Pedro Schwaller

Simplified Models for LHC New Physics Searches

This document proposes a collection of simplified models relevant to the design of new-physics searches at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the characterization of their results. Both ATLAS and CMS have already presented some results in terms of simplified models, and we encourage them to continue and expand this effort, which supplements both signature-based results and benchmark model interpretations. A simplified model is defined by an effective Lagrangian describing the interactions of a small number of new particles. Simplified models can equally well be described by a small number of masses and cross-sections. These parameters are directly related to collider physics observables, making simplified models a particularly effective framework for evaluating searches and a useful starting point for characterizing positive signals of new physics. This document serves as an official summary of the results from the Topologies for Early LHC Searches workshop, held at SLAC in September of 2010, the purpose of which was to develop a set of representative models that can be used to cover all relevant phase space in experimental searches. Particular emphasis is placed on searches relevant for the first similar to 50-500 pb(-1) of data and those motivated by supersymmetric models. This note largely summarizes material posted at http://lhcnewphysics.org/, which includes simplified model definitions, Monte Carlo material, and supporting contacts within the theory community. We also comment on future developments that may be useful as more data is gathered and analyzed by the experiments.

Flavoured Leptogenesis in the CTP Formalism

Within the Closed Time Path (CTP) framework, we derive kinetic equations for particle distribution functions that describe leptogenesis in the presence of several lepton flavours. These flavours have different Standard-Model Yukawa couplings, which induce flavour-sensitive scattering processes and thermal dispersion relations. Kinetic equilibrium, which is rapidly established and maintained via gauge interactions, allows to simplify these equations to kinetic equations for the matrix of lepton charge densities. In performing this simplification, we notice that the rapid flavour-blind gauge interactions damp the flavour oscillations of the leptons. Leptogenesis turns out to be in the parametric regime where the flavour oscillations are overdamped and flavour decoherence is mainly induced by flavour sensitive scatterings. We solve the kinetic equations for the lepton number densities numerically and show that they interpolate between the unflavoured and the fully flavoured regimes within the intermediate parametric region, where neither of these limits is applicable.

Finite number density corrections to leptogenesis

Abstract We derive and solve kinetic equations for leptogenesis within the Closed Time Path (CTP) formalism. It is particularly emphasised how the procedure of real intermediate state subtraction familiar from the Boltzmann approach is realised within the CTP framework; and we show how in time-independent situations no lepton asymmetry emerges, in accordance with the CPT theorem. The CTP approach provides new quantum statistical corrections from evaluating the loop integrals. These lead to an enhancement of the asymmetry originating from the Bose statistics of the Higgs particles. To quantify this effect, we define and evaluate an effective CP-violating parameter. We also solve the kinetic equations and show explicitly that the new quantum statistical corrections can be neglected in the strong-washout regime, while, depending on initial conditions, they can be sizable for weak washout.

Higgs CP Properties From Early LHC Data

In this paper, we constrain CP violation in the Higgs sector using the measured signal strengths in the various Higgs search channels. To this end, we introduce a general parameterization for a resonance which is an admixture of a CP-even Higgslike state and a CP-odd scalar. By performing a fit to the available data from the Tevatron and LHC experiments, one obtains constraints on the mixing angle and the couplings of the resonance to Standard Model fields. Depending on the couplings, sizable mixing angles are still compatible with the data, but small mixing is in general preferred by the fit. In particular, we find that a pure CP-odd state is disfavored by the current data at the 3� level. Additionally, we consider a mixed fermiophobic resonance and a model with two degenerate mixed resonances and find that both scenarios can successfully fit the data within current errors. Finally, we estimate that the mixing angle can be constrained to � < 1.1 (0.7) in the full 8 TeV (14 TeV) run of the LHC.

A little Higgs model with exact dark matter parity

Based on a recent idea by Krohn and Yavin, we construct a little Higgs model with an internal parity that is not broken by anomalous Wess-Zumino-Witten terms. The model is a modification of the ``minimal moose models by Arkani-Hamed et al. and Cheng and Low. The new parity prevents large corrections to oblique electroweak parameters and leads to a viable dark matter candidate. It is shown how the complete Standard Model particle content, including quarks and leptons together with their Yukawa couplings, can be implemented. Successful electroweak symmetry breaking and consistency with electroweak precision constraints is achieved for natural parameters choices. A rich spectrum of new particles is predicted at the TeV scale, some of which have sizable production cross sections and striking decay signatures at the LHC.

Consequences of T-parity breaking in the Littlest Higgs model

In this paper we consider the effects of the T-parity violating anomalous Wess-Zumino-Witten term in the Littlest Higgs model. Apart from tree level processes, the loop induced decays of the heavy mirror particles into light standard model fermions lead to a new and rich phenomenology in particular at breaking scales f below 1 TeV. Various processes are calculated and their signatures at present and future colliders are discussed. As a byproduct we find an alternative production mechanism for the Higgs boson.

The little skyrmion: new dark matter for little Higgs models

We study skyrmions in the littlest Higgs model and discuss their possible role as dark matter candidates. Stable massive skyrmions can exist in the littlest Higgs model also in absence of an exact parity symmetry, since they carry a conserved topological charge due to the non-trivial third homotopy group of the SU(5)/SO(5) coset. We find a spherically symmetric skyrmion solution in this coset. The effects of gauge fields on the skyrmion solutions are analyzed and found to lead to an upper bound on the skyrmion mass. The relic abundance is in agreement with the observed dark matter density for reasonable parameter choices.

A Little Higgs model with Exact Dark Matter Parity

We present a little Higgs model where a dark matter parity is implemented such that it is not violated by WZW terms present in strongly coupled UV‐completions. We show how to consistently implement fermions into this setup and determine the low energy spectrum of the model. The lightest parity odd state is stable and a viable dark matter candidate. We briefly discuss experimental constraints on the model.

Multi-photon signals from composite models at LHC

We analyze the collider signals of composite scalars that emerge in certain little Higgs models and models of vectorlike confinement. Similar to the decay of the pion into photon pairs, these scalars mainly decay through anomaly-induced interactions into electroweak gauge bosons, leading to a distinct signal with three or more photons in the final state. We study the standard model backgrounds for these signals, and find that the LHC can discover these models over a large range of parameter space with 30 fb−1 at 14 TeV. An early discovery at the current 7 TeV run is possible in some regions of parameter space. We also discuss possibilities to measure the spin of the particles in the γγ and Zγ decay channels.