Searcharxiv⌕ Search

arXiv subjects

Martin Hoferichter

Publications and source records attributed to Martin Hoferichter.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
arXiv2025

Improved evaluation of the electroweak contribution to muon $g-2$

A precise evaluation of the electroweak contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon requires control over all aspects of the Standard Model, ranging from Higgs physics, over multi-loop computations for bosonic and (heavy-)fermion diagrams, to non-perturbative effects in the presence of light quarks. Currently, the dominant uncertainties arise from such hadronic effects in the vector-vector-axial-vector three-point function, an improved understanding of which has recently emerged in the context of hadronic light-by-light scattering. Profiting from these developments as well as new perturbative and non-perturbative input for the charm contribution, we obtain $a_μ^\text{EW}=154.4(4)\times 10^{-11}$.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2025

Dispersion relation for hadronic light-by-light scattering: $η$ and $η'$ poles

The pseudoscalar-pole contributions to hadronic light-by-light scattering are determined by the respective transition form factors (TFFs) into two virtual photons. These TFFs constitute complicated functions of the photon virtualities that, in turn, can be reconstructed in a dispersive approach from their discontinuities. In this work, we present such an analysis for the $η^{(\prime)}$ TFFs, implementing a number of constraints from both experiment and theory: normalizations from the $η^{(\prime)}\toγγ$ decay widths, unitarity constraints from the $η^{(\prime)}\toπ^+π^-γ$ spectra, chiral symmetry for the $η^{(\prime)}\to 2(π^+π^-)$ amplitudes, vector-meson couplings, singly-virtual data from $e^+e^-\to e^+e^-η^{(\prime)}$, and the asymptotic behavior predicted by the light-cone expansion. In particular, we account for the leading left-hand-cut singularity by including effects from the $a_2$ resonance, necessitating the solution of an inhomogeneous Muskhelishvili-Omnès problem via a carefully chosen path deformation. The resulting TFFs allow us to evaluate the $η^{(\prime)}$-pole contributions to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, $a_μ^{η\text{-pole}}=14.7(9)\times 10^{-11}$ and $a_μ^{η'\text{-pole}}=13.5(7)\times 10^{-11}$, completing a dedicated program for the lowest-lying pseudoscalar intermediate states in a dispersive approach to hadronic light-by-light scattering, $a_μ^{\text{PS-poles}}=91.2^{+2.9}_{-2.4}\times 10^{-11}$.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2025

Precision evaluation of the $η$- and $η'$-pole contributions to hadronic light-by-light scattering in the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon

Next to the $π^0$ pole, $η$ and $η'$ intermediate states give rise to the leading singularities of the hadronic light-by-light tensor, resulting in sizable contributions to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon $a_μ$. The strength of the poles is determined by the respective transition form factors (TFFs) to two (virtual) photons. We present a calculation of these TFFs that implements a number of low- and high-energy constraints, including the $η^{(\prime)}\toγγ$ decay widths, $η^{(\prime)}\toπ^+π^-γ$ spectra, chiral symmetry for the $η^{(\prime)}\to 2(π^+π^-)$ amplitudes, vector-meson couplings, and asymptotic limits. Crucially, we investigate the role of the leading left-hand singularity generated by the exchange of the $a_2$ tensor meson, yielding, for the first time, an estimate of the associated factorization-breaking corrections. Our final results, $a_μ^{η\text{-pole}}=14.7(9)\times 10^{-11}$ and $a_μ^{η'\text{-pole}}=13.5(7)\times 10^{-11}$, conclude a dedicated effort to evaluate the pseudoscalar-pole contributions to hadronic light-by-light scattering using dispersion relations, amounting to a combined $a_μ^{\text{PS-poles}}=91.2^{+2.9}_{-2.4}\times 10^{-11}$.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2025

Kaon Physics: A Cornerstone for Future Discoveries

The kaon physics programme, long heralded as a cutting-edge frontier by the European Strategy for Particle Physics, continues to stand at the intersection of discovery and innovation in high-energy physics (HEP). With its unparalleled capacity to explore new physics at the multi-TeV scale, kaon research is poised to unveil phenomena that could reshape our understanding of the Universe. This document highlights the compelling physics case, with emphasis on exciting new opportunities for advancing kaon physics not only in Europe but also on a global stage. As an important player in the future of HEP, the kaon programme promises to drive transformative breakthroughs, inviting exploration at the forefront of scientific discovery.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2025

Signs of Non-Monotonic Finite-Volume Corrections to $g_A$

We study finite-volume (FV) corrections to determinations of $g_A$ via lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) using analytic results and numerical analysis. We observe that $SU(2)$ Heavy Baryon Chiral Perturbation Theory does not provide an unambiguous prediction for the sign of the FV correction, which is not surprising when one also considers large-$N_c$ constraints on the axial couplings. We further show that non-monotonic FV corrections are naturally allowed when one considers either including explicit $Δ$-resonance degrees of freedom or one works to higher orders in the chiral expansion. We investigate the potential impact of these FV corrections with a precision study of $g_A$ using models of FV corrections that are monotonic and non-monotonic. Using lattice QCD data that is approximately at the 1% level of precision, we do not see significant evidence of non-monotonic corrections. Looking forward to the next phase of lattice QCD calculations, we estimate that calculations that are between the 0.1%-1%-level of precision may be sensitive to these FV artifacts. Finally, we present an update of the CalLat prediction of $g_A$ in the isospin limit with sub-percent precision, $g_A^{\rm QCD} = 1.2674(96)$.

hep-lat↗
arXiv2025

Radiative corrections to the forward-backward asymmetry in $e^+e^-\toπ^+π^-$

We present a calculation of the $C$-odd radiative corrections to $e^+e^-\to π^+π^-$ in a dispersive formalism, concentrating on the leading pion-pole contribution in the virtual box diagrams. In particular, we show how the effect of a general pion vector form factor in the loop integral can be incorporated in a model-independent way and how the cancellation of infrared singularities proceeds in this case. The numerical results, dominated by the infrared enhanced contributions, indicate significant corrections beyond scalar QED, essentially confirming recent findings in generalized vector-meson-dominance models.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2025

Dispersion relation for hadronic light-by-light scattering: subleading contributions

In this work, we present an evaluation of subleading effects in the hadronic light-by-light contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. Using a recently derived optimized basis, we first study the matching of axial-vector contributions to short-distance constraints at the level of the scalar basis functions, finding that also the tails of the pseudoscalar poles and tensor mesons play a role. We then develop a matching strategy that allows for a combined evaluation of axial-vector and short-distance constraints, supplemented by an estimate of tensor-meson contributions based on simplified assumptions for their transition form factors. Uncertainties are primarily propagated from the axial-vector transition form factors and the variation of the matching scale, but we also consider estimates of the low-energy effect of hadronic states not explicitly included. In total, we obtain $a_μ^\text{HLbL}\big|_\text{subleading}=33.2(7.2)\times 10^{-11}$, which in combination with previously evaluated contributions in the dispersive approach leads to $a_μ^\text{HLbL}\big|_\text{total}=101.9(7.9)\times 10^{-11}$.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2025

Complete dispersive evaluation of the hadronic light-by-light contribution to muon $g-2$

Hadronic light-by-light (HLbL) scattering defines one of the critical contributions in the Standard-Model prediction of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. In this Letter, we present a complete evaluation using a dispersive formalism, in which the HLbL tensor is reconstructed from its discontinuities, expressed in terms of simpler hadronic matrix elements that can be extracted from experiment. Profiting from recent developments in the determination of axial-vector transition form factors, short-distance constraints for the HLbL tensor, and the vector-vector-axial-vector correlator, we obtain $a_μ^\text{HLbL}=101.9(7.9)\times 10^{-11}$, which meets the precision requirements set by the final result of the Fermilab experiment.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2024

Ab-initio electroweak corrections to superallowed $β$ decays and their impact on $V_{ud}$

Radiative corrections are essential for an accurate determination of $V_{ud}$ from superallowed $β$ decays. In view of recent progress in the single-nucleon sector, the uncertainty is dominated by the theoretical description of nucleus-dependent effects, limiting the precision that can currently be achieved for $V_{ud}$. In this work, we provide a detailed account of the electroweak corrections to superallowed $β$ decays in effective field theory (EFT), including the power counting, potential and ultrasoft contributions, and factorization in the decay rate. We present a first numerical evaluation of the dominant corrections in light nuclei based on Quantum Monte Carlo methods, confirming the expectations from the EFT power counting. Finally, we discuss strategies how to extract from data the low-energy constants that parameterize short-distance contributions and whose values are not predicted by the EFT. Combined with advances in ab-initio nuclear-structure calculations, this EFT framework allows one to systematically address the dominant uncertainty in $V_{ud}$, as illustrated in detail for the $^{14}$O $\to$ $^{14}$N transition.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2024

Radiative corrections to superallowed $β$ decays in effective field theory

The accuracy of $V_{ud}$ determinations from superallowed $β$ decays critically hinges on control over radiative corrections. Recently, substantial progress has been made on the single-nucleon, universal corrections, while nucleus-dependent effects, typically parameterized by a quantity $δ_\text{NS}$, are much less well constrained. Here, we lay out a program to evaluate this correction from effective field theory (EFT), highlighting the dominant terms as predicted by the EFT power counting. Moreover, we compare the results to a dispersive representation of $δ_\text{NS}$ and show that the expected momentum scaling applies even in the case of low-lying intermediate states. Our EFT framework paves the way towards ab-initio calculations of $δ_\text{NS}$ and thereby addresses the dominant uncertainty in $V_{ud}$.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2024

On the scalar $πK$ form factor beyond the elastic region

Pion-kaon ($πK$) final states, often appearing in heavy-particle decays at the precision frontier, are important for Standard-Model tests, to describe crossed channels with exotic states, and for spectroscopy of excited kaon resonances. We construct a representation of the $πK$ $S$-wave form factor using the elastic $πK$ scattering phase shift via dispersion relations in the elastic region and extend this model into the inelastic region using resonance exchange, while maintaining unitarity and the correct analytic structure. As a first application, we successfully described the $τ\to K_S πν_τ$ spectrum to not only achieve a better distinction between $S$- and $P$-wave contributions, but also to provide an improved estimate of the $CP$ asymmetry produced by a tensor operator as well as the forward-backward asymmetry, both of which can be confronted with future data at Belle II.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2024

Uncertainty quantification for $μ\to e$ conversion in nuclei: charge distributions

Predicting the rate for $μ\to e$ conversion in nuclei for a given set of effective operators mediating the violation of lepton flavor symmetry crucially depends on hadronic and nuclear matrix elements. In particular, the uncertainties inherent in this non-perturbative input limit the discriminating power that can be achieved among operators by studying different target isotopes. In order to quantify the associated uncertainties, as a first step, we go back to nuclear charge densities and propagate the uncertainties from electron scattering data for a range of isotopes relevant for $μ\to e$ conversion in nuclei, including $^{40,48}$Ca, $^{48,50}$Ti, and $^{27}$Al. We provide as central results Fourier-Bessel expansions of the corresponding charge distributions with complete covariance matrices, accounting for Coulomb-distortion effects in a self-consistent manner throughout the calculation. As an application, we evaluate the overlap integrals for $μ\to e$ conversion mediated by dipole operators. In combination with modern ab-initio methods, our results will allow for the evaluation of general $μ\to e$ conversion rates with quantified uncertainties.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2024

Anomalous thresholds in $B\to (P,V)γ^*$ form factors

We study the effects of anomalous thresholds on the non-local form factors describing the hadronization of the light-quark contribution to $B\to(P,V)γ^*$ transitions. Starting from a comprehensive discussion of anomalous thresholds in the triangle loop function for different mass configurations, we detail how the dispersion relation for $ππ$ intermediate states is affected by contour deformations mandated by the anomalous branch points. Phenomenological estimates of the size of the anomalous contributions to the form factors are provided with couplings determined from measured branching fractions and Dalitz plot distributions. Our key finding is that anomalous effects are suppressed on the $ρ(770)$ resonance, while off-peak the effects can become as large as $\mathcal{O}(10\%)$ of the full (light-quark-loop induced) non-local form factors. We comment on future generalizations towards higher intermediate states and the charm loop, outlining how the dispersive framework established in this work could help improve the non-local form factors needed as input for a robust interpretation of $B\to (P,V)\ell^+\ell^-$ decays.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2024

Dispersive approaches for the HVP and HLbL contributions to $(g-2)_μ$

Calculations based on the analytic properties of the required matrix elements allow for a wide range of applications constraining the hadronic contributions to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon $a_μ=(g-2)_μ/2$, both hadronic vacuum polarization (HVP) and hadronic light-by-light (HLbL) scattering. Here, we discuss such recent applications, including analyticity constraints on hadronic cross sections, radiative corrections, and isospin-breaking effects.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2024

Nucleon resonance parameters from Roy-Steiner equations

A reliable determination of the pole parameters and residues of nucleon resonances is notoriously challenging, given the required analytic continuation into the complex plane. We provide a comprehensive analysis of such resonance parameters accessible with Roy-Steiner equations for pion-nucleon scattering - a set of partial-wave dispersion relations that combines the constraints from analyticity, unitarity, and crossing symmetry - most prominently of the $Δ(1232)$ resonance. Further, we study the Roper, $N(1440)$, resonance, which lies beyond the strict domain of validity, in comparison to Padé approximants, comment on the role of subthreshold singularities in the $S$-wave, and determine the residues of the $f_0(500)$, $ρ(770)$, and $f_0(980)$ resonances in the $t$-channel process $ππ\to\bar NN$. The latter allows us to test - for the first time fully model independently in terms of the respective residues - universality of the $ρ(770)$ couplings and the Goldberger-Treiman relation expected if the scalars behaved as dilatons, in both cases revealing large deviations from the narrow-resonance limit.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2024

An optimized basis for hadronic light-by-light scattering

We present a new basis for the hadronic light-by-light (HLbL) tensor that is optimized for the evaluation of narrow-resonance contributions to HLbL scattering in the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. As main advantage, kinematic singularities are manifestly absent for pseudoscalar, scalar, and axial-vector states, while the remaining singularities for tensor resonances are minimized, even avoided for special cases, and simple crossing relations among the scalar functions maintained. We scrutinize the properties of this new basis for the scalar-QED pion box, demonstrating that the partial-wave convergence even slightly improves compared to our previous work, and discuss the physical sum rules that ensure basis independence of the HLbL contribution. Finally, we provide explicit expressions for narrow (pseudo-)scalar, axial-vector, and tensor intermediate states in terms of their respective transition form factors.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2024

Improved Standard-Model prediction for ${K_L\to \ell^+\ell^-}$

We present a comprehensive calculation of the $K_L\toγ^*γ^*$ form factor in dispersion theory, using input from the leptonic decays $K_L\to\ell^+\ell^-γ$, $K_L\to \ell_1^+\ell_1^-\ell_2^+\ell_2^-$, the hadronic mode $K_L\to π^+π^-γ$, the normalization $K_L\toγγ$, and the matching to asymptotic constraints. As key result we obtain an improved determination of the long-distance contribution to $K_L\to\ell^+\ell^-$, leading to the Standard-Model predictions $\text{Br}[K_L\toμ^+μ^-]=7.44^{+0.41}_{-0.34}\times 10^{-9}$, $\text{Br}[K_L\to e^+e^-]=8.46(37)\times 10^{-12}$, and more stringent limits on physics beyond the Standard Model. We provide a detailed breakdown of the current uncertainty, and delineate how future experiments and the interplay with lattice QCD could help further improve the precision.

hep-ph↗