Search

In the context of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, the hadronic contribution plays a crucial role, especially given its large contribution to the final error. Currently, lattice QCD simulations are in disagreement with dispersive calculations based on $e^+e^-$ hadronic cross sections. The new MUonE experiment intends to shed light on this situation extracting the hadronic contribution to the running of the electromagnetic coupling in the space-like region, $\Delta \alpha_{\rm had}(t)$, from elastic $e\mu$ scattering. Still, due to the limited kinematic range that can be covered by the experiment, a powerful method must be devised to accurately extract the desired hadronic contribution from a new experiment of this type. In this work, we show how Pad\'e and D-Log Pad\'e approximants profiting from the analyticity of the correlator governing the hadronic contribution can be a powerful tool in reaching the required precision., Comment: Contribution to the QNP2024 - The 10th International Conference on Quarks and Nuclear Physics. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2405.13638

We computed for the first time the $\tau$ data-driven Euclidean windows for the hadronic vacuum polarization contribution to the muon g-2. We showed that $\tau$-based results agree with the available lattice window evaluations and with the full result. On the intermediate window, where all lattice evaluations are rather precise and agree, $\tau$-based results are compatible with them. This is particularly interesting, given that the disagreement of the $e^+e^-$ data-driven result with the lattice values in this window is the main cause for their discrepancy, affecting the interpretation of the $a_\mu$ measurement in terms of possible new physics., Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures. Contribution to the proceedings of QNP2024 - The 10th International Conference on Quarks and Nuclear Physics, to be published in PoS

Through a holographic model of QCD, we present a phenomenological approach to study the running of the strong coupling constant $\alpha_s$ in both non-perturbative and perturbative regimes. The renormalization of the metric tensor, driven by the Ricci Flow, and the breaking of conformal and chiral symmetries -- thanks to introducing a double dilaton model and large-$N_c$ corrections -- allow us to relate the existence of an infrared fixed point in the coupling constant with a smooth matching to pQCD well above 2 GeV. The proposed dilaton model yields linear Regge trajectories and vector decay constants similar to their experimental counterparts., Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures

We review the tau data-driven computation of Euclidean windows for the hadronic vacuum polarization contribution to the muon anomalous magnetic moment (a_mu), which agree with the lattice results, making the difference of the $e^+e^-$ data-driven methods with them more intriguing. This conundrum needs to be solved by next year, when the final FNAL a_mu measurement will be published, in order to extract firm conclusions on possible new physics effects., Comment: Contribution to the proceedings of the 17th International Workshop on Tau Lepton Physics, Louisville, USA, 4-8 December 2023

The MUonE experiment is designed to extract the hadronic contribution to the electromagnetic coupling in the space-like region, $\Delta \alpha_{\rm had}(t)$, from elastic $e\mu$ scattering. The leading order hadronic vacuum polarization contribution to the muon $g-2$, $a_\mu^{\mathrm{HVP, \,LO}}$, can then be obtained from a weighted integral over $\Delta \alpha_{\rm had}(t)$. This, however, requires knowledge of $\Delta \alpha_{\rm had}(t)$ in the whole domain of integration, which cannot be achieved by experiment. In this work, we propose to use Pad\'e and D-Log Pad\'e approximants as a systematic and model-independent method to fit and reliably extrapolate the future MUonE experimental data, extracting $a_\mu^{\mathrm{HVP,\,LO}}$ with a conservative but competitive uncertainty, using no, or very limited, external information. The method relies on fundamental analytic properties of the two-point correlator underlying $a_\mu^{\mathrm{HVP,\,LO}}$ and provides lower and upper bounds for the result for $a_\mu^{\mathrm{HVP,\,LO}}$. We demonstrate the reliability of the method using toy data sets generated from a model for $\Delta \alpha_{\rm had}(t)$ reflecting the expected statistics of the MUonE experiment., Comment: 32 pages, 8 figures. App. B removed. Results unchanged. Matches published version

We review recent progress on the numerical determination of the Hadronic Light-by-Light contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. We advocate for a slight increase of the White Paper number for its Standard Model prediction, to $(102\pm17)\times10^{-11}$, accounting for a revised contribution from axial-vector mesons and short-distance constraints. This $\sim10\%$ larger result seems to be supported by the most recent lattice QCD evaluations., Comment: 5 pages + references. Accepted for publication in the proceedings of the HADRON 2023 Conference, Genova, Italy, 5-9 June 2023

Windows in Euclidean time have become a standard tool for comparing lattice QCD and data-driven computations of the hadronic vacuum polarization (HVP) contribution to the muon $g-2$. Here we review our results, obtained using isospin-rotated $\tau^-\to\pi^-\pi^0\nu_\tau$ data instead of $e^+e^-\to\pi^+\pi^-$ measurements, and compare them to other approaches. Consistency of the tau-based and lattice results hints to underestimated uncertainties in the $e^+e^-$ data. If that is the case, the theory prediction of the muon $g-2$ would only lie at $\sim 2\sigma$ from its measured value., Comment: Contribution to the proceedings of 26th International Conference in Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD23), 10-14 july 2023, Montpellier - FR; 6 pages, 5 figures, 1 table

We compute for the first time the $\tau$ data-driven Euclidean windows for the hadronic vacuum polarization contribution to the muon $g-2$. We show that $\tau$-based results agree with the available lattice window evaluations and with the full result. On the intermediate window, where all lattice evaluations are rather precise and agree, $\tau$-based results are compatible with them. This is particularly interesting, given that the disagreement of the $e^+e^-$ data-driven result with the lattice values in this window is the main cause for their discrepancy, affecting the interpretation of the $a_\mu$ measurement in terms of possible new physics., Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures, 4 tables. Accepted for publication in PLB

We perform a combined study of the two hadronic decays $D^+\to K^-\pi^+\pi^+$ and $D_s^+\to K^+K^+\pi^-$ using a detailed analysis of the semileptonic decays $D^+\to K^-\pi^+ \ell^+\nu_\ell$ ($\ell=e, \mu$) thanks to the high-statistics dataset provided by the BESIII Collaboration. We propose simple and suitable amplitude parametrizations of the studied reactions that shall be of interest to experimentalists for upcoming analyses. These new parametrizations are based on the na\"ive factorization hypothesis and the description of the resulting matrix elements in terms of well-known hadronic form factors, with special emphasis on the $K\pi$ scalar and vector cases. Such form factors account for two-body final state interactions which fulfill analyticity, unitarity and chiral symmetry constraints. As a result of our study, we find that the $P$-wave contribution fits nicely within the na\"ive-factorization approach, whereas the $S$-wave contribution requires complex Wilson coefficients that hint for possibly genuine three-body non-factorizable effects. Our hypothesis is further supported by the examination of $D_s^+\to K^+K^+\pi^-$ decays, where we achieve a description in overall good agreement with data., Comment: 23 pages, 8 figures; version accepted for publication in Phys.Rev.D

We discuss the prospects for improving the precision on the hadronic corrections to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, and the plans of the Muon $g-2$ Theory Initiative to update the Standard Model prediction., Comment: Contribution to the US Community Study on the Future of Particle Physics (Snowmass 2021)

We determine the bottom quark mass $\hat{m}_b$ from QCD sum rules of moments of the vector current correlator calculated in perturbative QCD to ${\cal O} (\hat\alpha_s^3)$. Our approach is based on the mutual consistency across a set of moments where experimental data are required for the resonance contributions only. Additional experimental information from the continuum region can then be used for stability tests and to assess the theoretical uncertainty. We find $\hat{m}_b(\hat{m}_b) = (4180.2 \pm 7.9)$ MeV for $\hat\alpha_s(M_Z) = 0.1182$., Comment: 20 pages, 7 figures

We use rational approximants to study missing higher orders in the massless scalar-current quark correlator. We predict the yet unknown six-loop coefficient of its imaginary part, related to $\Gamma(H\to b \bar b)$, to be $c_5=-6900\pm 1400$. With this result, the perturbative series becomes almost insensitive to renormalization scale variations and the intrinsic QCD truncation uncertainty is tiny. This confirms the expectation that higher-order loop computations for this quantity will not be required in the foreseeable future, as the uncertainty in $\Gamma(H\to b \bar b)$ will remain largely dominated by the Standard Model parameters., Comment: 21 pages, 3 figures. Significantly shorter than v1. Results unchanged. Changes in presentation and discussions. Accepted by JHEP

In light of the first observation of the semileptonic decay $B^{0}_{s}\to K^{-}\mu^{+}\nu_{\mu}$ by the LHCb collaboration, we revisit the determination of the CKM parameter $|V_{ub}|$ from exclusive semileptonic $B$-meson decays. A controlled theoretical input on the Standard Model $B\to\pi$ and $B_{s}\to K$ vector and scalar form factors from Lattice QCD in the large $q^{2}$ region, in combination with experimental measurements of the differential $B\to\pi\ell\nu_{\ell}$ and $B^{0}_{s}\to K^{-}\mu^{+}\nu_{\mu}$ branching ratio distributions, has allowed us determine $|V_{ub}|=3.86(11)\times10^{-3}$ and $|V_{ub}|=3.58(9)\times10^{-3}$ from the analyses of the individual decay channels, respectively, and $|V_{ub}|=3.68(5)\times10^{-3}$ from a simultaneous analysis of both decays, which is only a $1.4\%$ error and differs by $1.8\sigma$ with respect to the value from inclusive determinations $|V_{ub}|=4.25(12)^{+15}_{-14}(23)\times10^{-3}$. Our results are based on the use of Pad\'{e} approximants to the participating form factors, highlight the importance of the decay $B_{s}\to K\mu\nu_{\mu}$ in complementing the traditional $B\to\pi\ell\nu_{\ell}$ one in the exclusive determination of $|V_{ub}|$, and allow obtain, to the best of our knowledge, the first correlated results for the $B\to\pi$ and $B_{s}\to K$ vector and scalar form factors. We hope that our study strengthens the case for precise measurements of the differential $B_{s}\to K\ell\nu_{\ell}$ decay rate with a finer resolution of the $q^{2}$ bins, as it would definitely allow achieving more conclusive results for $|V_{ub}|$., Comment: 16 pages, 10 figures

In this paper we present a detailed study of the four-body decay $B^0\to K^{+}\pi^{-}\ell^{+}\ell^{-}$, where tensions with the Standard Model predictions have been observed. Our analysis of the decay with P- and S-wave contributions to the $K^{+}\pi^{-}$ system develops a complete understanding of the symmetries of the distribution, in the case of massless and massive leptons. In both cases, the symmetries determine relations between the observables in the $B^0\to K^{+}\pi^{-}\ell^{+}\ell^{-}$ decay distribution. This enables us to define the complete set of observables accessible to experiments, including several that have not previously been identified. The new observables arise when the decay rate is written differentially with respect to $m_{K\pi}$. We demonstrate that experiments will be able to fit this full decay distribution with currently available data sets and investigate the sensitivity to new physics scenarios given the experimental precision that is expected in the future. The symmetry relations provide a unique handle to explore the behaviour of S-wave observables by expressing them in terms of P-wave observables, therefore minimising the dependence on poorly-known S-wave form factors. Using this approach, we construct two theoretically clean S-wave observables and explore their sensitivity to new physics. By further exploiting the symmetry relations, we obtain the first bounds on the S-wave observables using two different methods and highlight how these relations may be used as cross-checks of the experimental methodology. We identify a zero-crossing point that would be at a common dilepton invariant mass for a subset of P- and S-wave observables, and explore the information on new physics and hadronic effects that this zero point can provide., Comment: 49 pages, 25 figures

We review the present status of the Standard Model calculation of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. This is performed in a perturbative expansion in the fine-structure constant $\alpha$ and is broken down into pure QED, electroweak, and hadronic contributions. The pure QED contribution is by far the largest and has been evaluated up to and including $\mathcal{O}(\alpha^5)$ with negligible numerical uncertainty. The electroweak contribution is suppressed by $(m_\mu/M_W)^2$ and only shows up at the level of the seventh significant digit. It has been evaluated up to two loops and is known to better than one percent. Hadronic contributions are the most difficult to calculate and are responsible for almost all of the theoretical uncertainty. The leading hadronic contribution appears at $\mathcal{O}(\alpha^2)$ and is due to hadronic vacuum polarization, whereas at $\mathcal{O}(\alpha^3)$ the hadronic light-by-light scattering contribution appears. Given the low characteristic scale of this observable, these contributions have to be calculated with nonperturbative methods, in particular, dispersion relations and the lattice approach to QCD. The largest part of this review is dedicated to a detailed account of recent efforts to improve the calculation of these two contributions with either a data-driven, dispersive approach, or a first-principle, lattice-QCD approach. The final result reads $a_\mu^\text{SM}=116\,591\,810(43)\times 10^{-11}$ and is smaller than the Brookhaven measurement by 3.7$\sigma$. The experimental uncertainty will soon be reduced by up to a factor four by the new experiment currently running at Fermilab, and also by the future J-PARC experiment. This and the prospects to further reduce the theoretical uncertainty in the near future-which are also discussed here-make this quantity one of the most promising places to look for evidence of new physics., Comment: 196 pages, 103 figures, version published in Phys. Rept., bib files for the citation references are available from: https://muon-gm2-theory.illinois.edu

We revisit well-known short-distance constraints relating the hadronic light-by light Green's function to the $\langle VVA \rangle$ one, that have been a subject of debate over the past years in the context of the muon $(g-2)$. Specifically, we identify a relation among the longitudinal and transverse degrees of freedom that is enforced by the axial anomaly that, by contrast, has not received attention in the past. Such relation allows, among other things, to overcome the problem of basis ambiguities when describing axial-vector mesons transition form factors, but further applications are discussed as well, with special focus on the role of axial-vector mesons in the HLbL contribution to the muon $(g-2)$. Our results should also contribute to a better understanding of the, so far, controversial interplay among short-distance constraints with longitudinal and transverse degrees of freedom, such as axial-vector mesons. This is key to confront the theoretical and experimental result for the muon $(g-2)$ that, currently, exhibits a $4.2\sigma$ tension., Comment: 11 pages+references; major revision including a new model; version accepted for publication in Journal of Physics G

We perform a model-independent global fit to $b\to s\ell^+\ell^-$ observables to confirm existing New Physics (NP) patterns (or scenarios) and to identify new ones emerging from the inclusion of the updated LHCb and Belle measurements of $R_K$ and $R_{K^*}$, respectively. Our analysis, updating Refs. [1,2] and including these new data, suggests the presence of right-handed couplings encoded in the Wilson coefficients ${\cal C}_{9'\mu}$ and ${\cal C}_{10'\mu}$. It also strengthens our earlier observation that a lepton flavour universality violating (LFUV) left-handed lepton coupling (${\cal C}_{9\mu}^{\rm V}=-{\cal C}_{10\mu}^{\rm V}$), often preferred from the model building point of view, accommodates the data better if lepton-flavour universal (LFU) NP is allowed, in particular in ${\cal C}_{9}^{\rm U}$. Furthermore, this scenario with LFU NP provides a simple and model-independent connection to the $b\to c\tau \nu$ anomalies, showing a preference of $\approx 7\,\sigma$ with respect to the SM. It may also explain why fits to the whole set of $b\to s\ell^+\ell^-$ data or to the subset of LFUV data exhibit stronger preferences for different NP scenarios. Finally, motivated by $Z^\prime$ models with vector-like quarks, we propose four new scenarios with LFU and LFUV NP contributions that give a very good fit to data. We provide also an addendum collecting our updated results after including the data for the $B\to K^*\mu\mu$ angular distribution released in 2020 by the LHCb collaboration., Comment: 18 pages, 36 figures. Includes Addendum in an appendix with updated fit results and discussion taking into account the LHCb results on $B\to K^{*}\mu\mu$ angular observables of March, 2020. Colours of plots uniformized all over the paper. Version published at EPJC

The deviations with respect to the Standard Model that are currently observed in $b \to s \ell\ell$ transitions, or $B$ anomalies, can be interpreted in terms of different New Physics (NP) scenarios within a model-independent effective approach. We identify a set of internal tensions of the fit that require further attention and whose theoretical or experimental nature could be determined with more data. In this landscape of NP, we discuss possible ways to discriminate among favoured NP hypotheses in the short term thanks to current and forthcoming observables. While an update of $R_K$ should help to disentangle the type of NP we may be observing (Lepton-Flavour Universality Violating and/or Lepton Flavour Universal), additional observables, in particular $Q_5$, turn out to be central to determine which NP hypothesis should be preferred. We also analyse the preferences shown by the current global fit concerning various NP hypotheses, using two different tools: the behaviour of the pulls of individual observables under NP scenarios and the directions favoured by approximate quadratic parametrisations of the observables in terms of Wilson coefficients., Comment: 37 pages, 16 figures

This document collects the proceedings of the PHOTON 2017 conference ("International Conference on the Structure and the Interactions of the Photon", including the 22th "International Workshop on Photon-Photon Collisions", and the "International Workshop on High Energy Photon Colliders") held at CERN (Geneva) in May 2017. The latest experimental and theoretical developments on the topics of the PHOTON conference series are covered: (i) $\gamma\,\gamma$ processes in e$^+$e$^-$, proton-proton (pp) and nucleus-nucleus (AA) collisions at current and future colliders, (ii) $\gamma$-hadron interactions in e$^\pm$p, pp, and AA collisions, (iii) final-state photon production (including Standard Model studies and searches beyond it) in pp and AA collisions, and (iv) high-energy $\gamma$-ray astrophysics. These proceedings are dedicated to the memory of Maria Krawczyk., Comment: 296 pages. CERN-Proceedings-2018-001 (CERN, Geneva, 2018), to appear. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1804.05614, arXiv:1708.06683, arXiv:1709.09044, arXiv:1708.00912, arXiv:1708.07173, arXiv:1709.02985, arXiv:1709.00176, arXiv:1709.05167, arXiv:1708.05756, arXiv:1708.09759, arXiv:1708.07531, arXiv:1703.08450, arXiv:1711.02551, arXiv:1511.07794, arXiv:1712.10104, arXiv:1708.05776, arXiv:1712.10202, arXiv:1709.07110, arXiv:1702.08730, arXiv:1709.02648, arXiv:1411.6397

One of the main sources of theoretical uncertainty in the extraction of the strong coupling from hadronic tau decays stems from the renormalization-group improvement of the series. Perturbative series in QCD are divergent but are (most likely) asymptotic expansions. One needs knowledge about higher orders to be able to choose the optimal renormalization-scale setting procedure. Here, we discuss the use of Pad\'e approximants as a model-independent and robust method to extract information about the higher-order terms. We show that in hadronic $\tau$ decays the fixed-order expansion, known as fixed-order perturbation theory (FOPT), is the most reliable mainstream method to set the scale. This fully corroborates previous conclusions based on the available knowledge about the leading renormalon singularities of the perturbative series., Comment: 17 pages, 4 figures. Contribution to the proceedings of The 15th International Workshop on Tau Lepton Physics, Amsterdam, 24-28 September 2018

The deviations with respect to the Standard Model (SM) that are currently observed in $b \to s \ell\ell$ transitions (the so-called flavour anomalies) can be interpreted in terms of different New Physics (NP) scenarios within a model-independent effective approach. We reconsider the determination of NP in global fits from a different perspective by removing one implicit hypothesis of current analyses, namely that NP is only Lepton-Flavour Universality Violating (LFUV). We examine the roles played by LFUV NP and Lepton-Flavour Universal (LFU) NP altogether, providing new directions to identify the possible theory beyond the SM responsible for the anomalies observed. New patterns of NP emerge due to the possibility of allowing at the same time large LFUV and LFU NP contributions to $C_{10\mu}$, which provides a different mechanism to obey the constraint from the $B_s \to\mu^+\mu^-$ branching ratio. In this landscape of NP, we discuss how to discriminate among these scenarios in the short term thanks to current and forthcoming observables. While the update of $R_K$ will be a major milestone to confirm the NP origin of the flavour anomalies, additional observables, in particular the LFUV angular observable $Q_5$, turn out to be central to assess the precise NP scenario responsible for the observed anomalies., Comment: 9 pages. v2 matches the published version

Perturbative QCD corrections to hadronic $\tau$ decays and $e^+e^-$ annihilation into hadrons below charm are obtained from the Adler function, which at present is known in the chiral limit to five-loop accuracy. Extractions of the strong coupling, $\alpha_s$, from these processes suffer from an ambiguity related to the treatment of unknown higher orders in the perturbative series. In this work, we exploit the method of Pad\'e approximants and its convergence theorems to extract information about higher-order corrections to the Adler function in a systematic way. First, the method is tested in the large-$\beta_0$ limit of QCD, where the perturbative series is known to all orders. We devise strategies to accelerate the convergence of the method employing renormalization scheme variations and the so-called D-log Pad\'e approximants. The success of these strategies can be understood in terms of the analytic structure of the series in the Borel plane. We then apply the method to full QCD and obtain reliable model-independent predictions for the higher-order coefficients of the Adler function. For the six-, seven-, and eight-loop coefficients we find $c_{5,1} = 277\pm 51$, $c_{6,1}=3460\pm 690$, and $c_{7,1}=(2.02\pm0.72)\times 10^4$, respectively, with errors to be understood as lower and upper bounds. Our model-independent reconstruction of the perturbative QCD corrections to the $\tau$ hadronic width strongly favours the use of fixed-order perturbation theory (FOPT) for the renormalization-scale setting., Comment: 40 pages, 8 figures. Five references added. Minor changes. To appear in Journal of High Energy Physics

We reassess the $B\to\pi\ell\nu_{\ell}$ differential branching ratio distribution experimental data released by the BaBar and Belle Collaborations supplemented with all lattice calculations of the $B\to\pi$ form factor shape available up to date obtained by the HPQCD, FNAL/MILC and RBC/UKQCD Collaborations. Our study is based on the method of Pad\'{e} approximants, and includes a detailed scrutiny of each individual data set that allow us to obtain $|V_{ub}|=3.53(8)_{\rm{stat}}(6)_{\rm{syst}}\times10^{-3}$. The semileptonic $B^{+}\to\eta^{(\prime)}\ell^{+}\nu_{\ell}$ decays are also addressed and the $\eta$-$\eta^{\prime}$ mixing discussed., Comment: 29 pages, 7 figures. Comments are welcome

We employ a mathematical framework based on rational approximants in order to calculate meson form factors. The method profits from unitary, is systematic and data based, and is able to ascribe a systematic uncertainty which provides for the desired model independence. Two examples are discussed: the transition form factor entering the pseudoscalar-pole piece of the hadronic light-by-light contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, and the $B \to \pi$ form factor participating the $B\to\pi\ell\nu_{\ell}$ differential branching ratios which allows to determine the $|V_{ub}|$ CKM parameter., Comment: Talk given by P.M at the XVII International Conference on Hadron Spectroscopy and Structure - Hadron2017 held in Salamanca, Spain, 25-29 September, 2017

In this talk we review the recent progress on the numerical determination of the Hadronic Light-by-Light contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon and we discuss the role of experimental data on the accuracy of its determination. Special emphasis on the main contribution, the pseudoscalar piece, is made. Gathering recent progress in the light-by-light scattering contribution we consider $a_{\mu}^{{\mathrm{HLBL}}} = (12.1\pm3.0)\times10^{-10}$ as a good summary of the state-of-the-art calculations which still claims for a $4\sigma$ deviation between theory and experiment for the $(g-2)_{\mu}$., Comment: 8 pages. Invited talk by P. Masjuan at the 15th International Conference on Flavor Physics and CP Violation held in Prague from the 5th to the 9th of June, 2017. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1411.6397

We determine the charm quark mass ${\hat m}_c({\hat m}_c)$ from QCD sum rules of moments of the vector current correlator calculated in perturbative QCD. Only experimental data for the charm resonances below the continuum threshold are needed in our approach, while the continuum contribution is determined by requiring self-consistency between various sum rules, including the one for the zeroth moment. Existing data from the continuum region can then be used to bound the theoretical error. Our result is ${\hat m}_c({\hat m}_c) = 1272 \pm 8$ MeV for $\hat\alpha_s(M_Z) = 0.1182$. Special attention is given to the question how to quantify and justify the uncertainty., Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, talk presented at the 2017 European Physical Society conference on High Energy Physics (EPS-HEP 2017), July 5-12, 2017, Venice, Italy

We review how Quark-Hadron Duality (QHD) for (u,d) flavors at high energies and in the scaling regime suggests a radial and angular behaviour of mesonic and baryonic resonance masses of the Regge form $M^2_{nJ} = \mu^2 n + \beta^2 J + M_0^2 $. The radial mass dependence is asymptotically consistent with a common two-body dynamics for mesons and baryons in terms of the quark-antiquark ($q \bar q)$ and quark-diquark ($qD$) degrees of freedom, respectively. This formula is validated phenomenologically within an uncertainty determined by half the width of the resonances, $\Delta M_{nJ}^2 \sim \Gamma_{nJ} M_{nJ}$. With this error prescription we find from the non-strange PDG hadrons different radial slopes $\mu^2_{\bar qq}=1.34(4) {\rm GeV}^2$ and $\mu^2_{qD}=0.75(3) {\rm GeV}^2$, but similar angular slopes $\beta_{\bar q q}^2 \sim \beta_{ q D}^2 \sim 1.15 {\rm GeV}^2$., Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, Acta Physica Polonica B style, talk by E. Ruiz Arriola at workshop "Excited QCD 2017", Sintra, Portugal, May 7-13, 2017

The parton model relations in conjunction with quark-hadron duality in deep inelastic scattering suggests an asymptotic dominance of quark-diquark type of baryonic excited states with a radial Regge uniformly distributed mass squared spectrum $M_{n}^2 = \mu^2 n + M_0^2$. We argue that this points to a lineary quark-diquark confining potential. We analyze the radial ($n$) and angular-momentum ($J$) Regge trajectories for all light-quark states with baryon number one listed in the 2016 edition of the Particle Data Tables. The parameters of the mass squared trajectories are obtained by linear regression assuming $\Delta M_n^2 \sim M_n \Gamma_n $ weighted with the width $\Gamma_n$ of the resonance and the error analysis is carried out accordingly., Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures

We employ a mathematical framework based on rational approximants in order to calculate the pseudoscalar-pole piece of the hadronic light-by-light contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, $a_{\mu}^{\textrm{HLbL};P}$. The method is systematic and data based, profiting from over 13 different collaborations, and able to ascribe, for the first time, a systematic uncertainty which provides for the model independence. As a result, we obtain $a_{\mu}^{\textrm{HLbL};P}=94.3(5.3) \times10^{-11}$, which uncertainty is well below the one foreseen at future experiments measuring the $(g_{\mu}-2)$., Comment: 19 pages, 7 figures

We present a calculation of the $\eta$-$\eta'$ mixing in the framework of large-$N_c$ chiral perturbation theory. A general expression for the $\eta$-$\eta'$ mixing at next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) is derived, including higher-derivative terms up to fourth order in the four momentum, kinetic and mass terms. In addition, the axial-vector decay constants of the $\eta$-$\eta'$ system are determined at NNLO. The numerical analysis of the results is performed successively at LO, NLO, and NNLO. We investigate the influence of one-loop corrections, OZI-rule-violating parameters, and $\mathcal{O}(N_c p^6)$ contact terms., Comment: 39 pages, 8 figures

In this paper, we present preliminary results of the determination of the charm quark mass $\hat{m}_c$ from QCD sum rules of moments of the vector current correlator calculated in perturbative QCD at ${\cal O} (\hat \alpha_s^3)$. Self-consistency between two different sum rules allow to determine the continuum contribution to the moments without requiring experimental input, except for the charm resonances below the continuum threshold. The existing experimental data from the continuum region is used, then, to confront the theoretical determination and reassess the theoretic uncertainty., Comment: 13 pages, 4 figures. Matches the published version in Modern Physics Letters A. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1610.08531

We determine the charm quark mass $\hat{m}_c$ from QCD sum rules of moments of the vector current correlator calculated in perturbative QCD at ${\cal O} (\hat\alpha_s^3)$. Only experimental data for the charm resonances below the continuum threshold are needed in our approach, while the continuum contribution is determined by requiring self-consistency between various sum rules. Existing data from the continuum region can then be used to bound the theoretic uncertainty. Our result is $\hat{m}_c(\hat{m}_c) = 1272 \pm 8$~MeV for $\hat\alpha_s(M_Z) = 0.1182$., Comment: 28 pages, 6 figures

The mini-proceedings of the 18$^{\mathrm{th}}$ Meeting of the "Working Group on Radiative Corrections and MonteCarlo Generators for Low Energies" held in Frascati, 19$^{\mathrm{th}}$ - 20$^{\mathrm{st}}$ May, are presented. These meetings, started in 2006, have as aim to bring together experimentalists and theoreticians working in the fields of meson transition form factors, hadronic contributions to the anomalous magnetic moment of the leptons, and the effective fine structure constant. The development of MonteCarlo generators and Radiative Corrections for precision $e^+e^-$ and $\tau$-lepton physics are also covered, with emphasis on meson production. At this workshop, a documentary entitled {\it Bruno Touschek with AdA in Orsay} commemorating the first observation of electron-positron collisions in a laboratory was also presented. With this edition, the working group reaches 10 years of continuous activities., Comment: 27 pages, 10 contributions. Editors: H. Czyz, P. Masjuan, and G. Venanzoni

In this work, we present our recent results on a new and alternative data-driven determination for the hadronic light-by-light pseudoscalar-pole contribution to the muon $(g-2)$. Our approach is based on Canterbury approximants, a rational approach to describe the required transition form factors, which provides a systematic and model-independent framework beyond traditional large-$N_c$ approaches. As a result, we obtain a competitive determination with errors according to future $(g-2)$ experiments including, for the first time, a well-defined systematic uncertainty., Comment: 13 pages, 3 figures, contributions to Determination of the Fundamental Parameters in QCD; matches the published proceedings version

We discuss the determination of the $f_0(500)$ (or $\sigma$) resonance by analytic continuation through Pad\'e approximants of the $\pi\pi$-scattering amplitude from the physical region to the pole in the complex energy plane. The aim is to analyze the uncertainties of the method, having in view the fact that analytic continuation is an ill-posed problem in the sense of Hadamard. Using as input a class of admissible parameterizations of the scalar-isoscalar $\pi\pi$ partial wave, which satisfy with great accuracy the same set of dispersive constraints, we find that the Roy-type integral representations lead to almost identical pole positions for all of them, while the predictions of the Pad\'e approximants have a larger spread, being sensitive to features of the input parameterization that are not controlled by the dispersive constraints. Our conservative conclusion is that the $\sigma$-pole determination by Pad\'e approximants is consistent with the prediction of Roy-type equations, but has an uncertainty almost a factor two larger., Comment: 11 pages, 13 figures

In this work, we calculate the branching ratios for the $\eta(\eta')\rightarrow\bar{\ell}\ell$ decays, where $\ell = e,\mu$. These processes have tiny rates in the standard model due to spin flip, loop, and electromagnetic suppression, for what they could be sensitive to New Physics effects. In order to provide a reliable input for the Standard Model, we exploit the general analytical properties of the amplitude. For that purpose, we invoke the machinery of Canterbury approximants, which provides a systematic description of the underlying hadronic physics in a data-driven fashion. Given the current experimental discrepancies, we discuss in detail the role of the resonant region and comment on the reliability of $\chi$PT calculations. Finally, we discuss the kind of new physics which we think would be relevant to account for them., Comment: 35 pages, 18 figures. V2 matches the published version

We present our model-independent and data-driven method to describe pseudoscalar meson transition form factors in the space- and (low-energy) time-like regions. The method is general and conforms a toolkit applicable to any other form factor, of one and two variables, with the potential to include both high- and low-energy QCD constraints altogether. The method makes use of analyticity and unitary properties of form factors, it is simple, systematic and can be improved upon by including new data. In the present discussion, the method is used to show the impact of experimental data for precision calculations in the low-energy sector of the Standard Model. In particular, due to its relevance for New Physics searches, we have considered the hadronic light-by-light scattering contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon (the pseudoscalar exchange contribution), the pseudoscalar decays into lepton pairs, and the determination of the mixing parameters of the $\eta$ and $\eta'$ system. For all of them we provide the most updated results in a data-driven manner., Comment: 10 pages, 9 figures. Invited talk by P.M. at the FCCP2015 - Workshop on "Flavour changing and conserving processes," 10-12 September 2015,Anacapri, Capri Island, Italy

The $\eta^\prime$ transition form factor is reanalyzed in view of the recent BESIII first observation of the Dalitz decay $\eta^\prime\to\gamma e^+e^-$ in both space- and time-like regions at low and intermediate energies using the Pad\'e approximants method. The present analysis provides a suitable parameterization for reproducing the measured form factor in the whole energy region and allows to extract the corresponding low-energy parameters together with a prediction of its values at the origin, related to $\Gamma_{\eta^\prime\to\gamma\gamma}$, and the asymptotic limit. The $\eta$-$\eta^\prime$ mixing is reassessed within a mixing scheme compatible with the large-$N_c$ chiral perturbation theory at next-to-leading order, with particular attention to the OZI-rule--violating parameters. The $J/\psi$, $Z\to\eta^{(\prime)}\gamma$ decays are also considered and predictions reported., Comment: 12 pages, 15 figures. v2 matches the published version

A systematic study of the $\eta$-$\eta'$ mixing in Large-$N_c$ chiral perturbation theory is presented with special emphasis on the role of the next-to-next-to-leading-order contributions in the combined momentum, quark-mass, and $1/N_c$ expansions. At this order, loop corrections as well as OZI-rule-violating pieces need to be included. Mixing angles as well as pseudoscalar decay constants are discussed within this framework. The results are compared with recent phenomenological approaches., Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures, talk presented by P. Masjuan at the 8th International Workshop on Chiral Dynamics, 29 June 2015 - 3 July 2015, Pisa, Italy

The pseudoscalar decays into lepton pairs $P\rightarrow\overline{\ell}\ell$ are analyzed with the machinery of Canterbury approximants, an extension of Pad\'e approximants to bivariate functions. This framework provides an ideal model-independent approach to implement all our knowledge of the pseudoscalar transition form factors driving these decays, can be used for data analysis, and allows to include experimental data and theoretical constraints in an easy way, and determine a systematic error. We find that previous theoretical estimates for these branching ratios have underestimated their theoretical uncertainties. From our updated results, the existing experimental discrepancies for $\pi^0\rightarrow e^+e^-$ and $\eta\rightarrow \mu^+\mu^-$ channels cannot be explained unless the doubly-virtual transition form factors behavior -not yet measured- are out of theoretical expectations, which is an interesting result both for anomalous magnetic moments of leptons, and for physics beyond the standard model., Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures. Proceedings to Chiral Dynamics 2015 conference in Pisa

We present our recent results on the hadronic light-by-light pseudoscalar-exchange contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon using rational approximants. Our work provides a generalization of Pad\'e approximants to the bivariate case to describe the most general doubly-virtual transition form factor, which is required in the calculation. This method provides a powerful tool to systematically implement the known experimental data on transition form factors in the space-like region and low energies in a model-independent way. Given the lack of experimental data on the doubly-virtual transition form factor, we make use of the pseduoscalar decays into lepton pairs. We find an interesting and puzzling situation which calls for new experimental measurements to clarify the present state., Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures. Proceedings to PHOTON 2015 conference in Novosibirsk

The mini-proceedings of the 17$^{\mathrm{th}}$ Meeting of the "Working Group on Radiative Corrections and MonteCarlo Generators for Low Energies" held in Frascati, 20$^{\mathrm{th}}$ - 21$^{\mathrm{st}}$ April, are presented. These meetings, started in 2006, have as aim to bring together experimentalists and theoreticians working in the fields of meson transition form factors, hadronic contributions to the anomalous magnetic moment of the leptons, and the effective fine structure constant. The development of MonteCarlo generators and Radiative Corrections for precision $e^+e^-$ and $\tau$-lepton physics are also covered, with emphasis on meson production. Heavy quark masses were covered as well in this edition., Comment: 28 pages, 10 contributions. Editors: H. Czyz, P. Masjuan, and G. Venanzoni

The $\eta$ transition form factor is analysed for the first time in both space- and time-like regions at low and intermediate energies in a model-independent approach through the use of rational approximants. The $\eta\rightarrow e^+e^-\gamma$ experimental data provided by the A2 Collaboration in the very low energy region of the dilelectron invariant mass distribution allows for the extraction of the most precise up-to-date slope and curvature parameters of the form factors as well as their values at zero and infinity. The impact of these new results on the mixing parameters of the $\eta$-$\eta^\prime$ system, together with the role played by renormalisation dependent effects, and on the determination of the $VP\gamma$ couplings from $V\to P\gamma$ and $P\to V\gamma$ radiative decays are also discussed., Comment: 16 pages, 17 figures; v2: additional comments, references added; mathces published version in EPJC

The current 3$\sigma$ discrepancy between experiment and Standard Model predictions for $\pi^0 \to e^+e^-$ is reconsidered using the Pad\'e Theory for bivariate functions, the Canterbury approximants. This method provides a model-independent data-driven approximation to the decay as soon as experimental data for the doubly virtual $\pi^0$ transition form factor are available. It also implements the correct QCD constraints of the form factor both at low- and high-energies. We reassess the Standard Model result including, for the first time, a systematic error. Our result, BR$(\pi^0 \to e^+e^-)=6.23(5)\times 10^{-8}$, still represents a discrepancy larger than $2\sigma$, unsurmountable with our present knowledge of the Standard Model, and would claim New Physics if the experimental result is confirmed by a new measurement. Our method also provides the adequate tool to extract the doubly virtual form factor from experimental data in a straightforward manner. This measurement would further shrink our error and establish once and for all the New Physics nature of the discrepancy. In addition, we remark the challenge this discrepancy poses in the evaluation of the hadronic light-by-light scattering contribution to the $(g-2)_{\mu}$, specially confronted with the foreseen accuracy of the forthcoming $(g-2)_{\mu}$ experiments., Comment: v2: 7 pages, 5 figures. Improved approximation, reduced final errors, conclusions unchanged