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Oscar Stål

Publications and source records attributed to Oscar Stål.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2017

The Light and Heavy Higgs Interpretation of the MSSM

We perform a parameter scan of the phenomenological Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (pMSSM) with eight parameters taking into account the experimental Higgs boson results from Run I of the LHC and further low-energy observables. We investigate various MSSM interpretations of the Higgs signal at 125 GeV. First, we consider the case where the light CP-even Higgs boson of the MSSM is identified with the discovered Higgs boson. In this case it can impersonate the SM Higgs-like signal either in the decoupling limit, or in the limit of alignment without decoupling. In the latter case, the other states in the Higgs sector can also be light, offering good prospects for upcoming LHC searches and for searches at future colliders. Second, we demonstrate that the heavy CP-even Higgs boson is still a viable candidate to explain the Higgs signal - albeit only in a highly constrained parameter region, that will be probed by LHC searches for the CP-odd Higgs boson and the charged Higgs boson in the near future. As a guidance for such searches we provide new benchmark scenarios that can be employed to maximize the sensitivity of the experimental analysis to this interpretation.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2015

Improved prediction for the mass of the W boson in the NMSSM

Electroweak precision observables, being highly sensitive to loop contributions of new physics, provide a powerful tool to test the theory and to discriminate between different models of the underlying physics. In that context, the $W$ boson mass, $M_W$, plays a crucial role. The accuracy of the $M_W$ measurement has been significantly improved over the last years, and further improvement of the experimental accuracy is expected from future LHC measurements. In order to fully exploit the precise experimental determination, an accurate theoretical prediction for $M_W$ in the Standard Model (SM) and extensions of it is of central importance. We present the currently most accurate prediction for the $W$ boson mass in the Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model (NMSSM), including the full one-loop result and all available higher-order corrections of SM and SUSY type. The evaluation of $M_W$ is performed in a flexible framework, which facilitates the extension to other models beyond the SM. We show numerical results for the $W$ boson mass in the NMSSM, focussing on phenomenologically interesting scenarios, in which the Higgs signal can be interpreted as the lightest or second lightest CP-even Higgs boson of the NMSSM. We find that, for both Higgs signal interpretations, the NMSSM $M_W$ prediction is well compatible with the measurement. We study the SUSY contributions to $M_W$ in detail and investigate in particular the genuine NMSSM effects from the Higgs and neutralino sectors.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2014

Probing the Standard Model with Higgs signal rates from the Tevatron, the LHC and a future ILC

We explore the room for possible deviations from the Standard Model (SM) Higgs boson coupling structure in a systematic study of Higgs coupling scale factor benchmark scenarios using the latest signal rate measurements from the Tevatron and LHC experiments. We employ chi-squared fits performed with HiggsSignals, which takes into account detailed information on signal efficiencies and major correlations of theoretical and experimental uncertainties. All considered scenarios allow for additional non-standard Higgs boson decay modes, and various assumptions for constraining the total decay width are discussed. No significant deviations from the SM Higgs boson coupling structure are found in any of the investigated benchmark scenarios. We derive upper limits on an additional (undetectable) Higgs decay mode under the assumption that the Higgs couplings to weak gauge bosons do not exceed the SM prediction. We furthermore discuss the capabilities of future facilities for probing deviations from the SM Higgs couplings, comparing the high luminosity upgrade of the LHC with a future International Linear Collider (ILC), where for the latter various energy and luminosity scenarios are considered. At the ILC model-independent measurements of the coupling structure can be performed, and we provide estimates of the precision that can be achieved.

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arXiv2014

Prospects for Higgs boson scenarios beyond the Standard Model

The new particle recently discovered at the Large Hadron Collider has properties compatible with those expected for the Standard Model (SM) Higgs boson. However, this does not exclude the possibility that the discovered state is of non-standard origin, as part of an elementary Higgs sector in an extended model, or not at all a fundamental Higgs scalar. We review briefly the motivations for Higgs boson scenarios beyond the SM, discuss the phenomenology of several examples, and summarize the prospects and methods for studying interesting models with non-standard Higgs sectors using current and future data.

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arXiv2013

HiggsSignals: Confronting arbitrary Higgs sectors with measurements at the Tevatron and the LHC

HiggsSignals is a Fortran90 computer code that allows to test the compatibility of Higgs sector predictions against Higgs rates and masses measured at the LHC or the Tevatron. Arbitrary models with any number of Higgs bosons can be investigated using a model-independent input scheme based on HiggsBounds. The test is based on the calculation of a chi-squared measure from the predictions and the measured Higgs rates and masses, with the ability of fully taking into account systematics and correlations for the signal rate predictions, luminosity and Higgs mass predictions. It features two complementary methods for the test. First, the peak-centered method, in which each observable is defined by a Higgs signal rate measured at a specific hypothetical Higgs mass, corresponding to a tentative Higgs signal. Second, the mass-centered method, where the test is evaluated by comparing the signal rate measurement to the theory prediction at the Higgs mass predicted by the model. The program allows for the simultaneous use of both methods, which is useful in testing models with multiple Higgs bosons. The code automatically combines the signal rates of multiple Higgs bosons if their signals cannot be resolved by the experimental analysis. We compare results obtained with HiggsSignals to official ATLAS and CMS results for various examples of Higgs property determinations and find very good agreement. A few examples of HiggsSignals applications are provided, going beyond the scenarios investigated by the LHC collaborations. For models with more than one Higgs boson we recommend to use HiggsSignals and HiggsBounds in parallel to exploit the full constraining power of Higgs search exclusion limits and the measurements of the signal seen at around 125.5 GeV.

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arXiv2013

HiggsBounds-4: Improved Tests of Extended Higgs Sectors against Exclusion Bounds from LEP, the Tevatron and the LHC

We describe the new developments in version 4 of the public computer code HiggsBounds. HiggsBounds is a tool to test models with arbitrary Higgs sectors, containing both neutral and charged Higgs bosons, against the published exclusion bounds from Higgs searches at the LEP, Tevatron and LHC experiments. From the model predictions for the Higgs masses, branching ratios, production cross sections and total decay widths - which are specified by the user in the input for the program - the code calculates the predicted signal rates for the search channels considered in the experimental data. The signal rates are compared to the expected and observed cross section limits from the Higgs searches to determine whether a point in the model parameter space is excluded at 95% confidence level. In this document we present a modification of the HiggsBounds main algorithm that extends the exclusion test in order to ensure that it provides useful results in the presence of one or more significant excesses in the data, corresponding to potential Higgs signals. We also describe a new method to test whether the limits from an experimental search performed under certain model assumptions can be applied to a different theoretical model. Further developments discussed here include a framework to take into account theoretical uncertainties on the Higgs mass predictions, and the possibility to obtain the $χ^2$ likelihood of Higgs exclusion limits from LEP. Extensions to the user subroutines from earlier versions of HiggsBounds are described. The new features are demonstrated by additional example programs.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2013

Constraining extended Higgs sectors with HiggsSignals

We introduce the public computer code HiggsSignals, which can be used to test the predictions from models with arbitrary Higgs sectors against experimental measurements. Following a brief description of the code, several examples of HiggsSignals applications are given. We derive constraints on extended Higgs sectors taking into account the measured rates for the observed LHC Higgs signal in all available channels. The results are presented both in a model-independent framework with coupling scale factors that parametrize deviations from the Standard Model, and in a model-dependent example where we analyze a specific benchmark scenario of the minimal supersymmetric standard model.

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arXiv2013

Recent Developments in HiggsBounds and a Preview of HiggsSignals

We report on recent developments in the public computer code HiggsBounds, which confronts arbitrary Higgs sector predictions with 95% C.L. exclusion limits from Higgs searches at the LEP, Tevatron and LHC experiments. We discuss in detail the performance of the Standard Model (SM) likeness test as implemented in the latest version HiggsBounds-3.8.0, whose outcome decides whether a search for a SM Higgs boson can be applied to a model beyond the SM. Furthermore, we give a preview of features in the upcoming version HiggsBounds-4.0.0 and the new program HiggsSignals, which performs a chi-squared test of Higgs sector predictions against the signal rate and mass measurements from Higgs boson analyses at the Tevatron and LHC. This is illustrated with an example where the heavier CP-even Higgs boson of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) is considered as an explanation of the LHC Higgs signal at ~126 GeV.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2011

Light NMSSM Higgs bosons in SUSY cascade decays at the LHC

An interesting feature of the next-to-minimal supersymmetric standard model (NMSSM) is that one or more Higgs bosons may be comparably light (M_{H_i}<M_Z) without being in conflict with current experimental bounds. Due to a large singlet component, their direct production in standard channels at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is suppressed. We demonstrate that there are good prospects for observing such a light Higgs boson in decays of heavy neutralinos and charginos. We consider an example scenario with 20 GeV < M_{H_1} < M_Z and show that a large fraction of the cascade decays of gluinos and squarks involves the production of at least one Higgs boson. Performing a Monte Carlo analysis at the level of fast detector simulation, it is demonstrated how the Higgs signal can be separated from the main backgrounds, giving access to the Yukawa coupling of the Higgs to bottom quarks. Analyzing the resulting b\bar{b} mass spectrum could provide an opportunity for light Higgs boson discovery already with 5 fb^{-1} of LHC data at 7 TeV.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2010

Tools for charged Higgs bosons

We review the status of publicly available software tools applicable to charged Higgs physics. A selection of codes are highlighted in more detail, focusing on new developments that have taken place since the previous charged Higgs workshop in 2008. We conclude that phenomenologists now have the tools ready to face the LHC data. A new webpage collecting charged Higgs resources is presented.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2009

Flavor constraints on two-Higgs-doublet models with general diagonal Yukawa couplings

We consider constraints from flavor physics on two-Higgs-doublet models (2HDM) with general, flavor-diagonal, Yukawa couplings. Analyzing the charged Higgs contribution to different observables, we find that $b\to sγ$ transitions and $ΔM_{B_d}$ restrict the coupling $λ_{tt}$ of the top quark (corresponding to $\cotβ$ in models with a $Z_2$ symmetry) to $|λ_{tt}|<1$ for $m_{H^+}\lesssim 500$ GeV. Stringent constraints from $B$ meson decays are obtained also on the other third generation couplings $λ_{bb}$ and $λ_{ττ}$, but with stronger dependence on $m_{H^+}$. For the second generation, we obtain constraints on combinations of $λ_{ss}$, $λ_{cc}$, and $λ_{μμ}$ from leptonic $K$ and $D_s$ decays. The limits on the general couplings are translated to the common 2HDM types I -- IV with a $Z_2$ symmetry, and presented on the $(m_{H^+},\tanβ)$ plane. The flavor constraints are most excluding in the type II model which lacks a decoupling limit in $\tanβ$. We obtain a lower limit $m_{H^+}\gtrsim 300$ GeV in models of type II and III, while no lower bound on $m_{H^+}$ is found for types I and IV.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2009

Constraints on the two-Higgs-doublet model

The two-Higgs-doublet model provides a simple, yet interesting, generalization of the SM Higgs sector. We study the CP-conserving version of this model with general, flavor-diagonal, Yukawa couplings. Indirect constraints are obtained from flavor physics on the charged Higgs boson mass and couplings. The relation of these bounds to those for the more specialized two-Higgs-doublet model types with a $Z_2$ symmetry is discussed.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2009

2HDMC - Two-Higgs-Doublet Model Calculator

This manual describes the public code 2HDMC which can be used to perform calculations in a general, CP-conserving, two-Higgs-doublet model (2HDM). The program features simple conversion between different parametrizations of the 2HDM potential, a flexible Yukawa sector specification with choices of different Z_2-symmetries or more general couplings, a tree-level decay library including all two-body - and some three-body - decay modes for the Higgs bosons, and the possibility to calculate observables of interest for constraining the 2HDM parameter space, as well as theoretical constraints from positivity and unitarity. The latest version of the 2HDMC code and full documentation is available from: http://www.isv.uu.se/thep/MC/2HDMC

hep-ph↗
arXiv2008

New angles on top quark decay to a charged Higgs Boson

Top quarks produced in pairs are predicted to experience spin correlations. Due to the large ttbar statistics expected for the LHC, it should be possible to search for new physics effects in angular variables sensitive to these correlations. We investigate, for a general two-Higgs Doublet Model (2HDM), the charged Higgs boson decay of the top quark through the channel $t\to bH^+\to bτ^+ν_τ$. Analytic results are presented on the spin analyzing coefficients for this decay mode. We then explore in some detail the correlation phenomenology in the Type II 2HDM. Finally we present a hadron-level Monte Carlo analysis, illustrating distributions in azimuthal angles which are sensitive to correlations in the transverse plane. These observables are accessible also in the tau channel, and are therefore particularly interesting for analyzing the $t\to bH^+$ decay.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2007

New angles on top quark decay to a charged Higgs

To properly discover a charged Higgs Boson ($H^\pm$) requires its spin and couplings to be determined. We investigate how to utilize $\ttbar$ spin correlations to analyze the $H^\pm$ couplings in the decay $t\to bH^+\to bτ^+ν_τ$. Within the framework of a general Two-Higgs-Doublet Model, we obtain results on the spin analyzing coefficients for this decay and study in detail its spin phenomenology, focusing on the limits of large and small values for $\tanβ$. Using a Monte Carlo approach to simulate full hadron-level events, we evaluate systematically how the $H^\pm\toτ^\pmν_τ$ decay mode can be used for spin analysis. The most promising observables are obtained from azimuthal angle correlations in the transverse rest frames of $t(\bar{t})$. This method is particularly useful for determining the coupling structure of $H^\pm$ in the large $\tanβ$ limit, where differences from the SM are most significant.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2007

Prospects for GMRT to Observe Radio Waves from UHE Particles Interacting with the Moon

Ultra high energy (UHE) particles of cosmic origin impact the lunar regolith and produce radio signals through Askaryan effect, signals that can be detected by Earth based radio telescopes. We calculate the expected sensitivity for observation of such events at the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), both for UHE cosmic rays (CR) and UHE neutrino interactions. We find that for 30 days of observation time a significant number of detectable events is expected above $10^{20}$ eV for UHECR or neutrino fluxes close to the current limits. Null detection over a period of 30 days will lower the experimental bounds on UHE particle fluxes by magnitudes competitive to both present and future experiments at the very highest energies.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2005

Lunar Satellite Detection of Ultra-High Energy Neutrinos with the Use of Radio Methods

Neutrinos interact with matter only through weak processes with low cross-section. To detect cosmic neutrinos most efforts have relied on the detection of visible Vavilov-Cerenkov light in detectors embedded in the target volumes. To access the decreasing flux of ultra-high energy neutrinos, far above 1 PeV, ideas on how to increase the detection volume by observing coherent radio frequency emission caused by the Askaryan effect have been put forward. Here we describe how a satellite in lunar orbit equipped with an electromagnetic vector sensor could detect Askaryan pulses induced by neutrinos interacting with the moon. The threshold neutrino energy is found to be 50 EeV for this setup, and the sensitivity is determined from simulations. A model dependent event rate of 2.2 events per year is calculated.

astro-ph↗