Search

We introduce a framework for hybrid neutrino mass generation, wherein scotogenic dark sector particles, including dark matter, are charged non-trivially under the $A_4$ flavor symmetry. The spontaneous breaking of the $A_4$ group to residual $\mathcal{Z}_2$ subgroup results in the ``cutting" of the radiative loop. As a consequence the neutrinos acquire mass through the hybrid ``scoto-seesaw" mass mechanism, combining aspects of both the tree-level seesaw and one-loop scotogenic mechanisms, with the residual $\mathcal{Z}_2$ subgroup ensuring the stability of the dark matter. The flavor symmetry also leads to several predictions including the normal ordering of neutrino masses and ``generalized $\mu-\tau$ reflection symmetry" in leptonic mixing. Additionally, it gives testable predictions for neutrinoless double beta decay and a lower limit on the lightest neutrino mass. Finally, $A_4 \to \mathcal{Z}_2$ breaking also leaves its imprint on the dark sector and ties it with the neutrino masses and mixing. The model allows only scalar dark matter, whose mass has a theoretical upper limit of $\lesssim$ 600 GeV, with viable parameter space satisfying all dark matter constraints, available only up to about 80 GeV. Conversely, fermionic dark matter is excluded due to constraints from the neutrino sector. Various aspects of this highly predictive framework can be tested in both current and upcoming neutrino and dark matter experiments., Comment: 38 pages, 3 tables, 18 figures

The relativistic degrees of freedom ($N_{\rm eff}$) is one of the crucial cosmological parameters. The precise measurement of $N_{\rm eff}$ at the time of cosmic microwave background formation, by Planck 2018 can be used to understand the new fundamental interactions, in particular involving light mediators. Presence of any new particle with sufficient energy density and sizeable interactions with Standard Model particles at the temperature around $\sim$ MeV can significantly alter the neutrino decoupling and hence $N_{\rm eff}$. Thus the bound on $N_{\rm eff}$ can place stringent constraints on various beyond Standard Model paradigms involving light particles. $U(1)_X$ models are among such scenarios and are widely studied in several aspects. In this work, we consider several popular $U(1)_X$ models with light $Z'$ boson like $U(1)_{B-L}$, $U(1)_{B - 3L_i}$, $U(1)_{B_i - 3 L_j}$, $U(1)_{L_i - L_j}$; $i,j =1,2,3$ being the flavour indices and study their impact on $N_{\rm eff}$. We also examine the constraints from ground based experiments like Xenon1T, Borexino, trident, etc. Our analysis shows that for light mass $M_{Z'} \lesssim \mathcal{O} (\rm{MeV})$ the $N_{\rm eff}$ provides the most stringent constraints on the $Z'$ mass and coupling, far exceeding the existing constraints from other experiments., Comment: 20 pages, 6 figures, 2 tables

The current upper limit on $N_{\rm eff}$ at the time of CMB by Planck 2018 can place stringent constraints in the parameter space of BSM paradigms where their additional interactions may affect neutrino decoupling. Motivated by this fact in this paper we explore the consequences of light gauge boson ($Z'$) emerging from local $U(1)_X$ symmetry in $N_{\rm eff}$ at the time of CMB. First, we analyze the generic $U(1)_X$ models with arbitrary charge assignments for the SM fermions and show that, in the context of $N_{\rm eff}$ the generic $U(1)_X$ gauged models can be broadly classified into two categories, depending on the charge assignments of first generation leptons. We then perform a detailed analysis with two specific $U(1)_X$ models: $U(1)_{B_3-3L_e}$ and $U(1)_{B_3-3L_\mu}$ and explore the contribution in $N_{\rm eff}$ due to the presence of $Z'$ realized in those models. For comparison, we also showcase the constraints from low energy experiments like: Borexino, Xenon 1T, neutrino trident, etc. We show that in a specific parameter space, particularly in the low mass region of $Z'$, the bound from $N_{\rm eff}$ (Planck 2018) is more stringent than the experimental constraints. Additionally, a part of the regions of the same parameter space may also relax the $H_0$ tension., Comment: typos fixed, main text 28 pages, 9 Figures

This paper's novelty lies in introducing a hybrid scoto-seesaw model rooted in $A_4$ discrete modular symmetry leading to several interesting phenomenological implications. The scoto-seesaw framework leads to generation of one mass square difference $( \Delta m^2_{\rm atm}$) using the type-I seesaw mechanism at the tree level. Additionally, the scotogenic contribution is vital in obtaining the other mass square difference ($\Delta m^2 _{\rm sol}$) at the loop level, thus providing a clear interpretation of the two different mass square differences. The non-trivial transformation of Yukawa couplings under the $A_4$ modular symmetry helps to explore neutrino phenomenology with a specific flavor structure of the mass matrix. In addition to predictions for neutrino mass ordering, mixing angles and CP phases, this setup leads to precise predictions for $\sum m_i$ as well as $|m_{ee}|$. In particular, the model predicts $\sum m_i \in (0.073,0.097)$ eV and $\left| m_{ee}\right| \in (3.15,6.66)\times 10^{-3} $ eV range; within reach of upcoming experiments. Furthermore, our model is also promising for addressing lepton flavor violations, i.e., $\ell_\alpha \to \ell_\beta \gamma$, $\ell_\alpha \to 3\ell_\beta$ and $\mu - e $ conversion rates while staying within the realm of current experimental limits., Comment: 38 pages, 4 tables, 15 figures, V3 minor correction, results unchanged, matches with published version in PLB

We consider a scenario in which dark matter particles are accelerated to semi-relativistic velocities through their scattering with the Diffuse Supernova Neutrino Background. Such a subdominant, but more energetic dark matter component can be then detected via its scattering on the electrons and nucleons inside direct detection experiments. This opens up the possibility to probe the sub-GeV mass range, a region of parameter space that is usually not accessible at such facilities. We analyze current data from the XENONnT and LUX-ZEPLIN experiments and we obtain novel constraints on the scattering cross sections of sub-GeV boosted dark matter with both nucleons and electrons. We also highlight the importance of carefully taking into account Earth's attenuation effects as well as the finite nuclear size into the analysis. By comparing our results to other existing constraints, we show that these effects lead to improved and more robust constraints., Comment: 29 pages, 11 figures, 2 tables, V3 references added, results unchanged, matches published version in JCAP

Modular symmetries offer a dynamic approach to understanding the flavour structure of leptonic mixing. Using the modular $\mathcal{A}_4$ flavour symmetry integrated in a type-II seesaw, we propose a simple and minimalistic model that restricts the neutrino oscillation parameter space and, most importantly, introduces a sum rule in the physical neutrino masses. When combined with the mass squared differences observed in neutrino oscillations, this sum rule determines the absolute neutrino mass scale. This has significant implications for cosmology, neutrinoless double beta decay experiments and direct neutrino mass measurements. In particular, the model predicts $\sum_i m_i \approx 0.1$ eV for both normal and inverted ordering, and thus can be fully probed by the current generation of cosmological probes in the upcoming years., Comment: 22 pages, 4 figures. Updated to match the published version in PRD

The linear seesaw mechanism provides a simple way to generate neutrino masses. In addition to Standard Model particles, it includes quasi-Dirac leptons as neutrino mass mediators, and a leptophilic scalar doublet seeding small neutrino masses. Here we review its associated physics, including restrictions from theory and phenomenology. The model yields potentially detectable $\mu\to e\gamma$ rates as well as distinctive signatures in the production and decay of heavy neutrinos ($N_i$) and the charged Higgs boson ($H^\pm$) arising from the second scalar doublet. We have found that production processes such as $e^+e^-\to NN$, $e^-\gamma\to NH^-$ and $e^+ e^-\to H^+ H^-$ followed by the decay chain $H^\pm\to\ell_i^\pm N$, $N\to \ell_j^{\pm}W^\mp$ leads to striking lepton number violation signatures at high energies which may probe the Majorana nature of neutrinos., Comment: 53 pages, 33 figures, 2 tables, Matches published version

Lepton collider setups can probe the neutrino sector in the linear seesaw mechanism. Small neutrino masses are sourced by a tiny vacuum expectation value of a leptophilic scalar Higgs doublet and are mediated by Quasi-Dirac heavy neutrinos. These new particles can all be accessible to colliders. We describe novel charged Higgs and heavy neutrino production mechanisms that can be sizeable at $e^{+} e^{-}$ or $e^{-} {\gamma}$ colliders and discuss some of the associated signatures. These may shed light on the Majorana nature of neutrinos and the role of lepton number and lepton flavour symmetries., Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures

We analyze the possibility of the leptonic mixing matrix having a Wolfenstein form at the Grand Unified Theory scale. The renormalization group evolution of masses and mixing angles from the high scale to electroweak scale, in certain new physics scenarios, can significantly alter the form of the leptonic mixing matrix. In the past it was shown that such significant enhancement implies that the leptonic mixing matrix at high scale can be the same or similar in structure to the quark one. We thoroughly analyze this hypothesis in the light of the latest neutrino oscillation data as well as other constraints such as those coming from neutrinoless double beta decay. We show that such an ansatz, at least within the context of minimal supersymmetric models, is no longer compatible with the latest experimental data., Comment: 32 Pages, 2 Appendices, 5 Tables, 11 Figures

Recent CDF II collaboration results on $W$ mass measurements contradict Standard Model~(SM) prediction, requiring new physics to explain this anomaly. To explain this issue, in this paper we investigate the idea of using the $U(1)_{B-L}$ gauged SM extension. We demonstrate that $B-L$ extended models can explain the revised best fit values for $S$, $T$, and $U$ following the CDF II results. We studied the parameter space of models with and without mixing between neutral gauge bosons. We also reviewed the dark matter constraints and demonstrated that there is parameter space which is compatible with current $W$ boson mass, relic abundance, and direct detection experiments., Comment: 29 pages, 12 figures

We analyze in a model-independent way the potential to probe new physics using Higgs decay to $\Upsilon \gamma$. The $h \to \Upsilon \gamma$ decay width is unusually small in the Standard Model because of an accidental cancellation among the direct and indirect decay diagrams. Thus, any new physics that can modify the direct or the indirect decay amplitudes disrupts the accidental Standard Model cancellation and can potentially lead to a relatively large decay width for $h \to \Upsilon \gamma$. Here, we carry out a detailed model-independent analysis of the possible new physics that can disrupt this cancellation. We demonstrate that after taking into account all possible constraints on Higgs production and decay processes from experimental measurements, the wrong-sign $h b \bar{b}$ coupling is the only scenario in which the $h \to \Upsilon \gamma$ decay width can be changed by almost two orders of magnitude. We conclude that an observation of a significantly enhanced $h \to \Upsilon \gamma$ decay width at the LHC or any future collider will be a conclusive evidence of a wrong-sign $h b \bar{b}$ coupling., Comment: 39 pages, 30 figures, 12 tables

Prompted by the recent Dresden-II reactor data we examine its implications for the determination of the weak mixing angle, paying attention to the effect of the quenching function. We also determine the resulting constraints on the unitarity of the neutrino mixing matrix, as well as on the most general type of nonstandard neutral-current neutrino interactions., Comment: 24 pages, 7 figures, 3 tables, V2 analysis updated, results unchanged, references added, matches published version in PRD

Next generation direct dark matter detection experiments are favorable facilities to probe neutrino properties and light mediators beyond the Standard Model. We explore the implications of the recent data reported by LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) and XENONnT collaborations on electromagnetic neutrino interactions and neutrino generalized interactions (NGIs). We show that XENONnT places the most stringent upper limits on the effective and transition neutrino magnetic moment (of the order of few $\times 10^{-12}~\mu_B$) as well as stringent constraints to neutrino millicharge (of the order of $\sim 10^{-13}~e$)--competitive to LZ--and improved by about one order of magnitude in comparison to existing constraints coming from Borexino and TEXONO. We furthermore explore the XENONnT and LZ sensitivities to simplified models with light NGIs and find improved constraints in comparison to those extracted from Borexino-Phase II data., Comment: 16 pages, 8 figures, 1 table, V4 fixed typos in the resolution of LZ experiment, results unchanged

The simplest linear seesaw mechanism can accommodate the new CDF-II $W$ mass measurement. In addition to Standard Model particles, the model includes quasi-Dirac leptons, and a second, leptophilic, scalar doublet seeding small neutrino masses. Our proposal is consistent with electroweak precision tests, neutrino physics, rare decays and collider restrictions, requiring a new charged scalar below a few TeV, split in mass from the new degenerate scalar and pseudoscalar neutral Higgs bosons., Comment: 25 pages, 9 figures, 1 table

The Dirac scotogenic model provides an elegant mechanism which explains small Dirac neutrino masses and neutrino mixing, with a single symmetry simultaneously protecting the ``Diracness'' of the neutrinos and the stability of the dark matter candidate. Here we explore the phenomenological implications of the recent CDF-II measurement of the $W$ boson mass in the Dirac scotogenic framework. We show that, in the scenario where the dark matter is mainly a $SU(2)_L$ scalar doublet, it cannot concurrently satisfy: (a) the dark matter relic density (b) the $m_W$ anomaly and (c) the direct detection constraints. However, unlike the Majorana scotogenic model, the Dirac version also has a ``dark sector'' $SU(2)_L$ singlet scalar. We show that if the singlet scalar is the lightest dark sector particle i.e. the dark matter, then all neutrino physics and dark matter constraints along with the constraints from oblique $S$, $T$ and $U$ parameters can be concurrently satisfied for $W$ boson mass in CDF-II mass range., Comment: 18 pages, 10 figures, 2 tables. Updated to match published version

The CDF-II collaboration's recent high-precision measurement of $W$ boson mass indicates new physics contribution(s) beyond the Standard Model. We investigate the possibility of the well-known canonical Scotogenic model to explain the CDF-II measurement. The Scotogenic model is a popular scenario beyond the Standard Model that induces neutrino masses at the 1-loop level and includes a viable dark matter candidate, either scalar or fermionic. For both scalar and fermionic dark matter possibilities, we simultaneously examine the constraints coming from (a) neutrino mass, oscillation, neutrinoless double beta decay and lepton flavour violation experiments, (b) from LEP and LHC (c) from dark matter relic density and direct detection experiments (d) from the oblique $S,T,U$ parameter values consistent with CDF-II $W$ boson measurement. We demonstrate that the new CDF-II measurement rules out the feasible parameter space of the scalar dark matter in the high mass regions ($m_{\eta_{R}} \gtrsim 500~\text{GeV}$), while still allowing the intermediate mass regions $54~\text{GeV} \lesssim m_{\eta_{R}} \lesssim 76~\text{GeV}$. We also showed that the fermionic dark matter candidate in the canonical Scotogenic model, in the range $M_{N_{1}} \lesssim 500~\text{GeV} $ , can simultaneously explain all the aforementioned issues. Furthermore, we investigated how the recent findings from ATLAS 2023 impact this study., Comment: 36 pages, 15 figures, 3 tables, new analysis added, matches published version

The recent high precision measurement of $W$ boson mass by CDF-II collaboration points to the contribution(s) of new physics beyond the Standard Model. One of the minimalistic ways to account for the anomalous $W$ boson mass is by introducing a hyperchargeless real $SU(2)_L$ triplet scalar whose vacuum expectation value explicitly contributes to the $W$ boson mass at the tree level while the $Z$ boson mass remains the same. Such a triplet can be naturally embedded in a singlet-triplet scotogenic model for one loop neutrino mass generated by dark sector particles running in the loop. We discuss the detailed phenomenology of the model, obtaining the parameter space consistent with the CDF-II $W$ boson mass measurements. The dark matter as well as the constraints comings from $S$, $T$, $U$ parameters are also analyzed., Comment: 23 pages, 7 figures, 2 tables

In the present letter, a Dirac neutrino mass model is presented in the view of the new result on W boson mass of $m_W^{CDF-II}=80.4335\pm 0.0094$ GeV, recently reported by the CDF-II experimental collaboration. The newly measured value of the W mass anomaly shows a 7-$\sigma$ deviation from that predicted by the standard model. The model explains the CDF-II W boson mass anomaly by extending the standard model with hypercharge zero vector-like fermion triplet. Symmetry is amended with a global $U(1)_{B-L}$ which is broken with an hypercharge zero electroweak triplet. It is demonstrated that the model can successfully explain CDF-II result, Dirac neutrino mass origin, while satisfying standard model precision constraints and collider constraints with scalar and fermion triplet masses in the ranger $1.4$ TeV$-5.2$ TeV and $100$ TeV $-10^{13}$ GeV, respectively., Comment: 18 pages, 5 figures

In light of the recent $R_{K^{(*)}}$ data on neutral current flavour anomalies in $B \to K^{(*)} \ell^+ \ell^-$ decays, we re-examine their quantitative interpretation in terms of an extended 331 gauge theory framework. We achieve this by adding two extra lepton species with novel 331 charges, while ensuring that the model remains anomaly free. In contrast to the canonical 331 models, the gauge charges of the first and second lepton families differ from each other, allowing lepton flavour universality violation. We further expand the model by adding the neutral fermions required to provide an adequate description for small neutrino masses., Comment: 26 pages, 5 tables, 3 figures. Title modified, typos corrected, conclusions unchanged. Matches published Phys. Rev. D version

We explore the prospect of constraining light mediators at the next generation direct detection dark matter detectors through coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CE$\nu$NS) and elastic neutrino-electron scattering (E$\nu$ES) measurements. Taking into account various details like the quenching factor corrections, atomic binding effects, realistic backgrounds, detection efficiency, energy resolution etc., we consider two representative scenarios regarding detector specifications. For both scenarios, we obtain the model-independent projected sensitivities for all possible Lorentz-invariant interactions, namely scalar ($S$), pseudoscalar ($P$), vector ($V$), axial vector ($A$) and tensor ($T$). For the case of vector interactions, we also focus on two concrete examples: the well-known $U(1)_{B-L}$ and $U(1)_{L_\mu - L_\tau}$ gauge symmetries. For all interaction channels $X=\{S,P,V,A,T\}$, our results imply that the upcoming dark matter detectors have the potential to place competitive constraints, improved by about 1 order of magnitude compared to existing ones from dedicated CE$\nu$NS experiments, XENON1T, beam dump experiments and collider probes., Comment: 29 pages, 4 figures, 3 tables. V2 analysis updated and extended, results unchanged, references added, matches published version

We analyze the consistency of electroweak breaking, neutrino and dark matter phenomenology within the simplest scoto-seesaw model. By adding the minimal dark sector to the simplest "missing partner" type-I seesaw one has a physical picture for the neutrino oscillation lengths: the "atmospheric" mass scale arises from the tree-level seesaw, while the "solar" scale is induced radiatively, mediated by the dark sector. We identify parameter regions consistent with theoretical constraints, as well as dark matter relic abundance and direct detection searches. Using two-loop renormalization group equations we explore the stability of the vacuum and the consistency of the underlying dark parity symmetry. One also has a lower bound for the neutrinoless double beta decay amplitude., Comment: 26 pages, 9 figures

The Standard Model(SM) vacuum is unstable for the measured values of the top Yukawa coupling and Higgs mass. Here we study the issue of vacuum stability when neutrino masses are generated through spontaneous low-scale lepton number violation. In the simplest dynamical inverse seesaw, the SM Higgs has two siblings: a massive CP-even scalar plus a massless Nambu-Goldstone boson, called majoron. For TeV scale breaking of lepton number, Higgs bosons can have a sizeable decay into the invisible majorons. We examine the interplay and complementarity of vacuum stability and perturbativity restrictions, with collider constraints on visible and invisible Higgs boson decay channels. This simple framework may help guiding further studies, for example, at the proposed FCC facility., Comment: 40 pages, 19 figures

After developing a general criterion for deciding which neutrino mass models belong to the category of inverse seesaw models, we apply it to obtain the Dirac analogue of the canonical Majorana inverse seesaw model. We then generalize the inverse seesaw model and obtain a class of inverse seesaw mechanisms both for Majorana and Dirac neutrinos. We further show that many of the models have double or multiple suppressions coming from tiny symmetry breaking "$\mu$-terms". These models can be tested both in colliders and with the observation of lepton flavour violating processes., Comment: 32 pages, 11 tables, 8 figures

We investigate the stability of Higgs potential in inverse seesaw models. We derive the full two-loop RGEs of the relevant parameters, such as the quartic Higgs self-coupling, taking thresholds into account. We find that for relatively large Yukawa couplings the Higgs quartic self-coupling goes negative well below the Standard Model instability scale $\sim 10^{10}$ GeV. We show, however, that the ``dynamical'' inverse seesaw with spontaneous lepton number violation can lead to a completely consistent and stable Higgs vacuum up to the Planck scale., Comment: 29 pages, 13 figures

In the context of the $\mathrm{SU(3)_c \otimes SU(3)_L \otimes U(1)_X \otimes U(1)_{N}}$ (3-3-1-1) extension of the standard model, we show how the spontaneous breaking of the gauge symmetry gives rise to a residual symmetry which accounts for dark matter stability and small neutrino masses in a scotogenic fashion. As a special feature, the gauge structure implies that one of the light neutrinos is massless and, as a result, there is a lower bound for the $0\nu\beta\beta$ decay rate., Comment: Contribution to: NDM-2020

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

We investigate the production of primordial Gravitational Waves (GWs) arising from First Order Phase Transitions (FOPTs) associated to neutrino mass generation in the context of type-I and inverse seesaw schemes. We examine both "high-scale" as well as "low-scale" variants, with either explicit or spontaneously broken lepton number symmetry $U(1)_L$ in the neutrino sector. In the latter case, a pseudo-Goldstone majoron-like boson may provide a candidate for cosmological dark matter. We find that schemes with softly-broken $U(1)_L$ and with single Higgs-doublet scalar sector lead to either no FOPTs or too weak FOPTs, precluding the detectability of GWs in present or near future measurements. Nevertheless, we found that, in the majoron-like seesaw scheme with spontaneously broken $U(1)_L$ at finite temperatures, one can have strong FOPTs and non-trivial primordial GW spectra which can fall well within the frequency and amplitude sensitivity of upcoming experiments, including LISA, BBO and u-DECIGO. However, GWs observability clashes with invisible Higgs decay constraints from the LHC. A simple and consistent fix is to assume the majoron-like mass to lie above the Higgs-decay kinematical threshold. We also found that the majoron-like variant of the low-scale seesaw mechanism implies a different GW spectrum than the one expected in the high-scale seesaw. This feature will be testable in future experiments. Our analysis shows that GWs can provide a new and complementary portal to test the neutrino mass generation mechanism., Comment: 11 pages, 5 figures, 4 tables; invisible Higgs decay constraint incorporated; discussion extended; references added

Dark matter stability can result from a residual matter-parity symmetry, following naturally from the spontaneous breaking of the gauge symmetry. Here we explore this idea in the context of the $\mathrm{SU(3)_c \otimes SU(3)_L \otimes U(1)_X \otimes U(1)_{N}}$ electroweak extension of the standard model. The key feature of our new scotogenic dark matter theory is the use of a triplet scalar boson with anti-symmetric Yukawa couplings. This naturally implies that one of the light neutrinos is massless and, as a result, there is a lower bound for the $\rm 0\nu\beta\beta$ decay rate., Comment: Published in PLB. 14 pages, 3 figures, 1 table