arXiv subjects

Oliver Witzel

Publications and source records attributed to Oliver Witzel.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2020

Lattice QCD (focus on Charm and Beauty form factors, $R(D^*)$, $b$- & $c$-quark masses)

We present an overview of state of the art lattice quantum chromodynamcis calculations for heavy-light quantities. Special focus is given to the calculation of form factors for semi-leptonic decays of $B_{(s)}$ and $D$ mesons, the extraction of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix elements $|V_{ub}|$ and $|V_{cb}|$ as well as the determination of $R(D^{(*)})$ testing the universality of lepton flavors in $b\to c$ transitions. In addition we report on the determination of $b$ and $c$ quark masses as well as on neutral $B_{(s)}$ meson mixing. Recent results are summarized and new developments highlighted.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

Constructing a composite Higgs model with built-in large separation of scales

Experimentally the existence of a light 125 GeV Higgs boson is well established but so far no other heavier resonances have been observed. Viable models to describe the Higgs boson as composite particle require hence to exhibit a large separation of scales. This occurs naturally in systems located near a conformal fixed point irrespective whether the system lies outside or inside the conformal window. We demonstrate the latter case by investigating a mass-split model with four light and six heavy flavors. By construction mass-split models exhibit a large separation of scales and feature in addition a highly constrained hadron spectrum. We present results based on the low-lying connected meson spectrum. Although the light sector is chirally broken, we show that it exhibits hyperscaling which is typical for conformal systems.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2019

Semileptonic $B\toπ\ellν$, $B\to D\ellν$, $B_s\to K\ellν$, and $B_s\to D_s\ellν$ decays

We present updates for our nonperturbative lattice QCD calculations to determine semileptonic form factors for exclusive $B\to π\ellν$, $B\to D \ellν$, $B_s\to K\ell ν$, and $B_s\to D_s\ellν$ decays. Our calculation is based on RBC-UKQCD's set of $2+1$-dynamical-flavor gauge field ensembles. In the valence sector we use domain wall fermions for up/down, strange and charm quarks, whereas bottom quarks are simulated with the relativistic heavy quark action. The continuum limit is based on three lattice spacings. Using kinematical $z$ expansions we aim to obtain form factors over the full $q^2$ range. These form factors are the basis for predicting ratios addressing lepton flavor universality or, when combined with experimental results, to obtain CKM matrix elements $|V_{ub}|$ and $|V_{cb}|$.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2019

Continuous $β$ function for the SU(3) gauge systems with two and twelve fundamental flavors

The gradient flow transformation can be interpreted as continuous real-space renormalization group transformation if a coarse-graining step is incorporated as part of calculating expectation values. The method allows to predict critical properties of strongly coupled systems including the renormalization group $β$ function and anomalous dimensions at nonperturbative fixed points. In this contribution we discuss a new analysis of the continuous renormalization group $β$ function for $N_f=2$ and $N_f=12$ fundamental flavors in SU(3) gauge theories based on this method. We follow the approach developed and tested for the $N_f=2$ system in arXiv:1910.06408. Here we present further information on the analysis, emphasizing the robustness and intuitive features of the continuous $β$ function calculation. We also discuss the applicability of the continuous $β$ function calculation in conformal systems, extending the possible phase diagram to include a 4-fermion interaction. The numerical analysis for $N_f=12$ uses the same set of ensembles that was generated and analyzed for the step scaling function in arXiv:1909.05842. The new analysis uses volumes with $L \ge 20$ and determines the $β$ function in the $c=0$ gradient flow renormalization scheme. The continuous $β$ function predicts the existence of a conformal fixed point and is consistent between different operators. Although determinations of the step scaling and continuous $β$ function use different renormalization schemes, they both predict the existence of a conformal fixed point around $g^2\sim 6$.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2019

Gradient flow step-scaling function for SU(3) with twelve flavors

We calculate the step scaling function, the lattice analog of the renormalization group $β$-function, for an SU(3) gauge theory with twelve flavors. The gauge coupling of this system runs very slowly, which is reflected in a small step scaling function, making numerical simulations particularly challenging. We present a detailed analysis including the study of systematic effects of our extensive data set generated with twelve dynamical flavors using the Symanzik gauge action and three times stout smeared Möbius domain wall fermions. Using up to $32^4$ volumes, we calculate renormalized couplings for different gradient flow schemes and determine the step-scaling $β$ function for a scale change $s=2$ on up to five different lattice volume pairs. Our preferred analysis is fully $O(a^2)$ Symanzik improved and uses Zeuthen flow combined with the Symanzik operator. We find an infrared fixed point within the range $5.2 \le g_c^2 \le 6.4$ in the $c=0.250$ finite volume gradient flow scheme. We account for systematic effects by calculating the step-scaling function based on alternative flows (Wilson or Symanzik) as well as operators (Wilson plaquette, clover) and also explore the effects of the perturbative tree-level improvement.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2019

Lattice Gauge Theory for Physics Beyond the Standard Model

This document is one of a series of whitepapers from the USQCD collaboration. Here, we discuss opportunities for lattice field theory research to make an impact on models of new physics beyond the Standard Model, including composite Higgs, composite dark matter, and supersymmetric theories.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2019

Review on Composite Higgs Models

Composite Higgs Models explore the possibility that the Higgs boson is an excitation of a new strongly interacting sector giving rise to electro-weak symmetry breaking. After describing how this new sector can be embedded into the Standard Model of elementary particle physics meeting experimental constraints, I will review efforts by the community to explore the physics of the new strong interaction using methods of lattice field theory. Challenges in understanding the numerical results are discussed and an outlook is given on possible future directions allowing to confirm or reject the composite Higgs hypothesis.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2019

Semi-leptonic form factors for $B_s \to K \ell ν$ and $B_s \to D_s \ell ν$

Semi-leptonic $B_s \to K \ell ν$ and $B_s \to D_s \ell ν$ decays provide an alternative $b$-decay channel to determine the CKM matrix elements $|V_{ub}|$ and $|V_{cb}|$ or to obtain $R$-ratios to investigate lepton flavor universality violations. In addition, these decays may shed further light on the discrepancies seen in the analysis of inclusive vs. exclusive decays. Using the nonperturbative methods of lattice QCD, theoretical results are obtained with good precision and full control over systematic uncertainties. This talk will highlight ongoing efforts of the $B$-physics program by the RBC-UKQCD collaboration.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2019

Nonperturbative investigations of SU(3) gauge theory with eight dynamical flavors

We present our lattice studies of SU(3) gauge theory with $N_f$ = 8 degenerate fermions in the fundamental representation. Using nHYP-smeared staggered fermions we study finite-temperature transitions on lattice volumes as large as $L^3 \times N_t = 48^3 \times 24$, and the zero-temperature composite spectrum on lattice volumes up to $64^3 \times 128$. The spectrum indirectly indicates spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking, but finite-temperature transitions with fixed $N_t \leq 24$ enter a strongly coupled lattice phase as the fermion mass decreases, which prevents a direct confirmation of spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking in the chiral limit. In addition to the connected spectrum we focus on the lightest flavor-singlet scalar particle. We find it to be degenerate with the pseudo-Goldstone states down to the lightest masses reached so far by non-perturbative lattice calculations. Using the same lattice approach, we study the behavior of the composite spectrum when the number of light fermions is changed from eight to four. A heavy flavor-singlet scalar in the 4-flavor theory affirms the contrast between QCD-like dynamics and the low-energy behavior of the 8-flavor theory.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2018

Determination of the $N_f=12$ step scaling function using Möbius domain wall fermions

We calculate the renormalized step scaling function for twelve fundamental flavors nonperturbatively by determining the gradient flow coupling on gauge field configurations generated with dynamical stout-smeared Möbius domain wall fermions and Symanzik gauge action. Using Zeuthen, Symanzik, and Wilson flow we measure the energy density with three different operators. Our updated analysis is based on up to five volume pairs ranging from L^4=8^4 up to 32^4. Predictions for the infinite volume extrapolated step scaling function based on different flows and operators are mutually consistent. Our new results confirm the previously observed significant discrepancy with staggered fermion simulations in a wide range of the renormalized coupling.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2018

Composite Higgs from mass-split models

Beyond Standard Model theories describing the electro-weak sector must exhibit a large separation of scales (or "walking") to account for a light, 125 GeV Higgs boson and the fact that so far no other resonances have been observed. Large separation of scales arises naturally and in a tunable manner in mass-split models that are built on a conformal fixed point in the ultraviolet. Splitting the fermion masses into "light" (massless) and "heavy" flavors, the system shows conformal behavior in the ultraviolet but is chirally broken in the infrared. Due to the presence of a conformal fixed point, such chirally broken systems show hyperscaling and have a highly constrained resonance spectrum that is significantly different from the QCD spectrum. We highlight most characteristic features presenting numerical data obtained from dynamical simulations of an SU(3) gauge theory with four light and eight heavy flavors. In addition, we give an outlook on ongoing work simulating an SU(3) gauge theory with four light and six heavy flavors using a set-up well suited to explore e.g. mass-generation of Standard Model fermions via four-fermion interactions or partial compositeness.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Investigating BSM Models with Large Scale Separation

Mass-split systems based on a conformal infrared fixed point provide a low-energy effective description of beyond the standard model systems with large scale separation. We report results of exploratory investigations with four light and eight heavy flavors using staggered fermions, and up to five different values for the light flavor mass, five different heavy flavor masses, and two values of the bare gauge coupling.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2017

Large scale separation and resonances within LHC range from a prototype BSM model

Many theories describing physics beyond the Standard Model rely on a large separation of scales. Large scale separation arises in models with mass-split flavors if the system is conformal in the ultraviolet but chirally broken in the infrared. Because of the conformal fixed point, these systems exhibit hyperscaling and a highly constrained resonance spectrum. We derive hyperscaling relations and investigate the realization of one such system with four light and eight heavy flavors. Our numerical simulations confirm that both light-light and heavy-heavy resonance masses show hyperscaling and depend only on the ratio of the light and heavy flavor masses. The heavy-heavy spectrum is qualitatively different from QCD and exhibits quarkonia with masses not proportional to the constituent quark mass. These resonances are only a few times heavier than the light-light ones, which would put them within reach of the LHC.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

Testing Fermion Universality at a Conformal Fixed Point

Universality of various fermion formulations is well established in QCD-like theories defined around the perturbative $g^2=0$ fixed point. These arguments do not apply for conformal systems that exhibit an infrared fixed point at non-vanishing $g^2$ coupling. We investigate the step scaling function for systems with 10 or 12 fundamental flavors using domain wall fermions and compare it to perturbative predictions. We test universality by contrasting our findings to results published in the literature based on staggered fermions.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2016

Non-perturbative determinations of $B$-meson decay constants and semi-leptonic form factors

$B$-physics is one of the most promising windows to find new physics in the flavor sector. One key ingredient to these searches are precise theoretical predictions derived from the Standard Model. Focusing at the nonperturbative QCD contributions, we carry out lattice QCD simulations in order to calculate $B$-meson decay constants and semi-leptonic form factors. Combined with experimental measurements our results enable us to determine CKM matrix elements. Here we present $B$ and $B_s$ meson decay constants as well as semi-leptonic form factors including rare decays, CKM or GIM suppressed in the Standard Model. Our results are based on the set of 2+1 flavor domain-wall Iwasaki gauge field configurations generated by the RBC-UKQCD collaboration. Heavy $b$-quarks are simulated using the relativistic heavy quark action.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2016

Form factors for semi-leptonic $B$ decays

Semi-leptonic $B$ decays provide promising channels to test the Standard Model, search for signs of new physics, or determine fundamental parameters like CKM matrix elements. We present an update on our calculation of short distance contributions to GIM suppressed rare $B$ decays focusing in particular on $B_s\to ϕ\ell^+ \ell^-$ decays. Furthermore we show first results for our calculation of $B_{(s)}\to D_{(s)}^{(*)}\ellν$ semi-leptonic decays involving $b\to c$ transitions. Our calculations are based on RBC-UKQCD's 2+1 flavor domain-wall fermion and Iwasaki gauge field configurations featuring three lattice spacings in the range $1.73$ GeV $\le a^{-1} \le 2.77$ GeV and pion masses down to the physical value. We calculate the form factors by simulating $b$-quarks using the relativistic heavy quark action, create light $u/d$ and $s$ quarks with standard domain-wall kernel, and use optimised Möbius domain-wall fermions for charm quarks.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2016

Infrared properties of a prototype model for beyond-Standard Model physics

We construct a prototype BSM model based on the SU(3) color gauge group and a combination of 4 light (massless) and 8 heavy flavors. In the infrared, the SU(4) flavor chiral symmetry is spontaneously broken, while in the ultraviolet this model exhibits the properties of the $N_f=12$ conformal fixed point. Renormalization group considerations predict the spectrum of such a system to show hyperscaling, i.e. dimensionless ratios of hadron masses or decay constants are independent of the heavy mass. Hyperscaling is present for bound states of light, heavy, or a combination of heavy and light flavors and leads to a strongly predictive model. Despite chiral symmetry breaking, this system features a spectrum exhibiting a very non-QCD like behavior. Furthermore, the gauge coupling becomes an irrelevant parameter. We support these expectations by presenting numerical results based on four different values of the heavy quark mass $am_h$, up to six different values of the light quark mass $am_\ell$, and include, for the first time, preliminary data at a second value of the gauge coupling $β$. Our model can be embedded in scenarios describing the Higgs boson either as a pseudo Nambu-Goldstone boson or a dilaton-like particle.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2016

Charm Physics with Domain Wall Fermions and Physical Pion Masses

We present RBC/UKQCD's charm project using $N_f=2+1$ flavour ensembles with inverse lattice spacings in the range $1.73-2.77\,\mathrm{GeV}$ and two physical pion mass ensembles. Domain wall fermions are used for the light as well as the charm quarks. We discuss our strategy for the extraction of the decay constants $f_D$ and $f_{D_s}$ and their extrapolation to the continuum limit, physical pion masses and the physical heavy quark mass. Our preliminary results are $f_D=208.7(2.8)\,\mathrm{MeV}$ and $f_{D_s}=246.4(1.9)\,\mathrm{MeV}$ where the quoted error is statistical only. We outline our current approach to extend the reach in the heavy quark mass and present preliminary results.

hep-lat↗