arXiv subjects

Zhao-Huan Yu

Publications and source records attributed to Zhao-Huan Yu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Gravitational waves from graviton bremsstrahlung in scalar leptoquark decays

We study the stochastic gravitational wave background originated from graviton bremsstrahlung in decays of scalar leptoquarks, which are colored scalar bosons simultaneously coupling to a quark and a lepton. We take the scalar leptoquarks in the $\mathrm{SU}(5)$ grand unified theory as a concrete example. Stringent experimental bounds on proton decay force these particles to be superheavy, which in turn renders their graviton bremsstrahlung, induced by quantum gravity effects, less suppressed. By solving the relevant Boltzmann equation, we trace the evolution of the scalar leptoquark number density in the early universe and use it to compute the resulting gravitational wave spectrum. We find that high-frequency gravitational wave detectors employing resonant cavity techniques offer a promising means to probe such signals.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2026

Machine learning study on single production of a singlet vectorlike lepton at the Large Hadron Collider

Vectorlike leptons are nonchiral, colorless fermions from new physics beyond the Standard Model, appearing in many theoretical extensions. We investigate the prospect for detecting the single production of a singlet vectorlike lepton that mixes with the $\tau$ lepton at the Large Hadron Collider. The corresponding final states are classified as the three- and four-lepton search channels. The machine learning algorithm XGBoost is employed to enhance signal-background discrimination. Our analysis indicates that, at $\sqrt{s} = 14~\mathrm{TeV}$ with an integrated luminosity of $3000~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$ under the assumption of negligible systematic uncertainties, the expected $2\sigma$ exclusion limits in the three- and four-lepton channels can reach vectorlike lepton masses up to $500$ and $405~\mathrm{GeV}$ in the parameter region allowed by the electroweak oblique parameter constraint, respectively. These findings demonstrate that machine learning techniques can substantially improve the sensitivity of collider searches for vectorlike leptons.

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arXiv2026

Scalar-induced gravitational waves and primordial black holes from a localized bump or dip feature in a single-field inflationary potential

We study the production of scalar-induced gravitational waves and primordial black holes in a single-field inflation model with a localized bump or dip feature in the potential. Introducing such a localized feature temporarily decelerates the slow-roll inflaton, amplifying the primordial curvature power spectrum into a sharp peak. Consequently, this enhancement sources a significant stochastic background of gravitational waves and leads to abundant formation of primordial black holes. Through eight benchmark cases, we show that the predicted abundances of primordial black holes can remain compatible with current observational limits, while the corresponding gravitational wave spectra peaking across a wide range of frequencies are accessible to future gravitational wave experiments in multiple observational bands.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

Numerical study on the gauge symmetry of electroweak amplitudes

Electroweak (EW) amplitudes in the gauge-Goldstone five-component formalism have a distinctive property: gauge symmetry is imprinted in the amplitudes, manifested as the massive Ward identity (MWI) $k^M\mathcal M_M=0$. In this study, we used the HELAS package to numerically study gauge symmetry in EW amplitudes. First, we directly tested gauge symmetry by examining the MWI of amplitudes. Second, we modified the couplings within a vertex and among vertices to check if and how the MWI changes. Third, we tested gauge symmetry by considering the couplings modified by operators from the standard model effective field theory (SMEFT). Similar to the standard model, there are relations between different couplings that are protected by gauge symmetry. We observed that, if we modify the couplings to deviate from the relations, the MWI is violated. In contrast, the MWI is restored when the relations between couplings reduce to those in the SMEFT.

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arXiv2025

Imprints of an early matter-dominated era arising from dark matter dilution mechanism on cosmic string dynamics and gravitational wave signatures

We investigate the influence of an early matter-dominated era in cosmic history on the dynamics of cosmic strings and the resulting stochastic gravitational waves. Specifically, we examine the case where this era originates from the dark matter dilution mechanism within the framework of the minimal left-right symmetric model. By numerically solving the Boltzmann equations governing the energy densities of the relevant components, we meticulously analyze the modifications to the cosmological scale factor, the number density of cosmic string loops, and the gravitational wave spectrum. Our results reveal that the early matter-dominated era causes a characteristic suppression in the high-frequency regime of the gravitational wave spectrum, providing distinct and testable signatures for future ground-based interferometer experiments.

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arXiv2025

Collapsing domain walls with $\mathbb{Z}_2$-violating coupling to thermalized fermions and their impact on gravitational wave detections

We study the dynamics of domain walls formed through the spontaneous breaking of an approximate $\mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry in a scalar field, focusing on their collapse under the influence of quantum and thermal corrections induced by a $\mathbb{Z}_2$-violating Yukawa coupling to Dirac fermions in the thermal bath. The thermal effects make the potential bias between the true and false vacua dependent on the temperature and may lead to notable variations in the annihilation temperature of domain walls, in addition to the shift caused by temperature-independent quantum corrections. These modifications could substantially alter the gravitational wave spectrum produced by collapsing domain walls, potentially providing observable signatures for future gravitational wave detection experiments.

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arXiv2024

Leptogenesis assisted by scalar decays

We present a pragmatic approach to lower down the mass scale of right-handed neutrinos in leptogenesis by introducing a scalar decaying to right-handed neutrinos. The key point of our proposal is that the out-of-equilibrium decays of the scalar provide an additional source for right-handed neutrinos and hence the lepton asymmetry. This mechanism works well at low temperatures when the washout of the generated lepton asymmetry is suppressed. Thus, the lepton asymmetry can be effectively produced despite the washout effect is strong or not. Through a comprehensive analysis, we demonstrate that such a scalar-assisted leptogenesis can typically decrease the viable right-handed neutrino mass scale by one to three orders of magnitude.

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arXiv2023

Dark Mater Interactions From An Extra U(1) gauge symmetry with kinetic mixing and Higgs charge

We investigate fermionic dark matter interactions with standard model particles from an additional $\mathrm{U}(1)_\mathrm{X}$ gauge symmetry, assuming kinetic mixing between the $\mathrm{U}(1)_\mathrm{X}$ and $\mathrm{U}(1)_\mathrm{Y}$ gauge fields as well as a nonzero $\mathrm{U}(1)_\mathrm{X}$ charge of the Higgs doublet. For ensuring gauge-invariant Yukawa interactions and the cancellation of gauge anomalies, the standard model fermions are assigned $Y$-sequential $\mathrm{U}(1)_\mathrm{X}$ charges proportional to the Higgs charge. Although the Higgs charge should be small due to collider constraints, it is useful to decrease the effective cross section of dark matter scattering off nucleons by two orders of magnitude and easier evade from direct detection bounds. After some numerical scans performed in the parameter space, we find that the introduction of the Higgs charge can also enhance the dark matter relic density by at least two orders of magnitude. When the observed relic density and the direct detection constraints are tangled, at the case where the resonance effect is important for dark matter freeze-out, the Higgs charge can expand physical windows to some extent by relieving the tension between the relic density and the direct detection.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Nano-Hertz gravitational waves from collapsing domain walls associated with freeze-in dark matter in light of pulsar timing array observations

Evidence for a stochastic gravitational wave background in the nHz frequency band is recently reported by four pulsar timing array collaborations NANOGrav, EPTA, CPTA, and PPTA. It can be interpreted by gravitational waves from collapsing domain walls in the early universe. We assume such domain walls arising from the spontaneous breaking of a $Z_2$ symmetry in a scalar field theory, where a tiny $Z_2$-violating potential is required to make domain walls unstable. We propose that this $Z_2$-violating potential is radiatively induced by a feeble Yukawa coupling between the scalar field and a fermion field, which is also responsible for dark matter production via the freeze-in mechanism. Combining the pulsar timing array data and the observed dark matter relic density, we find that the model parameters can be narrowed down to small ranges.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Gravitational waves from cosmic strings associated with pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone dark matter

We study stochastic gravitational waves from cosmic strings generated in an ultraviolet-complete model for pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone dark matter with a hidden $\mathrm{U(1)}$ gauge symmetry. The dark matter candidate in this model can naturally evade direct detection bounds and easily satisfy other phenomenological constraints. The bound on the dark matter lifetime implies an ultraviolet scale higher than $10^9~\mathrm{GeV}$. The spontaneous $\mathrm{U(1)}$ symmetry breaking at such a high scale would induce cosmic strings with high tension, resulting in a stochastic gravitational wave background with a high energy density. We investigate the constraints from current gravitational wave experiments as well as the future sensitivity. We find that most viable parameter points can be well studied in future gravitational wave experiments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Ultraviolet completion of pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone dark matter with a hidden U(1) gauge symmetry

We propose an ultraviolet completion model for pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone dark matter with a hidden $\mathrm{U}(1)$ gauge symmetry. Compared to previous studies, this setup is simpler, introducing less interactions. Dark matter scattering off nucleons is highly suppressed by the ultraviolet scale and direct detection constraints can be easily evaded. The kinetic mixing between the hidden $\mathrm{U}(1)$ and the $\mathrm{U}(1)_\mathrm{Y}$ gauge fields would lead to dark matter decays. We find that the current bound on the dark matter lifetime implies that the ultraviolet scale should be higher than $10^{10}~\mathrm{GeV}$. The phenomenological constraints from the 125 GeV Higgs measurements, the dark matter relic density, and indirect detection of dark matter annihilation are also investigated.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Geminga contribution to the cosmic-ray positron excess according to the gamma-ray observations

We attempt to interpret the cosmic-ray positron excess by injection from the nearby pulsar Geminga, assuming a two-zone diffusion scenario and an injection spectrum with a low energy cutoff. Since the high energy positrons and electrons from Geminga can induce $\gamma$ rays via inverse Compton scattering, we take into account the extended $\gamma$-ray observations around Geminga from HAWC for $\sim 10$ TeV and from Fermi-LAT for $\mathcal{O}(10)$ GeV. According to the extended $\gamma$-ray observation claimed by an analysis of Fermi-LAT data, we find that Geminga could explain the positron excess for a $30\%$ energy conversion efficiency into positrons and electrons. However, based on the constraint on the extended $\gamma$ rays given by another Fermi-LAT analysis, positrons from Geminga would be insufficient to account for the positron excess. A further robust analysis of Fermi-LAT data for the extended $\gamma$ rays would be crucial to determine whether Geminga can explain the positron excess or not.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Electroweak dark matter model accounting for the CDF $W$-mass anomaly

Recently, the CDF collaboration reported a new measurement of the $W$ boson mass $M_W = 80.4335 \pm 0.0094$ GeV, which shows a $\sim 7\sigma$ deviation from the standard model prediction $80.3545 \pm 0.0057$ GeV obtained by the electroweak (EW) global fit. This deviation can be explained by new physics generating moderate EW oblique parameters $S$, $T$, and $U$. In this work, we use the loop corrections induced by some extra EW multiplets to explain the CDF $M_W$ anomaly. The lightest neutral particle in the multiplets can also serve as a candidate of cold dark matter (DM). We consider two such models, namely singlet-triplet scalar DM and singlet-doublet fermionic DM models, and perform numerical scans to find the parameter points accounting for the $M_W$ anomaly. The constraints from the correct DM thermal relic density and direct detection are also taken into account. We find the parameter points simultaneously interpreting the $M_W$ anomaly and satisfying the DM requirements in the former model, but do not find such parameter points in the latter model.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Corrections to electroweak precision observables from mixings of an exotic vector boson in light of the CDF $W$-mass anomaly

We enumerate various effective couplings that contribute to the mixings between an exotic vector boson $Z^{\prime}$ and the neutral electroweak vector bosons. The miscellaneous mixing patterns can be evaluated perturbatively. The effective oblique parameters $S^{\prime}$, $T^{\prime}$, and $U^{\prime}$ are calculated to compare with the electroweak precision test results. With the contributions to the non-negligible $U^{\prime}$ parameter from the $\epsilon_{B,W}$ parameters and the aid of some other parameters to cancel the negative $T^{\prime}$, the recent CDF $W$-mass anomaly can therefore be explained.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Explaining the GeV antiproton/$\gamma-$ray excesses and W-boson mass anomaly in an inert two Higgs doublet model

For the newly discovered $W$-boson mass anomaly, one of the simplest dark matter (DM) models that can account for the anomaly without violating other astrophysical/experimental constraints is the inert two Higgs doublet model, in which the DM mass ($m_{S}$) is found to be within $\sim 54-74$ GeV. In this model, the annihilation of DM via $SS\to b\bar{b}$ and $SS\to WW^{*}$ would produce antiprotons and gamma rays, and may account for the excesses identified previously in both particles. Motivated by this, we re-analyze the AMS-02 antiproton and Fermi-LAT Galactic center gamma-ray data. For the antiproton analysis, the novel treatment is the inclusion of the charge-sign-dependent three-dimensional solar modulation model as constrained by the time-dependent proton data. We find that the excess of antiprotons is more distinct than previous results based on the force-field solar modulation model. The interpretation of this excess as the annihilation of $SS\to WW^{*}$ ($SS\to b\bar{b}$) requires a DM mass of $\sim 40-80$ ($40-60$) GeV and a velocity-averaged cross section of $O(10^{-26})~{\rm cm^3~s^{-1}}$. As for the $\gamma$-ray data analysis, besides adopting the widely-used spatial template fitting, we employ an orthogonal approach with a data-driven spectral template analysis. The fitting to the GeV $\gamma$-ray excess yields DM model parameters overlapped with those to fit the antiproton excess via the $WW^{*}$ channel. The consistency of the DM particle properties required to account for the $W$-boson mass anomaly, the GeV antiproton excess, and the GeV $\gamma$-ray excess suggest a common origin of them.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

Vector dark matter from split SU(2) gauge bosons

We propose a vector dark matter model with an exotic dark SU(2) gauge group. Two Higgs triplets are introduced to spontaneously break the symmetry. All of the dark gauge bosons become massive, and the lightest one is a viable vector DM candidate. Its stability is guaranteed by a remaining Z_2 symmetry. We study the parameter space constrained by the Higgs measurement data, the dark matter relic density, and direct and indirect detection experiments. We find numerous parameter points satisfying all the constraints, and they could be further tested in future experiments. Similar methodology can be used to construct vector dark matter models from an arbitrary SO(N) gauge group.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

$1 \leftrightarrow 2$ Processes of a Sterile Neutrino Around Electroweak Scale in the Thermal Plasma

In this paper, we will apply the Goldstone equivalence gauge to calculate the $1 \leftrightarrow 2$ processes of a sterile neutrino in the thermal plasma below the standard model (SM) critical temperature $T_c \approx 160 \text{ GeV}$. The sterile neutrino's mass is around the electroweak scale $50 \text{ GeV} \leq m_N \leq 200 \text{ GeV}$, and the acquired thermal averaged effective width $\barΓ_{\text{tot}}$ is continuous around the cross-over. We will also apply our results to perform a preliminary calculation of the leptogenesis.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Phase transition gravitational waves from pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone dark matter and two Higgs doublets

We investigate the potential stochastic gravitational waves from first-order electroweak phase transitions in a model with pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone dark matter and two Higgs doublets. The dark matter candidate can naturally evade direct detection bounds, and can achieve the observed relic abundance via the thermal mechanism. Three scalar fields in the model obtain vacuum expectation values, related to phase transitions at the early Universe. We search for the parameter points that can cause first-order phase transitions, taking into account the existed experimental constraints. The resulting gravitational wave spectra are further evaluated. Some parameter points are found to induce strong gravitational wave signals, which have the opportunity to be detected in future space-based interferometer experiments LISA, Taiji, and TianQin.

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