-terms, the model can easily accommodate a 126 GeV Higgs with a relatively light SUSY spectrum. The flavor structure depends on the particular underlying flavor model, but flavor-violating effects arise dominantly in the up-sector and are strongly suppressed in Delta F =2 observables. This strong suppression is reminiscent of what happens in the case of wave function renormalization or Partial Compositeness, despite the underlying flavor model can be a simple U(1) flavor model (which in the context of Gravity Mediation suffers from strong Delta F =2 constraints). This structure allows to account for the recent observation of direct CP violation in D-meson decays.

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arXiv2013

Naturalness of the Non-Universal MSSM in the light of the recent Higgs results

We analyse the naturalness of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) in the light of recent LHC results from the ATLAS and CMS experiments. We study non-universal boundary conditions for the scalar and the gaugino sector, with fixed relations between some of the soft breaking parameters, and find a significant reduction of fine-tuning for non-universal gaugino masses. For a Higgs mass of about 125 GeV, as observed recently, we find parameter regions with a fine-tuning of O(10), taking into account experimental and theoretical uncertainties. These regions also survive after comparison with simplified model searches in ATLAS and CMS. For a fine-tuning less than 20 the lightest neutralino is expected to be lighter than about 400 GeV and the lighter stop can be as heavy as 3.5 TeV. On the other hand, the gluino mass is required to be above 1.5 TeV. For non-universal gaugino masses, we discuss which fixed GUT scale ratios can lead to a reduced fine-tuning and find that the recent Higgs results have a strong impact on which ratio is favoured. We also discuss the naturalness of GUT scale Yukawa relations, comparing the non-universal MSSM with the CMSSM.

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arXiv2012

Postcards from oases in the desert: phenomenology of SUSY with intermediate scales

The presence of new matter fields charged under the Standard Model gauge group at intermediate scales below the Grand Unification scale modifies the renormalization group evolution of the gauge couplings. This can in turn significantly change the running of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model parameters, in particular the gaugino and the scalar masses. In the absence of new large Yukawa couplings we can parameterise all the intermediate scale models in terms of only two parameters controlling the size of the unified gauge coupling. As a consequence of the modified running, the low energy spectrum can be strongly affected with interesting phenomenological consequences. In particular, we show that scalar over gaugino mass ratios tend to increase and the regions of the parameter space with neutralino Dark Matter compatible with cosmological observations get drastically modified. Moreover, we discuss some observables that can be used to test the intermediate scale physics at the LHC in a wide class of models.

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arXiv2012

The Messenger Sector of SUSY Flavour Models and Radiative Breaking of Flavour Universality

The flavour messenger sectors and their impact on the soft SUSY breaking terms are investigated in SUSY flavour models. In the case when the flavour scale M is below the SUSY breaking mediation scale M_S, the universality of soft terms, even if assumed at M_S, is radiatively broken. We estimate this effect in a broad class of models. In the CKM basis that effect gives flavour off-diagonal soft masses comparable to the tree-level estimate based on the flavour symmetry.

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arXiv2012

Naturalness and GUT Scale Yukawa Coupling Ratios in the CMSSM

We analyse the fine-tuning in the Constrained Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (CMSSM) in the light of the present and expected ATLAS and CMS SUSY searches. Even with 10/fb of data and no discovery of SUSY valid regions might remain with fine-tuning less than 20. Moreover we investigate the fine-tuning price of GUT scale Yukawa coupling relations. Considering a 2$σ$ constraint for $(g-2)_μ$ and fine-tuning less than 30 yields an allowed range of $y_τ/y_b = [1.31,1.70]$, which points towards the alternative GUT prediction $y_τ/y_b = 3/2$. Relaxing the $(g-2)_μ$ constraint to 5$σ$ extends the possible region to [1.02,1.70], allowing for approximate $b-τ$ Yukawa coupling unification.

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arXiv2012

Light neutralino in the MSSM: An update with the latest LHC results

We discuss the scenario of light neutralino dark matter in the minimal supersymmetric standard model, which is motivated by the results of some of the direct detection experiments --- DAMA, CoGENT, and CRESST. We update our previous analysis with the latest results of the LHC. We show that new LHC constraints disfavour the parameter region that can reproduce the results of DAMA and CoGENT.

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arXiv2011

From Flavour to SUSY Flavour Models

If supersymmetry (SUSY) will be discovered, successful models of flavour not only have to provide an explanation of the flavour structure of the Standard Model fermions, but also of the flavour structure of their scalar superpartners. We discuss aspects of such "SUSY flavour" models, towards predicting both flavour structures, in the context of supergravity (SUGRA). We point out the importance of carefully taking into account SUSY-specific effects, such as 1-loop SUSY threshold corrections and canonical normalization, when fitting the model to the data for fermion masses and mixings. This entangles the flavour model with the SUSY parameters and leads to interesting predictions for the sparticle spectrum. We demonstrate these effects by analyzing an example class of flavour models in the framework of an SU(5) Grand Unified Theory with a family symmetry with real triplet representations. For flavour violation through the SUSY soft breaking terms, the class of models realizes a scheme we refer to as "Trilinear Dominance", where flavour violation effects are dominantly induced by the trilinear terms.

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arXiv2011

Light Neutralino in the MSSM: a playground for dark matter, flavor physics and collider experiments

We investigate the constraints to the light neutralino dark matter scenario in the minimal supersymmetric standard model from available experimental observations such as decays of B and K meson, relic dark matter abundance, and the search for neutralino and Higgs production at colliders. We find that two regions of the MSSM parameter space fulfill all the constraints: a fine-tuned strip with large tan beta where the lightest neutralino can be as light as 8 GeV, and a low tan beta region providing a neutralino mass larger than 16 GeV. The large tan beta strip, which can be compatible with recently reported signals from direct detection experiments, can be fully tested by means of low-energy observables and, in particular, by B_s -> mu mu and Higgs bosons searches at the LHC within the upcoming months.

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