arXiv subjects

Vincenzo Cirigliano

Publications and source records attributed to Vincenzo Cirigliano.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2013

Shining LUX on Isospin-Violating Dark Matter Beyond Leading Order

Isospin-violating dark matter (IVDM) has been proposed as a viable scenario to reconcile conflicting positive and null results from direct detection dark matter experiments. We show that the lowest-order dark matter-nucleus scattering rate can receive large and nucleus-dependent corrections at next-to-leading order (NLO) in the chiral expansion. The size of these corrections depends on the specific couplings of dark matter to quark flavors and gluons. In general the full NLO dark-matter-nucleus cross-section is not adequately described by just the zero-energy proton and neutron couplings. These statements are concretely illustrated in a scenario where the dark matter couples to quarks through scalar operators. We find the canonical IVDM scenario can reconcile the null XENON and LUX results and the recent CDMS-Si findings provided its couplings to second and third generation quarks either lie on a special line or are suppressed. Equally good fits with new values of the neutron-to-proton coupling ratio are found in the presence of nonzero heavy quark couplings. CDMS-Si remains in tension with LUX and XENON10/100 but is not excluded.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2013

Lepton flavor violation in the Higgs sector and the role of hadronic tau-lepton decays

It has been pointed out recently that current low-energy constraints still allow for sizable flavor-changing decay rates of the 125 GeV boson into leptons, h -> tau ell (ell= e, mu). In this work we discuss the role of hadronic tau-lepton decays in probing lepton flavor violating couplings in the Higgs sector. At low energy, the effective Higgs coupling to gluons induced by heavy quarks contributes to hadronic tau decays, establishing a direct connection with the relevant process at the LHC, pp (gg)-> h -> tau ell. Semileptonic transitions like tau -> ell pi pi are sensitive to flavor-changing scalar couplings while decays such as tau -> ell eta(') probe pseudoscalar couplings, thus providing a useful low-energy handle to disentangle possible Higgs flavor violating signals at the LHC. As part of our analysis, we provide an appropriate description of all the relevant hadronic matrix elements needed to describe Higgs-mediated tau -> ell pi pi transitions, improving over previous treatments in the literature.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2013

Predicting the tau strange branching ratios and implications for V_{us}

Hadronic tau decays provide several ways to extract the Cabbibo-Kobashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix element V_{us}. The most precise determination involves using inclusive tau decays and requires as input the total branching ratio into strange final states. Recent results from B-factories have led to a discrepancy of about 3.4 sigma from the value of V_{us} implied by CKM unitarity and direct determination from Kaon semi-leptonic modes. In this paper we predict the three leading strange tau branching ratios, using dispersive parameterizations of the hadronic form factors and taking as experimental input the measured Kaon decay rates and the tau -> K pi nu_tau decay spectrum. We then use our results to reevaluate V_{us}, for which we find |V_{us}|=0.2207 \pm 0.0027, in better agreement with CKM unitarity.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2013

Low Energy Probes of Physics Beyond the Standard Model

Low-energy tests of fundamental symmetries and studies of neutrino properties provide a powerful window on physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM). In this article, we provide a basic theoretical framework for a subsequent set of articles that review the progress and opportunities in various aspects of the low-energy program. We illustrate the physics reach of different low-energy probes in terms of an effective BSM mass scale and illustrate how this reach matches and, in some cases, even exceeds that accessible at the high energy frontier.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2013

Beta Decays and Non-Standard Interactions in the LHC Era

We consider the role of precision measurements of beta decays and light meson semi-leptonic decays in probing physics beyond the Standard Model in the LHC era. We describe all low-energy charged-current processes within and beyond the Standard Model using an effective field theory framework. We first discuss the theoretical hadronic input which in these precision tests plays a crucial role in setting the baseline for new physics searches. We then review the current and upcoming constraints on the various non-standard operators from the study of decay rates, spectra, and correlations in a broad array of light-quark systems. We finally discuss the interplay with LHC searches, both within models and in an effective theory approach. Our discussion illustrates the independent yet complementary nature of precision beta decay measurements as probes of new physics, showing them to be of continuing importance throughout the LHC era.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

Neutron Electric Dipole Moment from Beyond the Standard Model

We discuss the phenomenology of neutron Electric Dipole Moment from the Standard Model and beyond, and identify the matrix elements most necessary to connect the current and forthcoming experiments with phenomenology. We then describe lattice techniques for calculating these matrix elements

hep-lat↗

arXiv2012

Non-standard Charged Current Interactions: beta decays versus the LHC

We discuss low-energy and collider constraints on the effective couplings characterizing non-standard charged current interactions. A direct comparison of low-energy and LHC probes can be performed within an effective theory framework, when the new physics mediating these interactions originates in the multi-TeV scale. We find that for the effective couplings involving right-handed neutrinos the LHC bounds from pp -> e+MET+X are at the (sub)percent level, already stronger than those from beta decays. For operators involving left-handed neutrinos, the (axial-)vector and pseudo-scalar effective couplings are best probed at low energy, while scalar and tensor couplings are currently probed at the same level by beta decays and the LHC channels pp -> e+MET+X and, by using SU(2) gauge invariance, pp -> e^+e^- +X. Future beta decay experiments at the 0.1% level or better will compete in sensitivity with higher statistics and higher energy data from the LHC.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2012

WIMP-nucleus scattering in chiral effective theory

We discuss long-distance QCD corrections to the WIMP-nucleon(s) interactions in the framework of chiral effective theory. For scalar-mediated WIMP-quark interactions, we calculate all the next-to-leading-order corrections to the WIMP-nucleus elastic cross-section, including two-nucleon amplitudes and recoil-energy dependent shifts to the single-nucleon scalar form factors. As a consequence, the scalar-mediated WIMP-nucleus cross-section cannot be parameterized in terms of just two quantities, namely the neutron and proton scalar form factors at zero momentum transfer, but additional parameters appear, depending on the short-distance WIMP-quark interaction. Moreover, multiplicative factorization of the cross-section into particle, nuclear and astro-particle parts is violated. In practice, while the new effects are of the natural size expected by chiral power counting, they become very important in those regions of parameter space where the leading order WIMP-nucleus amplitude is suppressed, including the so-called "isospin-violating dark matter" regime. In these regions of parameter space we find order-of-magnitude corrections to the total scattering rates and qualitative changes to the shape of recoil spectra.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2011

Proto-Neutron Star Cooling with Convection: The Effect of the Symmetry Energy

We model neutrino emission from a newly born neutron star subsequent to a supernova explosion to study its sensitivity to the equation of state, neutrino opacities, and convective instabilities at high baryon density. We find the time period and spatial extent over which convection operates is sensitive to the behavior of the nuclear symmetry energy at and above nuclear density. When convection ends within the proto-neutron star, there is a break in the predicted neutrino emission that may be clearly observable.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2011

Probing Novel Scalar and Tensor Interactions from (Ultra)Cold Neutrons to the LHC

Scalar and tensor interactions were once competitors to the now well-established V-A structure of the Standard Model weak interactions. We revisit these interactions and survey constraints from low-energy probes (neutron, nuclear, and pion decays) as well as collider searches. Currently, the most stringent limit on scalar and tensor interactions arise from 0+ -> 0+ nuclear decays and the radiative pion decay pi -> e nu gamma, respectively. For the future, we find that upcoming neutron beta decay and LHC measurements will compete in setting the most stringent bounds. For neutron beta decay, we demonstrate the importance of lattice computations of the neutron-to-proton matrix elements to setting limits on these interactions, and provide the first lattice estimate of the scalar charge and a new average of existing results for the tensor charge. Data taken at the LHC is currently probing these interactions at the 10^-2 level (relative to the standard weak interactions), with the potential to reach the 10^-3 level. We show that, with some theoretical assumptions, the discovery of a charged spin-0 resonance decaying to an electron and missing energy implies a lower limit on the strength of scalar interactions probed at low energy.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2011

Resonant Flavor Oscillations in Electroweak Baryogenesis

Electroweak baryogenesis (EWBG) in extensions of the Standard Model will be tested quantitatively in upcoming nuclear and particle physics experiments, but only to the extent that theoretical computations are robust. Currently there exist orders-of-magnitude discrepancies between treatments of charge transport dynamics during EWBG performed by different groups, each relying on different sets of approximations. In this work, we introduce a consistent power counting scheme (in ratios of length scales) for treating systematically the dynamics of EWBG: CP-asymmetric flavor oscillations, collisions, and diffusion. Within the context of a simplified model of EWBG, we derive the relevant Boltzmann equations using non-equilibrium field theory, and solve them exactly without ansatz for the functional form of the density matrices. We demonstrate the existence of a resonant enhancement in charge production when the flavor oscillation length is comparable to the wall thickness. We compare our results with the existing treatment of EWBG by Konstandin, Prokopec, Schmidt, and Seco (KPSS) who previously identified the importance of flavor oscillations in EWBG. We conclude: (i) the power counting of KPSS breaks down in the resonant regime, and (ii) this leads to substantial underestimation of the charge generated in the unbroken phase, and potentially of the final baryon asymmetry.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2011

A low energy theory for superfluid and solid matter and its application to the neutron star crust

We formulate a low energy effective theory describing phases of matter that are both solid and superfluid. These systems simultaneously break translational symmetry and the phase symmetry associated with particle number. The symmetries restrict the combinations of terms that can appear in the effective action and the lowest order terms featuring equal number of derivatives and Goldstone fields are completely specified by the thermodynamic free energy, or equivalently by the long-wavelength limit of static correlation functions in the ground state. We show that the underlying interaction between particles that constitute the lattice and the superfluid gives rise to entrainment, and mixing between the Goldstone modes. As a concrete example we discuss the low energy theory for the inner crust of a neutron star, where a lattice of ionized nuclei coexists with a neutron superfluid.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2011

A note on isospin violation in Pl2(gamma) decays

We discuss the size of isospin violating effects of both electromagnetic (e \neq 0) and strong (m_u \neq m_d) origin in P_{\ell 2 (γ)} decays. Our results are relevant for the extraction of |V_{us}/V_{ud}| from the measured ratio of the K_{μ2 (γ)} and π_{μ2 (γ)} decay widths combined with F_K/F_πobtained in lattice calculations in the isospin limit. We point out that strong isospin-breaking corrections, neglected in previous studies, enter at the same level as the electromagnetic effects. The updated value for the ratio of CKM elements reads |V_{us}/V_{ud}| = 0.2316(12).

hep-ph↗

arXiv2010

Flavored Quantum Boltzmann Equations

We derive from first principles, using non-equilibrium field theory, the quantum Boltzmann equations that describe the dynamics of flavor oscillations, collisions, and a time-dependent mass matrix in the early universe. Working to leading non-trivial order in ratios of relevant time scales, we study in detail a toy model for weak scale baryogenesis: two scalar species that mix through a slowly varying time-dependent and CP-violating mass matrix, and interact with a thermal bath. This model clearly illustrates how the CP asymmetry arises through coherent flavor oscillations in a non-trivial background. We solve the Boltzmann equations numerically for the density matrices, investigating the impact of collisions in various regimes.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2010

MSSM Baryogenesis and Electric Dipole Moments: An Update on the Phenomenology

We explore the implications of electroweak baryogenesis for future searches for permanent electric dipole moments in the context of the minimal supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model (MSSM). From a cosmological standpoint, we point out that regions of parameter space that over-produce relic lightest supersymmetric particles can be salvaged only by assuming a dilution of the particle relic density that makes it compatible with the dark matter density: this dilution must occur after dark matter freeze-out, which ordinarily takes place after electroweak baryogenesis, implying the same degree of dilution for the generated baryon number density as well. We expand on previous studies on the viable MSSM regions for baryogenesis, exploring for the first time an orthogonal slice of the relevant parameter space, namely the (tanβ, m_A) plane, and the case of non-universal relative gaugino-higgsino CP violating phases. The main result of our study is that in all cases lower limits on the size of the electric dipole moments exist, and are typically on the same order, or above, the expected sensitivity of the next generation of experimental searches, implying that MSSM electroweak baryogenesis will be soon conclusively tested.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

Semileptonic decays of light quarks beyond the Standard Model

We describe non-standard contributions to semileptonic processes in a model independent way in terms of an SU(2)_L X U(1)_Y invariant effective lagrangian at the weak scale, from which we derive the low-energy effective lagrangian governing muon and beta decays. We find that the deviation from Cabibbo universality, Δ_CKM = |V_ud|^2 + |V_us|^2 + |V_ub|^2 - 1, receives contributions from four effective operators. The phenomenological bound of Δ_CKM = -1E-4 +- 6E-4 provides strong constraints on all four operators, corresponding to an effective scale greater than 11 TeV (90% CL). Depending on the operator, this constraint is at the same level or better then the Z pole observables. Conversely, precision electroweak constraints alone would allow universality violations as large as Δ_CKM = -0.01 (90% CL). An observed nonzero Δ_CKM at this level could be explained in terms of a single four-fermion operator which is relatively poorly constrained by electroweak precision measurements.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

On the model discriminating power of mu -> e conversion in nuclei

We assess the model discriminating power of a combined phenomenological analysis of mu -> e gamma and mu -> e conversion on different target nuclei, including the current hadronic uncertainties. We find that the theoretical uncertainties can be largely reduced by using input from lattice QCD and do not constitute a limiting factor in discriminating models where one or at most two underlying operators (dipole, scalar, vector) provide the dominant source of lepton flavor violation. Our results show that a realistic discrimination among underlying mechanisms requires a measurement of the ratio of conversion rates at the 5% level (two light nuclei) or at the 20% level (one light and one heavy nucleus). We have illustrated these main conclusions also in the context of a supersymmetric model.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2008

The Impact of Neutrino Magnetic Moments on the Evolution of Massive Stars

We explore the sensitivity of massive stars to neutrino magnetic moments. We find that the additional cooling due to the neutrino magnetic moments bring about qualitative changes to the structure and evolution of stars in the mass window 7 Msun < M < 18 Msun, rather than simply changing the time scales for the burning. We describe some of the consequences of this modified evolution: the shifts in the threshold masses for creating core-collapse supernovae and oxygen-neon-magnesium white dwarfs and the appearance of a new type of supernova in which a partial carbon-oxygen core explodes within a massive star. The resulting sensitivity to the magnetic moment is at the level of (2-4) * 10^{-11} μ_B.

astro-ph↗