0000000000040931
AUTHOR
Mario Reig
Spontaneous proton decay and the origin of Peccei-Quinn symmetry
We propose a new interpretation of Peccei-Quinn symmetry within the Standard Model, identifying it with the axial $B + L$ symmetry i.e. $U(1)_{PQ} \equiv U(1)_{\gamma_5(B+L)}$. This new interpretation retains all the attractive features of Peccei-Quinn solution to strong CP problem but in addition also leads to several other new and interesting consequences. Owing to the identification $U(1)_{PQ} \equiv U(1)_{\gamma_5(B+L)}$ the axion also behaves like Majoron inducing small seesaw masses for neutrinos after spontaneous symmetry breaking. Another novel feature of this identification is the phenomenon of spontaneous (and also chiral) proton decay with its decay rate associated with the axion…
Towards gauge coupling unification in left-right symmetric SU(3)c×SU(3)L×SU(3)R×U(1)X theories
We consider the possibility of gauge coupling unification within the simplest realizations of the $\mathrm{SU}(3{)}_{\mathrm{c}}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}(3{)}_{\mathrm{L}}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}(3{)}_{\mathrm{R}}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(1{)}_{\mathrm{X}}$ gauge theory. We present a first exploration of the renormalization group equations governing the ``bottom-up'' evolution of the gauge couplings in a generic model with free normalization for the generators. Interestingly, we find that for a $\mathrm{SU}(3{)}_{\mathrm{c}}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}(3{)}_{\mathrm{L}}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}(…
Cosmic implications of a low-scale solution to the axion domain wall problem
The post-inflationary breaking of Peccei-Quinn (PQ) symmetry can lead to the cosmic domain wall catastrophe. In this Letter we show how to avoid domain walls implementing the Instanton Interference Effect (IIE) with a new interaction which itself breaks PQ symmetry and confines at an energy scale smaller than $\Lambda_{QCD}$. We give a general description of the mechanism and consider its cosmological implications and constraints within a minimal model. Contrary to other mechanisms we do not require an inverse phase transition neither fine-tuned bias terms. Incidentally, the mechanism leads to the introduction of new self-interacting dark matter candidates and the possibility of producing g…
Unifying left–right symmetry and 331 electroweak theories
We propose a realistic theory based on the $\mathrm{SU(3)_c \otimes SU(3)_L \otimes SU(3)_R \otimes U(1)_{X}}$ gauge group which requires the number of families to match the number of colors. In the simplest realization neutrino masses arise from the canonical seesaw mechanism and their smallness correlates with the observed V-A nature of the weak force. Depending on the symmetry breaking path to the Standard Model one recovers either a left-right symmetric theory or one based on the $\mathrm{SU(3)_c \otimes SU(3)_L \otimes U(1)}$ symmetry as the "next" step towards new physics.
Light majoron cold dark matter from topological defects and the formation of boson stars
We show that for a relatively light majoron ($\ll 100 $ eV) non-thermal production from topological defects is an efficient production mechanism. Taking the type I seesaw as benchmark scheme, we estimate the primordial majoron abundance and determine the required parameter choices where it can account for the observed cosmological dark matter. The latter is consistent with the scale of unification. Possible direct detection of light majorons with future experiments such as PTOLEMY and the formation of boson stars from the majoron dark matter are also discussed.
SO(3) family symmetry and axions
Motivated by the idea of comprehensive unification, we study a gauged SO(3) flavor extension of the extended Standard Model, including right-handed neutrinos and a Peccei-Quinn symmetry with simple charge assignments. The model accommodates the observed fermion masses and mixings and yields a characteristic, successful relation among them. The Peccei-Quinn symmetry is an essential ingredient.
A Model of Comprehensive Unification
Comprehensive – that is, gauge and family – unification using spinors has many attractive features, but it has been challenged to explain chirality. Here, by combining an orbifold construction with more traditional ideas, we address that difficulty. Our candidate model features three chiral families and leads to an acceptable result for quantitative unification of couplings. A potential target for accelerator and astronomical searches emerges.
Bound-state dark matter and Dirac neutrino mass
We propose a simple theory for the idea that cosmological dark matter (DM) may be present today mainly in the form of stable neutral hadronic thermal relics. In our model neutrino masses arise radiatively from the exchange of colored DM constituents, giving a common origin for both dark matter and neutrino mass. The exact conservation of $B-L$ symmetry ensures dark matter stability and the Dirac nature of neutrinos. The theory can be falsified by dark matter nuclear recoil direct detection experiments, leading also to possible signals at a next generation hadron collider.
Bound-state dark matter with Majorana neutrinos
We propose a simple scenario in which dark matter (DM) emerges as a stable neutral hadronic thermal relics, its stability following from an exact $\operatorname{U}(1)_D$ symmetry. Neutrinos pick up radiatively induced Majorana masses from the exchange of colored DM constituents. There is a common origin for both dark matter and neutrino mass, with a lower bound for neutrinoless double beta decay. Direct DM searches at nuclear recoil experiments will test the proposal, which may also lead to other phenomenological signals at future hadron collider and lepton flavour violation experiments.
Dirac neutrinos from Peccei-Quinn symmetry: a fresh look at the axion
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.
Spontaneous Breaking of Lepton Number and Cosmological Domain Wall Problem
We show that if global lepton number symmetry is spontaneously broken in a post inflation epoch, then it can lead to the formation of cosmological domain walls. This happens in the well-known "Majoron paradigm" for neutrino mass generation. We propose some realistic examples which allow spontaneous lepton number breaking to be safe from such domain walls.