Matthew Sullivan — Page 2

arXiv2018

Galactic Dark Matter Population as the Source of Neutrino Masses

We propose that neutrino masses can be zero $in ~vacuo$ and may be generated by the local distribution of dark matter through a feeble long range scalar force. We discuss potential phenomenological constraints and implications of this framework. Our model typically implies that the relic neutrino background left over from the Big Bang is mostly absent in our Galactic neighborhood. Hence, a positive detection signal from future proposed experiments, such as PTOLEMY, could in principle falsify our scenario.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Benchmarks for Double Higgs Production in the Singlet Extended Standard Model at the LHC

The simplest extension of the Standard Model is to add a gauge singlet scalar, $S$: the singlet extended Standard Model. In the absence of a $Z_2$ symmetry $S\rightarrow -S$ and if the new scalar is sufficiently heavy, this model can lead to resonant double Higgs production, significantly increasing the production rate over the Standard Model prediction. While searches for this signal are being performed, it is important to have benchmark points and models with which to compare the experimental results. In this paper we determine these benchmarks by maximizing the double Higgs production rate at the LHC in the singlet extended Standard Model. We find that, within current constraints, the branching ratio of the new scalar into two Standard Model-like Higgs bosons can be upwards of $0.76$, and the double Higgs rate can be increased upwards of 30 times the Standard Model prediction.

hep-ph↗