Search

New heavy neutral leptons lead to non-unitary effects in models for neutrino masses. Such effects could represent a sign of new physics beyond the Standard Model, leading to observable deviations in neutrino oscillation experiments, lepton flavor violation, and other precision measurements. This work explores the parameter space of the linear and inverse low-scale seesaw models based on flavor symmetries consistent with neutrino oscillation experiments. In particular, we investigated the violation of unitarity when the lepton flavor violation is absent and when only one lepton flavor-violating channel is present., Comment: 18 pages, 3 figures, 5 tables

We propose an alternative to the axion mechanism for addressing the charge parity (CP) problem in quantum chromodynamics (QCD). Our approach involves imposing CP as an inherent symmetry of the Lagrangian, which is then spontaneously broken. To generate the correct texture for the Yukawa matrices, we introduce a discrete $\mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry that is softly broken by the scalar potential. By identifying a benchmark point for the Yukawa couplings that aligns with the measured quark masses, the CKM matrix, and low-energy flavor-changing constraints, our findings suggest that this model offers a viable solution to the CP problem., Comment: 6 pages, 3 tables, 2 figures

In the minimal Scotogenic model with fermionic dark matter, the neutrino Yukawa matrix is fine-tuned to satisfy current bounds on $\mu \rightarrow e \gamma$ while producing dark matter through thermal freezeout. One way to avoid this bound is to open a new annihilation channel for DM with a scalar field that breaks the lepton number spontaneously. This introduces a physical Goldstone boson $a$, which can constitute a light relic and opens up the lepton flavor violating channel $\mu\rightarrow e a$. In this work, we introduce a model that contains the new annihilation channel for fermionic dark matter but avoids the introduction of the Goldstone by using a discrete $\mathbb{Z}_4$ instead of a continuous symmetry. In this way, cosmological constraints on the light relic and experimental limits on lepton flavor violating decays to the Goldstone are avoided. We analyze the experimental viability of the model, identifying the region of parameter space where lepton flavor violating constraints are not saturated, DM has the correct relic density, and DM direct detection experiments are sensitive to the DM candidate., Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures

In this work we analyze the scenario where a MeV scale $L_\mu - L_\tau$ gauge boson can explain the deficit in the diffuse ultra high energy (UHE) astrophysical neutrino spectrum observed in IceCube, as well as the discrepancy between experimental and $e^+e^-$ dispersion data driven SM calculations of the muon anomalous magnetic moment. We map the parameter space of the model where the elastic resonant s-channel scattering of UHE neutrinos with the cosmic neutrino background, mediated by the new Z', can improve the description of the observed cascade and track spectra over the no-scattering hypothesis. Comparing to recent NA64$\mu$ results, we find that some part of the parameter space remains unexplored, but at a data volume of $10^{11}$ muons on target NA64$\mu$ will completely probe this region., Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures

The quantization of a massive spin $1/2$ field that satisfies the Klein-Gordon equation is studied. The framework is consistent, provided it is formulated as a pseudo-hermitian quantum field theory by the redefinition of the field dual and the identification of an operator that modifies the inner product of states in Hilbert space to preserve a real energy spectrum and unitary evolution. Since the fermion field has mass dimension one, the theory admits renormalizable fermion self-interactions., Comment: 4 pages

We review the two-zero mass matrix textures approach for Dirac neutrinos with the most recent global fit in the oscillation parameters. We found that three of the 15 possible textures are compatible with current experimental data, while the remaining two-zero textures are ruled out. Two textures are consistent with the neutrino masses' normal hierarchy and are CP-conserving. At the same time, the other one is compatible with both mass orderings and allows for CP violation. We also present the correlations between the oscillation parameters for the allowed two-zero textures., Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures

We explore a possible explanation for the hierarchy in scale between the atmospheric and solar neutrino mass differences ($\lvert \Delta m^{2}_{31} \rvert$, and $\Delta m^{2}_{21}$) through the presence of two distinct neutrino mass mechanisms from tree- and one-loop-level contributions. We demonstrate that the ingredients needed to explain this hierarchy are present in the minimal discrete dark matter model [arXiv:2301.10811]. This scenario is characterized by adding new RH neutrinos and scalar $SU(2)$ doublets to the Standard Model as triplet representations of an $A_4$ flavour symmetry. The $A_4$ symmetry breaking, which occurs at the electroweak scale, leads to a residual $\mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry responsible for the dark matter stability and dictates the neutrino phenomenology. We show that CP breaking in the scalar potential is needed to fit the neutrino mixing angles., Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, 4 tables. Contribution to the Proceedings of the 8th Symposium on Prospects in the Physics of Discrete Symmetries (DISCRETE 2022), 7-11 November 2022, Baden-Baden, Germany. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2301.10811

The hierarchy in scale between atmospheric and solar neutrino mass splittings is investigated through two distinct neutrino mass mechanisms, from tree- and one-loop-level contributions. We demonstrate that the minimal discrete dark matter mechanism contains the ingredients for explaining this hierarchy. This scenario is characterized by adding new RH neutrinos and scalar $SU(2)$-doublets to the Standard Model as triplet representations of an $A_4$ flavor symmetry. The $A_4$ symmetry breaking, which occurs at the electroweak scale, leads to a residual $\mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry responsible for the dark matter stability and dictates the neutrino phenomenology. Finally, we show that to reproduce the neutrino mixing angles correctly it is necessary to violate CP in the scalar potential., Comment: 23 pages, 6 figures and 3 tables. v2: matches published version

New light gauge bosons can affect several low-energy experiments, such as atomic parity violation or colliders. Here, we explore the possibility that a dark sector is charged under a new $U(1)$ gauge symmetry, and the portal to the Standard Model is through a $Z-Z'$ mass mixing. In our approach, breaking the new gauge symmetry is crucial to generate neutrino masses. We investigate the parameter space to reproduce neutrino masses, the correct dark matter relic abundance, and to produce the observed core-like DM distribution in galactic centers., Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures

The sensitivity to New Physics of a low threshold scintillating argon bubble chamber measuring coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering in reactors is reported. Namely, light scalar mediators, sterile neutrino oscillations, unitarity violation, and non-standard interactions are studied. The results indicate that this detector could be able to set stronger constraints than current limits set by the recent COHERENT measurements. Considering the best scenario, a 100 kg detector located 30 m from a 2000 MW$_{th}$ reactor, a sterile neutrino search would cover most of the space parameter allowed from the reactor anti-neutrino anomaly fit. Unitarity violation studies could set constraints on $\alpha_{11}$ more stringent than the current oscillation experiments fit. A low threshold argon detector with very low backgrounds has the potential to explore New Physics in different scenarios and set competitive constraints.

We examine the potential to probe generalized neutrino interactions (GNI), exotic effective couplings due to new physics interactions beyond the Standard Model, in the coherent-elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering experiments in light of the latest COHERENT-CsI, and -LAr data. Our analysis focuses on scalar, vector and tensor flavored-GNI parameters. A combined analysis has been made to constrain these exotic couplings for the CsI and LAr detector. We further add the projected forthcoming reactor-based Scintillating Bubble Chamber detector to examine these couplings. It has been observed that the addition of reactor data strongly constrained electron flavor GNI., Comment: Now published in Physical Review D

We explore the possibility of having a fermionic dark matter candidate within $U(1)'$ models for CE$\nu$NS experiments in light of the latest COHERENT data and the current and future dark matter direct detection experiments. A vector-like fermionic dark matter has been introduced which is charged under $U(1)'$ symmetry, naturally stable after spontaneous symmetry breaking. We perform a complementary investigation using CE$\nu$NS experiments and dark matter direct detection searches to explore dark matter as well as $Z^{\prime}$ boson parameter space. Depending on numerous other constraints arising from the beam dump, LHCb, BABAR, and the forthcoming reactor experiment proposed by the SBC collaboration, we explore the allowed region of $Z^{\prime}$ portal dark matter., Comment: Matches published version. 21 pages, 5 figures, 2 tables

We propose UV-completions of Froggatt-Nielsen-Peccei-Quinn models of fermion masses and mixings with flavored axions, by incorporating heavy fields. Here, the $U(1)$ Froggatt-Nielsen symmetry is identified with the Peccei-Quinn symmetry to solve the strong CP problem along with the mass hierarchies of the Standard Model fermions. We take into account leading order contributions to the fermion mass matrices giving rise to Nearest-Neighbour-Interaction structure in the quark sector and $A_2$ texture in the neutrino sector. A comprehensive numerical analysis has been performed for the fermion mass matrices. Subsequently, we investigate the resulting axion flavor violating couplings and the axion-photon coupling arising from the model., Comment: 24 pages, 4 figures, 5 tables. Version to appear in the EPJC

The physics reach of a low threshold (100 eV) scintillating argon bubble chamber sensitive to Coherent Elastic neutrino-Nucleus Scattering (CE$\nu$NS) from reactor neutrinos is studied. The sensitivity to the weak mixing angle, neutrino magnetic moment, and a light $Z'$ gauge boson mediator are analyzed. A Monte Carlo simulation of the backgrounds is performed to assess their contribution to the signal. The analysis shows that world-leading sensitivities are achieved with a one-year exposure for a 10 kg chamber at 3 m from a 1 MW$_{th}$ research reactor or a 100 kg chamber at 30 m from a 2000 MW$_{th}$ power reactor. Such a detector has the potential to become the leading technology to study CE$\nu$NS using nuclear reactors., Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures. v2: figures added, minor changes. Matches published version

We present a minimal left-right symmetric flavor model and analyze the predictions for the neutrino sector. In this scenario, the Yukawa sector is shaped by the dihedral $D_4$ symmetry which leads to correlations for the neutrino mixing parameters. We end up with four possible solutions within this model. We further analyzed the impact of the upcoming long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment DUNE. Due to its high sensitivity, DUNE will be able to rule out two of the solutions. Finally, the prediction for the neutrinoless double beta decay for the model has also been examined., Comment: 20 pages, 2 figures, 1 table. Discussion expanded in section III and appendix. V2 matches with the PRD version

We aim to explain the nature of neutrinos using Peccei-Quinn symmetry. We discuss two simple scenarios, one based on a type-II Dirac seesaw and the other in a one-loop neutrino mass generation, which solve the strong CP problem and naturally lead to Dirac neutrinos. In the first setup latest neutrino mass limit gives rise to axion which is in the reach of conventional searches. Moreover, we have both axion as well as WIMP dark mater for our second set up., Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures ; v2: Version to appear in Nuclear Physics B, Section 2.2 has been expanded

We show that a very simple solution to the strong CP problem naturally leads to Dirac neutrinos. Small effective neutrino masses emerge from a type I Dirac seesaw mechanism. Neutrino mass limits probe the axion parameters in regions currently inaccessible to conventional searches., Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables

In this paper, we study the viability of having a fermion Dark Matter particle below the TeV mass scale in connection to the neutrino mass generation mechanism. The simplest realization is achieved within the scotogenic model where neutrino masses are generated at the 1-loop level. Hence, we consider the case where the dark matter particle is the lightest $\mathbb{Z}_2$-odd Majorana fermion running in the neutrino mass loop. We assume that lepton number is broken dynamically due to a lepton number carrier scalar singlet which acquires a non-zero vacuum expectation value. In the present scenario the Dark Matter particles can annihilate via $t$- and $s$-channels. The latter arises from the mixing between the new scalar singlet and the Higgs doublet. We identify three different Dark Matter mass regions below 1 TeV that can account for the right amount of dark matter abundance in agreement with current experimental constraints. We compute the Dark Matter-nucleon spin-independent scattering cross-section and find that the model predicts spin-independent cross-sections ``naturally'' dwelling below the current limit on direct detection searches of Dark Matter particles reported by XENON1T., Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures, 4 tables

We provide a complete systematic classification of all two-loop realizations of the dimension four operator for Dirac neutrino masses. Our classification is multi-layered, starting first with a classification in terms of all possible distinct two-loop topologies. Then we discuss the possible diagrams for each topology. Model-diagrams originating from each diagram are then considered. The criterion for genuineness is also defined and discussed at length. Finally, as examples, we construct two explicit models which also serve to highlight the intimate connection between the Dirac nature of neutrinos and dark matter stability., Comment: matches published version

We consider the class of models where Dirac neutrino masses at one loop and the dark matter stability can be obtained using only the global $U(1)_{B-L}$ symmetry already present in Standard Model. We discuss how the residual $\mathcal{Z}_n$ subgroup, left unbroken after the breaking of $U(1)_{B-L}$, dictates the neutrino nature, namely if they are Dirac or Majorana particles, as well as determines the stability of the dark matter candidate in such models. In particular, we show that without the correct breaking of $U(1)_{B-L}$ to an appropriate residual $\mathcal{Z}_n$ symmetry, the Dirac nature of neutrinos and/or dark matter stability might be lost. For completeness we also provide some examples where the dark matter stability is accidental or lost completely. Finally, we discuss one example model where the Dirac neutrinos with naturally small one loop masses as well as dark matter stability, are both protected by the same residual $\mathcal{Z}_6$ subgroup, without need for adding any new explicit or accidental symmetries beyond the Standard Model symmetries., Comment: 23 pages, 9 figures, 2 tables, Contribution to LHEP Special Issue 2019 on Neutrino and Dark Matter

We show that the scotogenic dark symmetry can be obtained as a residual subgroup of the global $U(1)_{B-L}$ symmetry already present in Standard Model. We propose a general framework where the $U(1)_{B-L}$ symmetry is spontaneously broken to an even $\mathcal{Z}_{2n}$ subgroup, setting the general conditions for neutrinos to be Majorana and the dark matter stability in terms of the residual $\mathcal{Z}_{2n}$. Under this general framework, as examples, we build a class of simple models where, in the scotogenic spirit, the dark matter candidate is the lightest particle running inside the neutrino mass loop. The global $U(1)_{B-L}$ symmetry in our framework being anomaly free can also be gauged in a straightforward manner leading to a richer phenomenology., Comment: 13 pages, 1 Table, 3 figures

We provide a generic framework to obtain stable dark matter along with naturally small Dirac neutrino masses generated at the loop level. This is achieved through the spontaneous breaking of the global $U(1)_{B-L}$ symmetry already present in Standard Model. The $U(1)_{B-L}$ symmetry is broken down to a residual even $\mathcal{Z}_n$; $n \geq 4$ subgroup. The residual $\mathcal{Z}_n$ symmetry simultaneously guarantees dark matter stability and protects the Dirac nature of neutrinos. The $U(1)_{B-L}$ symmetry in our setup is anomaly free and can also be gauged in a straightforward way. Finally, we present an explicit example using our framework to show the idea in action., Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures. Matches published version

In this letter we present a simple scenario where the mass scales associated to atmospheric and solar neutrino oscillations are obtained through the dynamical generation of neutrino masses. The main idea is that the two different scales are the result of two independent mechanisms, namely a type-I seesaw generating the atmospheric scale and a radiative 1-loop process providing the solar one. A relation of the two scales, reminiscent of the so-called sequential dominance, is thus obtained., Comment: 4 pages; References added. Matches published version

The recent observation of the blazar TXS 0506+056 suggests the presence of a hard power-law component in the extraterrestrial TeV-PeV neutrino flux, in agreement with the IceCube analysis on the 8-year through-going muon neutrinos from the Northern Sky. This is slightly in tension with the soft power-law neutrino flux deduced by the IceCube 6-year High Energy Starting Events data. A possible solution to such a puzzle is assuming a two-component neutrino flux. In this paper, we focus on the case where, in addition to an astrophysical power-law, the second component is a pure neutrino line produced by decaying Dark Matter particles. We investigate how to realize a neutrinophilic decaying Dark Matter in an extension of the Standard Model. The main features of the model are: i) the requirement of a new symmetry like a global $U(1)$ charge; ii) the Dirac nature of active neutrinos; iii) a low-reheating temperature of the Universe of about 1 TeV. We perform a likelihood statistical analysis to fit the IceCube data according to the present Fermi-LAT gamma-rays constraints., Comment: 21 pages, 3 figures. v2: numerical analysis improved and likelihood-ratio statistical test added

We propose a Standard Model extension with underlying A4 flavour symmetry where small Dirac neutrino masses arise from a Type-II seesaw mechanism. The model predicts the "golden" flavour-dependent bottom-tau mass relation, requires an inverted neutrino mass ordering and non-maximal atmospheric mixing angle. Using the latest neutrino oscillation global fit we derive restrictions on the oscillation parameters, such as a correlation between Dirac CP phase and the lightest neutrino mass., Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures

Delta(54) can serve as a flavor symmetry in particle physics, but remains almost unexplored. We show that in a classification of semi-realistic Z3xZ3 heterotic string orbifolds, Delta(54) turns out to be the most natural flavor symmetry, providing additional motivation for its study. We revisit its phenomenological potential from a low-energy perspective and subject to the constraints of string models. We find a model with Delta(54) arising from heterotic orbifolds that leads to the Gatto-Sartori-Tonin relation for quarks and charged-leptons. Additionally, in the neutrino sector, it leads to a normal hierarchy for neutrino masses and a correlation between the reactor and the atmospheric mixing angles, the latter taking values in the second octant and being compatible at three sigmas with experimental data., Comment: 21 pages, 2 figures; v2: fig. and appendix added, matches the version published in JHEP

We propose a "scotogenic" mechanism relating small neutrino mass and cosmological dark matter. Neutrinos are Dirac fermions with masses arising only in two--loop order through the sector responsible for dark matter. Two triality symmetries ensure both dark matter stability and strict lepton number conservation at higher orders. A global spontaneously broken U(1) symmetry leads to a physical $Diracon$ that induces invisible Higgs decays which add up to the Higgs to dark matter mode. This enhances sensitivities to spin-independent WIMP dark matter search below $m_h/2$., Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures; references added, Fig. 3 updated to include recent limits reported by LUX and PandaX. Version to appear in Phys. Lett. B

In this work we study the consistency of a possible non-vanishing coupling $H\mu \tau $ of the order of $3.6\times 10^{-3}$ as pointed recently by the CMS and ATLAS collaborations, with measured lepton flavor violation processes involving quarkonium. We show that the most promising channel to confirm this excess is to look for the lepton flavor tau decay into a $f_0$ and $\mu$ where the experimental limit could strongly improved with the new B factories as Belle II., Comment: 7 pages

A new realization for radiative neutrino mass generation is presented. Based on the requirement of tree-level custodial symmetry and the introduction of higher (greater than two) dimensional representations for scalar fields, a specific scenario with a scalar septet is presented that generates neutrino Majorana masses radiatively. This is accomplished through an eleven dimensional operator that requires the addition of several scalar fields and a SU(2) 5-plet of new fermions, together with a Z2 that guarantees the preservation of custodial symmetry. The phenomenology of the setup is rather rich and includes a dark matter candidate, Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, references added, matches version to appear in Physics Letters B

In this letter we present a model for quarks and leptons based on T7 as flavour symmetry, predicting a canonical mass relation between charged leptons and down-type quarks proposed earlier. Neutrino masses are generated through a Type-I seesaw mechanism, with predicted correlations between the atmospheric mixing angle and neutrino masses. Compatibility with oscillation results lead to lower bounds for the lightest neutrino mass as well as for the neutrinoless double beta decay rates, even for normal neutrino mass hierarchy., Comment: 17 pages, 3 figures. references added, one appendix with the discussion of the vacuum alignments added

The cosmological matter-antimatter asymmetry can arise from the baryon number conserving CP asymmetry in two body decays of heavy particles, when the two final states carry equal and opposite baryon number, and one couples directly or indirectly to electroweak sphalerons so that its baryon asymmetry gets partly reprocessed into a lepton asymmetry, while the other remains chemically decoupled from the thermal bath with its baryon content frozen. After sphaleron switchoff the decay of the decoupled particles inject in the thermal plasma an unbalanced baryon asymmetry, giving rise to baryogenesis. We highlight the features of this mechanism in a type-I seesaw model extended by adding a new colored scalar coupled to the heavy Majorana neutrinos. If the colored scalar has an O(TeV) mass, it would leave at the LHC a characteristic signature throughout all layers of the detectors., Comment: 18 pages, 2 figures; V2 references added, accepted for publication in JCAP

We show that by adding to the standard model plus the type I seesaw different types of scalars, it is possible to construct models that satisfy the three requirements of (i) generating neutrino masses at the TeV scale, (ii) being testable at the LHC via direct production of new states, and (iii) allowing for leptogenesis at temperatures $T\sim O$(TeV)., Comment: 20 pages, 6 figures, references updated; A new section "Constraints from FCNC" added, results unchanged; Version accepted by JHEP

The theoretical and experimental bases of neutrino mass and mixing are reviewed. A brief chronological evolution of the weak interactions, the electroweak Standard Model, and neutrinos is presented. Dirac and Majorana mass terms are explained as well as models such as the seesaw mechanism. Schemes for two, three and four neutrino mixings are presented., Comment: Lectures presented by Paul Langacker at the 11th Mexican School of Particles and Fields, Xalapa, Ver., Mexico, August 2004 (33 pages)