arXiv subjects

William Shepherd

Publications and source records attributed to William Shepherd.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

EFT Validity and Truncation Uncertainty from few Nuisance Parameters

An observable in an Effective Field Theory (EFT) is an expansion in a set of small parameters, no different than any other perturbation series. Truncating such a series expansion leaves the leading dropped term as the dominant source of error, and that term itself contains a calculable portion. We explore the partial calculation of this next-order error, available at dim-6$^2$ in SMEFT with no additional tools needed to simulate it, and explore how to efficiently use that partial calculation to model the next-order uncertainty in full using a minimal number of nuisance parameters. This estimate of the uncertainty of the EFT signal rate naturally imposes EFT validity by ensuring that bounds are driven by kinematic regions where truncation uncertainties are parametrically smaller than the signal. We incorporate the calculable dim-6$^2$ piece into the signal and cover the remaining higher-dimension uncertainty with a small set of nuisance parameters derived from a scan over Wilson-coefficient values. Our algorithm to determine the relevant nuisance parameters and distributions is automation-friendly and applies to arbitrary truncation choices. We then provide multiple examples of its implementation in high-energy collider processes focused on SMEFT truncated at $\mathcal{O}(\Lambda^{-2})$, where the dim-6$^2$ piece is used to estimate the full $\mathcal O(\Lambda^{-4})$ dependence. In the examples considered here the reduction of nuisance parameters is appreciable, generically reducing the nuisance parameter count by an order of magnitude compared to na\"ive estimates.

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arXiv2025

t-channel dark matter at the LHC -- a whitepaper

This report, summarising work achieved in the context of the LHC Dark Matter Working Group, investigates the phenomenology of $t$-channel dark matter models, spanning minimal setups with a single dark matter candidate and mediator to more complex constructions closer to UV-complete models. For each considered class of models, we examine collider, cosmological and astrophysical implications. In addition, we explore scenarios with either promptly decaying or long-lived particles, as well as featuring diverse dark matter production mechanisms in the early universe. By providing a unified analysis framework, numerical tools and guidelines, this work aims to support future experimental and theoretical efforts in exploring $t$-channel dark matter models at colliders and in cosmology.

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arXiv2024

EFT Workshop at Notre Dame

The LPC EFT workshop was held April 25-26, 2024 at the University of Notre Dame. The workshop was organized into five thematic sessions: "how far beyond linear" discusses issues of truncation and validity in interpretation of results with an eye towards practicality; "reconstruction-level results" visits the question of how best to design analyses directly targeting inference of EFT parameters; "logistics of combining likelihoods" addresses the challenges of bringing a diverse array of measurements into a cohesive whole; "unfolded results" tackles the question of designing fiducial measurements for later use in EFT interpretations, and the benefits and limitations of unfolding; and "building a sample library" addresses how best to generate simulation samples for use in data analysis. This document serves as a summary of presentations, subsequent discussions, and actionable items identified over the course of the workshop.

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arXiv2022

Report of the Topical Group on Electroweak Precision Physics and Constraining New Physics for Snowmass 2021

The precise measurement of physics observables and the test of their consistency within the standard model (SM) are an invaluable approach, complemented by direct searches for new particles, to determine the existence of physics beyond the standard model (BSM). Studies of massive electroweak gauge bosons (W and Z bosons) are a promising target for indirect BSM searches, since the interactions of photons and gluons are strongly constrained by the unbroken gauge symmetries. They can be divided into two categories: (a) Fermion scattering processes mediated by s- or t-channel W/Z bosons, also known as electroweak precision measurements; and (b) multi-boson processes, which include production of two or more vector bosons in fermion-antifermion annihilation, as well as vector boson scattering (VBS) processes. The latter categories can test modifications of gauge-boson self-interactions, and the sensitivity is typically improved with increased collision energy. This report evaluates the achievable precision of a range of future experiments, which depend on the statistics of the collected data sample, the experimental and theoretical systematic uncertainties, and their correlations. In addition it presents a combined interpretation of these results, together with similar studies in the Higgs and top sector, in the Standard Model effective field theory (SMEFT) framework. This framework provides a model-independent prescription to put generic constraints on new physics and to study and combine large sets of experimental observables, assuming that the new physics scales are significantly higher than the EW scale.

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arXiv2022

SMEFT at the LHC and Beyond: A Snowmass White Paper

I detail an optimistic future vision for the use of SMEFT at high-energy colliders, and describe the use of the studies which could result for interpretation of future models. I also explore some of the potential pitfalls which could significantly degrade the utility of those results and discuss approaches to avoid them and ensure that results are actually accurate when applied to new models.

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arXiv2022

Truncation, validity, uncertainties

The truncation of the standard-model effective field theory, its validity and the associated uncertainties have been discussed in meetings of the LHC EFT WG. Proposals were made by participants to address these issues. No consensus was reached and no formal recommendation is therefore put forward at this time. None of the proposals has been approved or validated and further work is needed to establish a prescription. This note aims at summarizing the proposals and points of debate.

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arXiv2020

Measuring the polarization of boosted, hadronic $W$ bosons with jet substructure observables

In this work, we present a new technique to measure the longitudinal and transverse polarization fractions of hadronic decays of boosted $W$ bosons. We introduce a new jet substructure observable denoted as $p_\theta$, which is a proxy constructed purely out of subjet energies for the parton level decay polar angle of the $W$ boson in its rest-frame. The distribution of this observable is sensitive to the polarization of $W$ bosons and can therefore be used to reconstruct the $W$ polarization in a way that is independent of the production process -- assuming Standard Model (SM) rules governing decays. We argue that this proxy variable has lower reconstruction errors as compared to the other proxies that have been used by the experimental collaborations, especially for large boosts of the $W$-boson. As a test case, we study the efficacy of our technique on vector boson scattering (VBS) processes at the high luminosity Large Hadron Collider. We find that with only SM production channels, measuring the longitudinal polarization fraction is likely to be challenging even with 10 ab$^{-1}$ of data. We suggest further strategies and scenarios that may improve the prospects of measurement of the hadronic $W$ polarization fraction.

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arXiv2020

Shift-Type SMEFT Effects in Dileptons at the LHC

We explore the constraints which can be derived on Wilson coefficients in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory from dilepton production, notably including the constraints on operators which do not lead to cross sections growing with energy relative to the Standard Model rate, i.e. shifts. We incorporate essential theory error estimates from higher EFT orders in the analysis in order to provide robust bounds. We find that constraints on four-fermion operator contributions which do grow with energy are not materially weakened by the inclusion of these shifts, and that a constraint on the shifts can also be derived, with a characteristic strength comparable to, and a directionality in parameter space complementary to, those from LEP data. This completes the study of hadronically-quiet dilepton production in the SMEFT, and provides two new constraints which are linearly independent from others arising at the LHC and also rotated in Wilson coefficient space relative to, though not completely independent from, the LEP bounds.

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arXiv2020

The impact of flavour data on global fits of the MFV SMEFT

We investigate the information that can be gained by including flavour data in fits of the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) with the assumption of Minimal Flavour Violation (MFV), allowing - as initial conditions at the high scale - leading terms in spurionic Yukawas only. Starting therefore from a theory with no tree level flavour changing neutral currents at the scale of new physics, we calculate effects in flavour changing processes at one loop, and the resulting constraints on linear combinations of SMEFT coefficients, consistently parameterising the electroweak parameters and the CKM within the SMEFT. By doing a global fit including electroweak, Higgs and low energy precision measurements among others, we show that flavour observables put strong constraints on previously unconstrained operator directions. The addition of flavour data produces four independent constraints at order TeV or above on otherwise flat directions; reducing to three when complete U(3)^5 flavour symmetry is assumed. Our findings demonstrate that flavour remains a stringent test for models of new physics, even in the most flavourless scenario.

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arXiv2019

Dijets at Tevatron Cannot Constrain SMEFT Four-Quark Operators

We explore the sensitivity of Tevatron data to heavy new physics effects in differential dijet production rates using the SMEFT in light of the fact that consistent and conservative constraints from the LHC cannot cover relatively low cutoff scales in the EFT. In contrast to the results quoted by the experimental collaborations and other groups, we find that, once consistency of the perturbation expansion is enforced and reasonable estimates of theoretical errors induced by the SMEFT series in $\frac{E}{\Lambda}$ are included, there is no potential to constrain four-quark contact interactions using Tevatron data. This shows the general difficulty of constraining physics model-independently using fairly imprecise measurements, limited by low luminosity and/or systematic errors inherent to the precision of the detectors.

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arXiv2019

Matching for FCNC effects in the flavour-symmetric SMEFT

We calculate the complete tree and one-loop matching of the dimension 6 Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) with unbroken $U(3)^5$ flavour symmetry to the operators of the Weak Effective Theory (WET) which are responsible for flavour changing neutral current effects among down-type quarks. We also explicitly calculate the effects of SMEFT corrections to input observables on the WET Wilson coefficients, a necessary step on the way to a well-defined, complete prediction. These results will enable high-precision flavour data to be incorporated into global fits of the SMEFT at high energies, where the flavour symmetry assumption is widespread.

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arXiv2019

Jet Substructure Measurements of Interference in Non-Interfering SMEFT Effects

The tails of diboson production at the LHC are sensitive to the interference between Standard Model and higher dimension operators parameterizing the effects of heavy new physics. However, helicity selection rules for the diboson scattering amplitudes set an obstruction to the na\"ive interference contributions of dimension six operators, causing the total diboson rate correction's leading contribution to cancel. In this case, carefully measuring the azimuthal decay angles "resurrects" the interference, recouping sensitivity to the "non-interfering" operators. We explore these signatures in detail, and find that the EFT uncertainties associated with higher-dimensional operators are uniquely well-suppressed by the construction of an asymmetry variable which is only generated by these non-interfering operators, relegating the effects of higher-dimensional, interfering operators to the same status as statistical errors in this observable. We perform a complete analysis of this azimuthal interference pattern in hadronic decays of W bosons using jet substructure techniques to tag the bosons and measure their azimuthal decay angles. This technique provides a valuable cross-check to purely-leptonic measurements of interference resurrection in diboson production.

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arXiv2018

Consistent Searches for SMEFT Effects in Non-Resonant Dilepton Events

Employing the framework of the Standard Model Effective Field Theory, we perform a detailed reinterpretation of measurements of the Weinberg angle in dilepton production as a search for new-physics effects. We truncate our signal prediction at order $1/\Lambda^2$, where $\Lambda$ denotes the new-physics mass scale, and introduce a theory error to account for unknown contributions of order $1/\Lambda^4$. Two linear combinations of four-fermion operators with distinct angular behavior contribute to dilepton production with growing impact at high energies. We define suitable angular observables and derive bounds on those two linear combinations using data from the Tevatron and the LHC. We find that the current data is able to constrain interesting regions of parameter space, with important contributions at lower cutoff scales from the Tevatron, and that the future LHC data will eventually be able to simultaneously constrain both independent linear combinations which contribute to dilepton production.

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arXiv2018

Natural Stabilization of the Higgs Boson's Mass and Alignment

Current data from the LHC indicate that the 125 GeV Higgs boson, $H$, is either the single Higgs of the Standard Model or, to a good approximation, an "aligned Higgs". We propose that $H$ is the pseudo-Goldstone dilaton of Gildener and Weinberg. Models based on their mechanism of scale symmetry breaking can naturally account for the Higgs boson's low mass and aligned couplings. We conjecture that they are the only way to achieve a "Higgslike dilaton" that is actually the Higgs boson. These models further imply the existence of additional Higgs bosons in the vicinity of 200 to about 550 GeV. We illustrate our proposal in a version of the two-Higgs-doublet model of Lee and Pilaftsis. Our version of this model is consistent with published precision electroweak and collider physics data. We describe tests to confirm, or exclude, this model at Run 3 of the LHC.

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arXiv2018

Cuckoo's Eggs in Neutron Stars: Can LIGO Hear Chirps from the Dark Sector?

We explore in detail the possibility that gravitational wave signals from binary inspirals are affected by a new force that couples only to dark matter particles. We discuss the impact of both the new force acting between the binary partners as well as radiation of the force carrier. We identify numerous constraints on any such scenario, ultimately concluding that observable effects on the dynamics of binary inspirals due to such a force are not possible if the dark matter is accrued during ordinary stellar evolution. Constraints arise from the requirement that the astronomical body be able to collect and bind at small enough radius an adequate number of dark matter particles, from the requirement that the particles thus collected remain bound to neutron stars in the presence of another neutron star, and from the requirement that the theory allows old neutron stars to exist and retain their charge. Thus, we show that any deviation from the predictions of general relativity observed in binary inspirals must be due either to the material properties of the inspiraling objects themselves, such as a tidal deformability, to a true fifth force coupled to baryons, or to a non-standard production mechanism for the dark matter cores of neutron stars. Viable scenarios of the latter type include production of dark matter in exotic neutron decays, or the formation of compact dark matter objects in the early Universe that later seed star formation or are captured by stars.

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arXiv2018

Consistent Searches for SMEFT Effects in Non-Resonant Dijet Events

We investigate the bounds which can be placed on generic new-physics contributions to dijet production at the LHC using the framework of the Standard Model Effective Field Theory, deriving the first consistently-treated EFT bounds from non-resonant high-energy data. We recast an analysis searching for quark compositeness, equivalent to treating the SM with one higher-dimensional operator as a complete UV model. In order to reach consistent, model-independent EFT conclusions, it is necessary to truncate the EFT effects consistently at order $1/Λ^2$ and to include the possibility of multiple operators simultaneously contributing to the observables, neither of which has been done in previous searches of this nature. Furthermore, it is important to give consistent error estimates for the theoretical predictions of the signal model, particularly in the region of phase space where the probed energy is approaching the cutoff scale of the EFT. There are two linear combinations of operators which contribute to dijet production in the SMEFT with distinct angular behavior; we identify those linear combinations and determine the ability of LHC searches to constrain them simultaneously. Consistently treating the EFT generically leads to weakened bounds on new-physics parameters. These constraints will be a useful input to future global analyses in the SMEFT framework, and the techniques used here to consistently search for EFT effects are directly applicable to other off-resonance signals.

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arXiv2017

The $Z$ decay width in the SMEFT: $y_t$ and $λ$ corrections at one loop

We calculate one loop $y_t$ and $λ$ dependent corrections to $\barΓ_Z,\bar{R}_f^0$ and the partial $Z$ widths due to dimension six operators in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT), including finite terms. We assume $\rm CP$ symmetry and a $\rm U(3)^5$ symmetry in the UV matching onto the dimension six operators, dominantly broken by the Standard Model Yukawa matrices. Corrections to these observables are predicted using the input parameters $\{\hatα_{ew}, \hat{M}_Z, \hat{G}_F, \hat{m}_t, \hat{m}_h\}$ extracted with one loop corrections in the same limit. We show that at one loop the number of SMEFT parameters contributing to the precise LEPI pseudo-observables exceeds the number of measurements. As a result the SMEFT parameters contributing to LEP data are formally unbounded when the size of loop corrections are reached until other data is considered in a global analysis. The size of these loop effects is generically a correction of order $\sim\%$ to leading effects in the SMEFT, but we find multiple large numerical coefficients in our calculation at this order. We use a $\rm \overline{MS}$ scheme, modified for the SMEFT, for renormalization. Some subtleties involving novel evanescent scheme dependence present in this result are explained.

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arXiv2017

Recommendations of the LHC Dark Matter Working Group: Comparing LHC searches for heavy mediators of dark matter production in visible and invisible decay channels

Weakly-coupled TeV-scale particles may mediate the interactions between normal matter and dark matter. If so, the LHC would produce dark matter through these mediators, leading to the familiar "mono-X" search signatures, but the mediators would also produce signals without missing momentum via the same vertices involved in their production. This document from the LHC Dark Matter Working Group suggests how to compare searches for these two types of signals in case of vector and axial-vector mediators, based on a workshop that took place on September 19/20, 2016 and subsequent discussions. These suggestions include how to extend the spin-1 mediated simplified models already in widespread use to include lepton couplings. This document also provides analytic calculations of the relic density in the simplified models and reports an issue that arose when ATLAS and CMS first began to use preliminary numerical calculations of the dark matter relic density in these models.

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