arXiv subjects

Matthias Neubert

Publications and source records attributed to Matthias Neubert.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

arXiv2011

Long-Distance Dominance of the CP Asymmetry in B->X_{s,d}+gamma Decays

We show that in the Standard Model the parametrically leading (by a factor 1/alpha_s) contribution to the inclusive CP asymmetry in B->X_{s,d}+gamma decays arises from a long-distance effect in the interference of the electromagnetic dipole amplitude with the amplitude for an up-quark penguin transition accompanied by soft gluon emission. This contribution is governed by a single hadronic parameter Lambda_{17}^u related to a matrix elements of a non-local operator. In view of current experimental data, a future precision measurement of the flavor-averaged CP asymmetry in B->X_s+gamma will signal the presence of new physics only if a value below -2% is found. A cleaner probe of new physics is offered by the difference of the CP asymmetries in charged versus neutral B-meson decays.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2011

Factorization and Resummation for Jet Broadening

Jet broadening is an event-shape variable probing the transverse momenta of particles inside jets. It has been measured precisely in e+e- annihilations and is used to extract the strong coupling constant. The factorization of the associated cross section at small values of the broadening is afflicted by a collinear anomaly. Based on an analysis of this anomaly, we present the first all-order expressions for jet-broadening distributions, which are free of large perturbative logarithms in the two-jet limit. Our formulae reproduce known results at next-to-leading logarithmic order but also extend to higher orders.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2010

Factorization at Subleading Power and Irreducible Uncertainties in $\bar B\to X_sγ$ Decay

Using methods from soft-collinear and heavy-quark effective theory, a systematic factorization analysis is performed for the $\bar B\to X_sγ$ photon spectrum in the endpoint region $m_b-2E_γ={\cal O}(Λ_{\rm QCD})$. It is proposed that, to all orders in $1/m_b$, the spectrum obeys a novel factorization formula, which besides terms with the structure $H\,J\otimes S$ familiar from inclusive $\bar B\to X_u l\,\barν$ decay distributions contains "resolved photon" contributions of the form $H\,J\otimes S\otimes\bar J$ and $H\,J\otimes S\otimes\bar J\otimes\bar J$. Here $S$ and $\bar J$ are new soft and jet functions, whose form is derived. These contributions arise whenever the photon couples to light partons instead of coupling directly to the effective weak interaction. The new contributions appear first at order $1/m_b$ and are related to operators other than $Q_{7γ}$ in the effective weak Hamiltonian. They give rise to non-vanishing $1/m_b$ corrections to the total decay rate, which cannot be described using a local operator product expansion. A systematic analysis of these effects is performed at tree level in hard and hard-collinear interactions. The resulting uncertainty on the decay rate defined with a cut $E_γ>1.6$ GeV is estimated to be approximately $\pm 5%$. It could be reduced by an improved measurement of the isospin asymmetry $Δ_{0-}$ to the level of $\pm 4%$. We see no possibility to reduce this uncertainty further using reliable theoretical methods.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2010

Renormalization-Group Improved Predictions for Top-Quark Pair Production at Hadron Colliders

Precision predictions for phenomenologically interesting observables such as the t-tbar invariant mass distribution and forward-backward asymmetry in top-quark pair production at hadron colliders require control over the differential cross section in perturbative QCD. In this paper we improve existing calculations of the doubly differential cross section in the invariant mass and scattering angle by using techniques from soft-collinear effective theory to perform an NNLL resummation of threshold logarithms, which become large when the invariant mass M of the top-quark pair approaches the partonic center-of-mass energy. We also derive an approximate formula for the differential cross section at NNLO in fixed-order perturbation theory, which completely determines the coefficients multiplying the singular plus distributions. We then match our results in the threshold region with the exact results at NLO in fixed-order perturbation theory, and perform a numerical analysis of the invariant mass distribution, the total cross section, and the forward-backward asymmetry. We argue that these are the most accurate predictions available for these observables at present. Using MSTW2008NNLO parton distribution functions (PDFs) along with α_s(M_Z)=0.117 and m_t=173.1 GeV, we obtain for the inclusive production cross sections at the Tevatron and LHC the values σ_{Tevatron} = (6.30 +-0.19 +0.31-0.23) pb and σ_{LHC} = (149 +- 7 +- 8) pb, where the first error results from scale variations while the second reflects PDF uncertainties.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2010

The Custodial Randall-Sundrum Model: From Precision Tests to Higgs Physics

We reexamine the Randall-Sundrum (RS) model with enlarged gauge symmetry SU(2)_L x SU(2)_R x U(1)_X x P_LR in the presence of a brane-localized Higgs sector. In contrast to the existing literature, we perform the Kaluza-Klein (KK) decomposition within the mass basis, which avoids the truncation of the KK towers. Expanding the low-energy spectrum as well as the gauge couplings in powers of the Higgs vacuum expectation value, we obtain analytic formulas which allow for a deep understanding of the model-specific protection mechanisms of the T parameter and the left-handed Z-boson couplings. In particular, in the latter case we explain which contributions escape protection and identify them with the irreducible sources of P_LR symmetry breaking. We furthermore show explicitly that no protection mechanism is present in the charged-current sector confirming existing model-independent findings. The main focus of the phenomenological part of our work is a detailed discussion of Higgs-boson couplings and their impact on physics at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. For the first time, a complete one-loop calculation of all relevant Higgs-boson production and decay channels is presented, incorporating the effects stemming from the extended electroweak gauge-boson and fermion sectors.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2010

Updated Predictions for Higgs Production at the Tevatron and the LHC

We present updated predictions for the total cross section for Higgs boson production through gluon fusion at hadron colliders. In addition to renormalization-group improvement at next-to-next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy, we incorporate the two-loop electroweak corrections, which leads to the most precise predictions at present. Numerical results are given for Higgs masses between 115 GeV and 200 GeV at the Tevatron with \sqrt{s}=1.96 TeV and the LHC with \sqrt{s}=7-14 TeV.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2010

Threshold expansion at order alpha_s^4 for the t-tbar invariant mass distribution at hadron colliders

We calculate the leading O(alpha_s^4) contributions to the invariant mass distribution of top-quark pairs produced at the Tevatron and LHC, in the limit where the invariant mass of the t-tbar pair approaches the partonic center-of-mass energy. Our results determine at NNLO in alpha_s the coefficients of all singular plus distributions and scale-dependent logarithms in the differential partonic cross sections for q-qbar, gg -> t-tbar + X. A numerical analysis showing the effects of the NNLO corrections on the central values and scale dependence of the invariant mass distribution is performed. The NNLO corrections are found to significantly enhance the cross section and reduce the perturbative uncertainties compared to the NLO calculation.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

Infrared singularities of QCD amplitudes with massive partons

A formula for the two-loop infrared singularities of dimensionally regularized QCD scattering amplitudes with an arbitrary number of massive and massless legs is derived. The singularities are obtained from the solution of a renormalization-group equation, and factorization constraints on the relevant anomalous-dimension matrix are analyzed. The simplicity of the structure of the matrix relevant for massless partons does not carry over to the case with massive legs, where starting at two-loop order new color and momentum structures arise, which are not of the color-dipole form. The resulting two-loop three-parton correlations can be expressed in terms of two functions, for which some general properties are derived. This explains observations recently made by Mitov et al. in terms of symmetry arguments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

Two-loop divergences of massive scattering amplitudes in non-abelian gauge theories

The infrared divergences of QCD scattering amplitudes can be derived from an anomalous dimension Γ, which is a matrix in color space and depends on the momenta and masses of the external partons. It has recently been shown that in cases where there are at least two massive partons involved in the scattering process, starting at two-loop order Γreceives contributions involving color and momentum correlations between three (and more) partons. The three-parton correlations can be described by two universal functions F_1 and f_2. In this paper these functions are calculated at two-loop order in closed analytic form and their properties are studied in detail. Both functions are found to be suppressed like O(m^4/s^2) in the limit of small parton masses, in accordance with mass factorization theorems proposed in the literature. On the other hand, both functions are O(1) and even diverge logarithmically near the threshold for pair production of two heavy particles. As an application, we calculate the infrared poles in the q qbar --> t tbar and g g --> t tbar scattering amplitudes at two-loop order.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

Two-loop divergences of scattering amplitudes with massive partons

We complete the study of two-loop infrared singularities of scattering amplitudes with an arbitrary number of massive and massless partons in non-abelian gauge theories. To this end, we calculate the universal functions F_1 and f_2, which completely specify the structure of three-parton correlations in the soft anomalous-dimension matrix, at two-loop order in closed analytic form. Both functions are found to be suppressed like O(m^4/s^2) in the limit of small parton masses, in accordance with mass factorization theorems proposed in the literature. On the other hand, they are unsuppressed and diverge logarithmically near the threshold for pair production of two heavy particles. As an application, we calculate the two-loop anomalous-dimension matrix for q q_bar --> t t_bar near threshold and show that it is not diagonal in the s-channel singlet-octet basis.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2008

Origin of the Large Perturbative Corrections to Higgs Production at Hadron Colliders

The very large K-factor for Higgs-boson production at hadron colliders is shown to result from enhanced perturbative corrections of the form (C_Aπα_s)^n, which arise in the analytic continuation of the gluon form factor to time-like momentum transfer. These terms are resummed to all orders in perturbation theory using the renormalization group. After the resummation, the K-factor for the production of a light Higgs boson at the LHC is reduced to a value close to 1.3.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2008

Dynamical Threshold Enhancement and Resummation in Drell-Yan Production

Partonic cross sections for the production of massive objects in hadronic collisions receive large corrections when the invariant mass of the initial-state partons is just above the production threshold. Since typically the center-of-mass energy of the hadronic collision is much higher than the mass of the heavy objects, it is not obvious that these contributions translate into large corrections to the hadronic cross section. Using a recent approach to threshold resummation based on effective field theory, we quantify to which extent the fall-off of the parton densities at high x leads to a dynamical enhancement of the partonic threshold region. With the example of Drell-Yan production, we study the emergence of an effective physical scale characterizing the soft emissions in the process. We derive compact analytical expressions for the resummed Drell-Yan cross section and rapidity distribution directly in momentum space. They are free of Landau-pole singularities and are trivially matched onto fixed-order perturbative calculations. Evaluating the resummed cross sections at NNNLL order and matching onto NNLO fixed-order calculations, we perform a detailed numerical analysis of the cross section and rapidity distribution in proton-proton collisions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2008

Cosmon Lumps and Horizonless Black Holes

We investigate non-linear, spherically symmetric solutions to the coupled system of a quintessence field and Einstein gravity. In the presence of a scalar potential, we find regular solutions that to an outside observer very closely resemble Schwarzschild black holes. However, these cosmon lumps have neither a horizon nor a central singularity. A stability analysis reveals that our static solutions are dynamically unstable. It remains an open question whether analogous stable solutions exist.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

A model for the very early Universe

A model with N species of massless fermions interacting via (microscopic) gravitational torsion in de Sitter spacetime is investigated in the limit N->infinity. The U_V(N)*U_A(N) flavor symmetry is broken dynamically irrespective of the (positive) value of the induced four-fermion coupling. This model is equivalent to a theory with free but massive fermions fluctuating about the chiral condensate. When the fermions are integrated out in a way demonstrated long ago by Candelas and Raine, the associated gap equation together with the Friedmann equation predict that the Hubble parameter vanishes. Introducing a matter sector (subject to a finite gauge symmetry) as a source for subsequent cosmology, the neutral Goldstone field acquires mass by the chiral anomaly, resulting in a Planck-scale axion.

hep-th↗

arXiv2008

Unparticle Physics with Jets

Using methods of effective field theory, we show that after resummation of Sudakov logarithms the spectral densities of interacting quark and gluon fields in ordinary quantum field theories such as QCD are virtually indistinguishable from those of "unparticles" of a hypothetical conformal sector coupled to the Standard Model, recently studied by Georgi. Unparticles are therefore less exotic that originally thought. Models in which a hidden sector weakly coupled to the Standard Model contains a QCD-like theory, which confines at some scale much below the characteristic energy of a given process, can give rise to signatures closely resembling those from unparticles.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2008

QCD Calculations of Decays of Heavy Flavor Hadrons

Precision tests of the Standard Model and searches for New Physics in the quark flavor sector depend on accurate theoretical calculations of decay rates and spectra for rare, flavor-changing processes. The theoretical status and recent developments of techniques allowing such calculations are reviewed. Special attention is paid to the calculation of the B->Xs+gamma branching ratio, the extraction of the b-quark mass from a fit to B->Xc+l+nu moments, and the determination of |V(ub)| from spectra in the inclusive decay B->Xu+l+nu. From a reanalysis of different inclusive distributions the updated average value |V(ub)|=(3.98+-0.15+-0.30)*10^{-3} is derived. Using only the theoretically cleanest channels, we obtain |V(ub)|=(3.70+-0.15+-0.28)*10^{-3}.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2007

Semi-Lorentz invariance, unitarity, and critical exponents of symplectic fermion models

We study a model of N-component complex fermions with a kinetic term that is second order in derivatives. This symplectic fermion model has an Sp(2N) symmetry, which for any N contains an SO(3) subgroup that can be identified with rotational spin of spin-1/2 particles. Since the spin-1/2 representation is not promoted to a representation of the Lorentz group, the model is not fully Lorentz invariant, although it has a relativistic dispersion relation. The hamiltonian is pseudo-hermitian, H^\dagger = C H C, which implies it has a unitary time evolution. Renormalization-group analysis shows the model has a low-energy fixed point that is a fermionic version of the Wilson-Fisher fixed points. The critical exponents are computed to two-loop order. Possible applications to condensed matter physics in 3 space-time dimensions are discussed.

hep-th↗

arXiv2007

Enhanced Non-local Power Corrections to the B->X_s+gamma Decay Rate

A new class of enhanced non-perturbative corrections to the inclusive B->X_s+gamma decay rate is identified, which contribute first at order Lambda/m_b in the heavy-quark expansion and cannot be described using a local operator product expansion. Instead, these effects are described in terms of hadronic matrix elements of non-local operators with component fields separated by light-like distances. They contribute to the high-energy part of the photon-energy spectrum but do not reduce to local operators when an integral over energy is taken to obtain the total inclusive decay rate. The dominant corrections depend on the flavor of the B-meson spectator quark and are described by tri-local four-quark operators. Their contribution is estimated using the vacuum insertion approximation. The corresponding uncertainty in the total decay rate is found to be at the few percent level. This new effect accounts for the leading contribution to the rate difference between B^- and B^0 mesons.

hep-ph↗