arXiv subjects

Matthew Sullivan

Publications and source records attributed to Matthew Sullivan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

Constraining New Physics with $h\rightarrow VV$ Tomography

The application of quantum information methods to high energy physics has recently been gaining traction. In particular, reconstructing density matrices and measuring entanglement have been investigated for top quark decays and Higgs decays. This paper will further investigate the utility of density matrices for Higgs decays to vector bosons. Imprints of new physics, whether CP-even or CP-odd, in $h \rightarrow VV$ will generally change the spin density matrix, and so the tomographic reconstruction of the density matrix can constrain, or potentially detect, such new physics. New physics, expressed in the language of the Standard Model effective field theory, is analyzed in this framework of quantum tomography. Prospects for $h \rightarrow WW$ are good due to the fully chiral coupling of the $W$ boson to fermions, while $h \rightarrow ZZ$ requires around an order of magnitude more events to reach comparable sensitivity.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Real Singlet Scalar Benchmarks in the Multi-TeV Resonance Regime

Scalar extensions of the Standard Model are of much interest at the LHC and future colliders. In particular, these models can give rise to resonant di-Higgs production and alter the Higgs trilinear coupling. In this paper, we study di-Higgs production in the Standard Model extended by a real scalar singlet with no additional symmetries. We determine how large the resonant di-Higgs rate and variation in the Higgs trilinear coupling can be in four scenarios: current LHC results and projected results at the HL-LHC, the HL-LHC combined with a circular $e^-e^+$ collider such as the CEPC or FCC-ee, and the HL-LHC combined with a linear $e^-e^+$ collider such as the ILC. While these are updated results from a previous study using current LHC data, we go further and find benchmark points in the multi-TeV resonance regime for future colliders beyond the HL-LHC. Considering current LHC results, the resonant di-Higgs rate can still be an order of magnitude larger than the SM predicted di-Higgs rate. In the HL-LHC scenario, the Higgs trilinear coupling can still be a factor of three larger than the SM prediction for resonance masses in the $1.5-3.5$ TeV range, where resonant searches may have less reach. This enhancement is just at the projected 2$\sigma$ sensitivity of the HL-LHC. We find there are resonance masses for which the change in the Higgs trilinear is maximized while the resonant rate is negligible. We provide an analytical understanding of these effects with a discussion on the interplay of various constraints on the parameter space and the Higgs trilinear coupling.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Resonant Multi-Scalar Production in the Generic Complex Singlet Model in the Multi-TeV Region

We develop benchmarks for resonant di-scalar production in the generic complex singlet scalar extension of the Standard Model (SM), which contains two new scalars. These benchmarks maximize di-scalar resonant production: $pp\rightarrow h_2 \rightarrow h_1 h_1/h_1h_3/h_3h_3$, where $h_1$ is the observed SM-like Higgs boson and $h_{2,3}$ are new scalars. The decays $h_2\rightarrow h_1h_3$ and $h_2\rightarrow h_3h_3$ may be the only way to discover $h_3$, leading to a discovery of two new scalars at once. Current LHC and projected future collider (HL-LHC, FCC-ee, ILC500) constraints are used to produce benchmarks at the HL-LHC for $h_2$ masses between 250 GeV and 1 TeV and a future $pp$ collider for $h_2$ masses between 250 GeV and 12 TeV. We update the current LHC bounds on the singlet-Higgs boson mixing angle. As the mass of $h_2$ increases, certain limiting behaviors of the maximum rates are uncovered due to theoretical constraints on the parameters. These limits, which can be derived analytically, are ${\rm BR}(h_2\rightarrow h_1h_1)\rightarrow 0.25$, ${\rm BR}(h_2\rightarrow h_3h_3)\rightarrow 0.5$, and ${\rm BR}(h_2\rightarrow h_1h_3) \rightarrow 0$. It can also be shown that the maximum rates of $pp\rightarrow h_2\rightarrow h_1h_1/h_3h_3$ approach the same value. Hence, all three $h_2\rightarrow h_ih_j$ decays are promising discovery modes for $h_2$ masses below $\mathcal{O}(1\,{\rm TeV})$, while above $\mathcal{O}(1\,{\rm TeV})$ the decays $h_2\rightarrow h_1h_1/h_3h_3$ are more encouraging. Masses for $h_3$ are chosen to produce a large range of signatures including multi-b, multi-vector boson, and multi-$h_1$ production. The behavior of the maximum rates imply that in the multi-TeV region this model may be discovered in the Higgs quartet production mode before Higgs triple production is observed. The maximum di- and four Higgs production rates are similar in the multi-TeV range.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Testbeam analysis of biasing structures for irradiated hybrid pixel detectors

Following the Phase-II upgrade during Long Shutdown (LS3), the LHC aims to reach a peak instantaneous luminosity of $7.5\times 10^{34}$cm$^{-2}$s$^{-1}$, which corresponds to an average of around 200 inelastic proton-proton collisions per beam-crossing (every 25 ns). To cope with these conditions, the ATLAS Inner Detector will be replaced by a new all-silicon system -- the Inner Tracker (ITk). The ITk will be operational for more than ten years, during which time ATLAS is expected to record approximately 4000 fb$^{-1}$ of data. The ITk's pixel sub-system is based on hybrid pixel modules with new silicon sensors and readout chips. These studies focus on testbeam campaigns undertaken to study the spatial resolution and efficiencies of hybrid pixel detector modules based on the first large-structure prototype front-end readout chip -- the RD53A -- using planar silicon sensors. These devices have been irradiated to replicate the effect of the high radiation environment present during operation in the ATLAS detector. Results for devices using sensors with different punch-through bias structures and using different readout chips are summarised. Those with sensors incorporating a punch-through bias structure are found to exhibit systematically lower efficiency than those without, as a result of local areas of relative inefficiency around the punch-through dots. Despite this, all devices measured are found to satisfy the requirement of 97% efficiency at $V_\mathrm{bias}=400$ V after being irradiated to end-of-life fluence.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Adagio for Thermal Relics

A larger Planck scale during an early epoch leads to a smaller Hubble rate, which is the measure for efficiency of primordial processes. The resulting slower cosmic tempo can accommodate alternative cosmological histories. We consider this possibility in the context of extra dimensional theories, which can provide a natural setting for the scenario. If the fundamental scale of the theory is not too far above the weak scale, to alleviate the ``hierarchy problem," cosmological constraints imply that thermal relic dark matter would be at the GeV scale, which may be disfavored by cosmic microwave background measurements. Such dark matter becomes viable again in our proposal, due to smaller requisite annihilation cross section, further motivating ongoing low energy accelerator-based searches. Quantum gravity signatures associated with the extra dimensional setting can be probed at high energy colliders -- up to $\sim 13$ TeV at the LHC or $\sim 100$ TeV at FCC-hh. Searches for missing energy signals of dark sector states, with masses $\gtrsim 10$ GeV, can be pursued at a future circular lepton collider.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Code conversion with the quantum Golay code for a universal transversal gate set

The $[[7,1,3]]$ Steane code and $[[23,1,7]]$ quantum Golay code have been identified as good candidates for fault-tolerant quantum computing via code concatenation. These two codes have transversal implementations of all Clifford gates, but require some other scheme for fault-tolerant $T$ gates. Using magic states, Clifford operations, and measurements is one common scheme, but magic state distillation can have a large overhead. Code conversion is one avenue for implementing a universal gate set fault-tolerantly without the use of magic state distillation. Analogously to how the $[[7,1,3]]$ Steane code can be fault-tolerantly converted to and from the $[[15,1,3]]$ Reed-Muller code which has a transversal $T$ gate, the $[[23,1,7]]$ Golay code can be converted to a $[[95,1,7]]$ triorthogonal code with a transversal $T$ gate. A crucial ingredient to this procedure is the $[[49,1,5]]$ triorthogonal code, which can itself be seen as related to the self-dual $[[17,1,5]]$ 2D color code. Additionally, a method for code conversion based on a transversal CNOT between the codes, rather than stabilizer measurements, is described.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Role of dimension-eight operators in an EFT for the 2HDM

The Standard Model effective field theory (SMEFT) is the tool of choice for studying deviations of Higgs couplings from the Standard Model predictions. The SMEFT is an expansion in an infinite tower of higher dimension operators, which is typically truncated at dimension-6. We consider the effective theory including dimension-8 operators and examine the matching to the 2 Higgs Doublet Model (2HDM) that is assumed to be valid at some high scale. Both the limits from the direct production of single Higgs bosons and the indirect limits on the Higgs tri-linear coupling are considered in the context of the SMEFT matched to the 2HDM, and the importance of the assumptions about the expansions in powers of the high scale are examined numerically.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Complex Scalar Singlet Model Benchmarks for Snowmass

In this contribution to Snowmass 2021, we present benchmark parameters for the general complex scalar singlet model. The complex scalar singlet extension has three massive scalar states with interesting decay chains which will depend on the exact mass hierarchy of the system. We find maximum branching ratios for resonant double Standard Model-like Higgs production, resonant production of a Standard Model-like Higgs and a new scalar, and double resonant new scalar production. These branching ratios are between 0.7 and 1. This is particularly interesting because instead of direct production, the main production of a new scalar resonance may be from the $s$-channel production and decay of another scalar resonance. That is, it is still possible for discovery of new scalar resonances to be from the cascade of one resonance to another. We choose our benchmark points to have to have a large range of signatures: multi-$b$ production, multi-$W$ and $Z$ production, and multi-125 GeV SM-like Higgs production. These benchmark points can provide various spectacular signatures that are consistent with current experimental and theoretical bounds. This is a summary of results in Ref. [1].

hep-ph↗

arXiv2022

Good things to do with extra Higgs doublets

In this contribution to the Snowmass 2021 process, we outline models with two or three Higgs doublets that address open questions of particle physics and cosmology. In particular, we show that with two additional Higgs doublets one can provide a mechanism for the generation of lepton asymmetry and hence baryon asymmetry, through CP violating Higgs decays, near weak scale temperatures. In another model with only one extra Higgs doublet, we illustrate that Yukawa couplings to quarks and neutrinos can lead to a viable mechanism for the generation of Dirac neutrino masses, sourced by the QCD chiral condensate of strange quarks. We adapt Spontaneous Flavor Violation -- a framework for coupling light fermions to new Higgs doublets while avoiding tree level flavor-changing neutral currents -- in constructing these models. In both cases, flavor data provide interesting constraints on the parameter space. Either scenario includes $\mathcal{O}{(1)}$ couplings of light quarks to the Higgs doublets which allow a future 100 TeV $pp$ collider to have reach for the new scalars up to $\mathcal{O}{(10~{\rm TeV})}$ masses, through resonant single production. In the neutrino mass model, collider data can shed light on the mass hierarchy of neutrinos. This article is based on work presented in Refs. [1,2].

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Exploring Strange Origin of Dirac Neutrino Masses at Hadron Colliders

We consider the possibility that Dirac neutrino masses may be a manifestation of chiral symmetry breaking via non-perturbative QCD dynamics. The key role played by light quarks in this mechanism can naturally lead to signals that are accessible to hadron colliders. Bounds from charged meson decays imply a dominant effect from the strange quark condensate. We propose a model for Dirac neutrino mass generation with an extra Higgs doublet at the TeV scale and significant coupling to strange quarks and leptons. Current data on $D-\bar D$ mixing constrain the allowed parameter space of the model, and a 100 TeV $pp$ collider would either discover or largely exclude it. A distinct feature of this scenario is that measurements of the of charged Higgs leptonic branching ratios can distinguish between "normal" and "inverted" neutrino mass hierarchies, complementing future determinations at neutrino oscillation experiments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

The Impact of Dimension-8 SMEFT Contributions: A Case Study

The use of the SMEFT Lagrangian to quantify possible Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) effects is standard in LHC and future collider studies. One of the usual assumptions is to truncate the expansion with the dimension-$6$ operators. The numerical impact of the next terms in the series, the dimension-$8$ operators, is unknown in general. We consider a specific BSM model containing a charge-${2 3}$ heavy vector-like quark and compute the operators generated at dimension-$8$. The numerical effects of these operators are studied for the $t\bar{t}h$ process, where they contribute at tree level and we find effects at the ${\cal{O}}(0.5-2\%)$ level for allowed values of the parameters.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2021

Multi-TeV Signals of Baryogenesis in Higgs Troika Model

A modest extension of the Standard Model by two additional Higgs doublets - the Higgs Troika Model - can provide a well-motivated scenario for successful baryogenesis if neutrinos are Dirac fermions. Adapting the "Spontaneous Flavor Violation" framework, we consider a version of the Troika model where light quarks have significant couplings to the new multi-TeV Higgs states. Resonant production of new scalars leading to di-jet or top-pair signals are typical predictions of this setup. The initial and final state quarks relevant to the collider phenomenology also play a key role in baryogenesis, potentially providing direct access to the relevant early Universe physics in high energy experiments. Viable baryogenesis generally prefers some hierarchy of masses between the observed and the postulated Higgs states. We show that there is a complementarity between direct searches at a future 100 TeV $pp$ collider and indirect searches at flavor experiments, with both sensitive to different regions of parameter space relevant for baryogenesis. In particular, measurements of $D-\bar{D}$ mixing at LHCb probe much of the interesting parameter space. Direct and indirect searches can uncover the new Higgs states up to masses of $\mathcal{O}(10)$ TeV, thereby providing an impressive reach to investigate this model.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

Remarks on the structure of simple drawings of $K_n$

In studying properties of simple drawings of the complete graph in the sphere, two natural questions arose for us: can an edge have multiple segments on the boundary of the same face? and is each face the intersection of sides of 3-cycles? The second is asserted to be obvious in two previously published articles, but when asked, authors of both papers were unable to provide a proof. We present a proof. The first is quite easily proved and the technique yields a third, even simpler, fact: no three edges at a vertex all have internal points incident with the same face.

math.CO↗

arXiv2020

Beyond the Standard Model Effective Field Theory: The Singlet Extended Standard Model

One of the assumptions of simplified models is that there are a few new particles and interactions accessible at the LHC and all other new particles are heavy and decoupled. The effective field theory (EFT) method provides a consistent method to test this assumption. Simplified models can be augmented with higher order operators involving the new particles accessible at the LHC. Any UV completion of the simplified model will be able to match onto these beyond the Standard Model EFTs (BSM-EFT). In this paper we study the simplest simplified model: the Standard Model extended by a real gauge singlet scalar. In addition to the usual renormalizable interactions, we include dimension-5 interactions of the singlet scalar with Standard Model particles. As we will show, even when the cutoff scale is 3 TeV, these new effective interactions can drastically change the interpretation of Higgs precision measurements and scalar searches. In addition, we discuss how power counting in a BSM-EFT depends strongly on the processes and parameter space under consideration. Finally, we propose a $\chi^2$ method to consistently combine the limits from new particle searches with measurements of the Standard Model. Unlike imposing a hard cut off on heavy resonance rates, our method allows fluctuations in individual channels that are consistent with global fits.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

Drawings of complete graphs in the projective plane

Hill's Conjecture states that the crossing number $\text{cr}(K_n)$ of the complete graph $K_n$ in the plane (equivalently, the sphere) is $\frac{1}{4}\lfloor\frac{n}{2}\rfloor\lfloor\frac{n-1}{2}\rfloor\lfloor\frac{n-2}{2}\rfloor\lfloor\frac{n-3}{2}\rfloor=n^4/64 + O(n^3)$. Moon proved that the expected number of crossings in a spherical drawing in which the points are randomly distributed and joined by geodesics is precisely $n^4/64+O(n^3)$, thus matching asymptotically the conjectured value of $\text{cr}(K_n)$. Let $\text{cr}_P(G)$ denote the crossing number of a graph $G$ in the projective plane. Recently, Elkies proved that the expected number of crossings in a naturally defined random projective plane drawing of $K_n$ is $(n^4/8\pi^2)+O(n^3)$. In analogy with the relation of Moon's result to Hill's conjecture, Elkies asked if $\lim_{n\to\infty} \text{cr}_P(K_n)/n^4=1/8\pi^2$. We construct drawings of $K_n$ in the projective plane that disprove this.

math.CO↗

arXiv2019

The unavoidable rotation systems

For each positive integer $m$, Pach, Solymosi, and T\'oth identified two canonical complete topological subgraphs $C_m$ and $T_m$, and proved that every sufficiently large topological complete graph contains $C_m$ or $T_m$ as a subgraph. We generalize this result in the setting of abstract rotation systems.

math.CO↗

arXiv2019

Higgs Troika for Baryon Asymmetry

To explain the baryon asymmetry of the Universe, we extend the Standard Model (SM) with two additional Higgs doublets with small vacuum expectation values. The additional Higgs fields interact with SM fermions through complex Yukawa couplings, leading to new sources of CP violation. We propose a simple flavor model with $\mathcal{O}(1)$ or less Yukawa couplings for quarks and charged leptons, consistent with current flavor constraints. To generate neutrino masses and the baryon asymmetry, right-handed neutrinos in the $\sim 0.1-10$ TeV range couple to the "Higgs Troika." The new Higgs doublet masses could be near the TeV scale, allowing for asymmetric decays into Standard Model lepton doublets and right-handed neutrinos. The asymmetry in lepton doublets is then processed into a baryon asymmetry, similar to leptogenesis. Since the masses of the new fields are near the TeV scale, there is potentially a rich high energy collider phenomenology, including observable deviations in the 125 GeV Higgs decay into muons and taus, as well as detectable low energy signals such as the electron EDM or $\mu\rightarrow e\gamma$. Hence, this is in principle a testable model for generation of baryon asymmetry, similar in that respect to "electroweak baryogenesis."

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

Searching for Dark Photons with Maverick Top Partners

In this paper, we present a model in which an up-type vector-like quark (VLQ) is charged under a new $U(1)_d$ gauge force which kinetically mixes with the SM hypercharge. The gauge boson of the $U(1)_d$ is the dark photon, $\gamma_d$. Traditional searches for VLQs rely on decays into Standard Model electroweak bosons $W,Z$ or Higgs. However, since no evidence for VLQs has been found at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), it is imperative to search for other novel signatures of VLQs beyond their traditional decays. As we will show, if the dark photon is much less massive than the Standard Model electroweak sector, $M_{\gamma_d}\ll M_Z$, for the large majority of the allowed parameter space the VLQ predominately decays into the dark photon and the dark Higgs that breaks the $U(1)_d$ . That is, this VLQ is a `maverick top partner' with nontraditional decays. One of the appeals of this scenario is that pair production of the VLQ at the LHC occurs through the strong force and the rate is determined by the gauge structure. Hence, the production of the dark photon at the LHC only depends on the strong force and is largely independent of the small kinetic mixing with hypercharge. This scenario provides a robust framework to search for a light dark sector via searches for heavy colored particles at the LHC.

hep-ph↗