The new $$(g-2)_\mu $$ result and the $$\mu \nu $$SSM

The $$\mu \nu \mathrm {SSM}$$ μ ν SSM is a highly predictive alternative model to the MSSM. In particular, the electroweak sector of the model can explain the longstanding discrepancy between the experimental result for the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, $$(g-2)_\mu $$ ( g - 2 ) μ , and its Standard Model prediction, while being in agreement with all other theoretical and experimental constraints. The recently published MUON G-2 result is within $${0.8}\,\sigma $$ 0.8 σ in agreement with the older BNL result on $$(g-2)_\mu $$ ( g - 2 ) μ . The combined result was announced as $$a_\mu ^{\mathrm{exp}} = (11 659 {206.1}\pm {4.1}) \times 10^{-10}$$ a μ exp = ( 11659 206.1 ± 4.1 ) × 10 - 10 , yielding a new deviation from the Standard Model prediction of $$\Delta a_\mu = ({25.1}\pm {5.9}) \times 10^{-10}$$ Δ a μ = ( 25.1 ± 5.9 ) × 10 - 10 , corresponding to $${4.2}\,\sigma $$ 4.2 σ . Using this improved bound we update the analysis in the $$\mu \nu \mathrm {SSM}$$ μ ν SSM as presented in Kpatcha et al. (Eur Phys J C 81(2):154. arXiv:1912.04163 [hep-ph], 2021) and set new limits on the allowed parameters space of the electroweak sector of the model. We conclude that significant regions of the model can explain the new $$(g-2)_\mu $$ ( g - 2 ) μ data.

The anomalous case of axion EFTs and massive chiral gauge fields

We study axion effective field theories (EFTs), with a focus on axion couplings to massive chiral gauge fields. We investigate the EFT interactions that participate in processes with an axion and two gauge bosons, and we show that, when massive chiral gauge fields are present, such interactions do not entirely originate from the usual anomalous EFT terms. We illustrate this both at the EFT level and by matching to UV-complete theories. In order to assess the consistency of the Peccei-Quinn (PQ) anomaly matching, it is useful to introduce an auxiliary, non-dynamical gauge field associated to the PQ symmetry. When applied to the case of the Standard Model (SM) electroweak sector, our results imply that anomaly-based sum rules between EFT interactions are violated when chiral matter is integrated out, which constitutes a smoking gun of the latter. As an illustration, we study a UV-complete chiral extension of the SM, containing an axion arising from an extended Higgs sector and heavy fermionic matter that obtains most of its mass by coupling to the Higgs doublets. We assess the viability of such a SM extension through electroweak precision tests, bounds on Higgs rates and direct searches for heavy charged matter. At energies below the mass of the new chiral fermions, the model matches onto an EFT where the electroweak gauge symmetry is non-linearly realised.

SMEFT analysis of vector boson scattering and diboson data from the LHC Run II

We present a systematic interpretation of vector boson scattering (VBS) and diboson measurements from the LHC in the framework of the dimension-six standard model effective field theory (SMEFT). We consider all available measurements of VBS fiducial cross-sections and differential distributions from ATLAS and CMS, in most cases based on the full Run II luminosity, and use them to constrain 16 independent directions in the dimension-six EFT parameter space. Compared to the diboson measurements, we find that VBS provides complementary information on several of the operators relevant for the description of the electroweak sector. We also quantify the ultimate EFT reach of VBS measurements via dedicated projections for the high luminosity LHC. Our results motivate the integration of VBS processes in future global SMEFT interpretations of particle physics data.

Vector-Boson scattering at the LHC: Unraveling the electroweak sector

Vector-boson scattering (VBS) processes probe the innermost structure of electroweak (EW) interactions in the Standard Model (SM), and provide a unique sensitivity for new physics phenomena affecting the gauge sector. In this review, we report on the salient aspects of this class of processes, both from the theory and experimental point of view. We start by discussing recent achievements relevant for their theoretical description, some of which have set important milestones in improving the precision and accuracy of the corresponding simulations. We continue by covering the development of experimental techniques aimed at detecting these rare processes and improving the signal sensitivity over large backgrounds. We then summarize the details of the most relevant VBS signatures and review the related measurements available to date, along with their comparison with SM predictions. We conclude by discussing the perspective at the upcoming Large Hadron Collider runs and at future hadron facilities.

SMEFTsim 3.0 — a practical guide

The SMEFTsim package [1] is designed to enable automated computations in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT), where the SM Lagrangian is extended with a complete basis of dimension six operators. It contains a set of models written in FeynRules and pre-exported to the UFO format, for usage within Monte Carlo event generators. The models differ in the flavor assumptions and in the input parameters chosen for the electroweak sector. The present document provides a self-contained, pedagogical reference that collects all the theoretical and technical aspects relevant to the use of SMEFTsim and it documents the release of version 3.0. Compared to the previous release, the description of Higgs production via gluon-fusion in the SM has been significantly improved, two flavor assumptions for studies in the top quark sector have been added, and a new feature has been implemented, that enables the treatment of linearized SMEFT corrections to the propagators of unstable particles.SMEFTsim 3.0 is available on the Github website https://SMEFTsim.github.io and on the FeynRules database http://feynrules.irmp.ucl.ac.be/wiki/SMEFT.

Remarks on an Anomalous Triple Gauge Boson Couplings

We address the effect of an anomalous triple gauge boson couplings on a physical observable for the electroweak sector of the Standard Model, when the S U 2 L ⊗ U 1 Y symmetry is spontaneously broken by the Higgs mechanism to U 1 e m . Our calculation is done within the framework of the gauge-invariant, but path-dependent variable formalism is an alternative to the Wilson loop approach. Our result shows that the interaction energy is the sum of a Yukawa and a linear potential, leading to the confinement of static probe charges. The point we wish to emphasize, however, is that the anomalous triple gauge boson couplings ( Z γ γ ) contributes to the confinement for distances on the intranuclear scale.

The emergence of electroweak Skyrmions through Higgs bosons

Skyrmions are extended field configurations, initially proposed to describe baryons as topological solitons in an effective field theory of mesons. We investigate and confirm the existence of skyrmions within the electroweak sector of the Standard Model and study their properties. We find that the interplay of the electroweak sector with a dynamical Higgs field and the Skyrme term leads to a non-trivial vacuum structure with the skyrmion and perturbative vacuum sectors separated by a finite energy barrier. We identify dimension-8 operators that stabilise the electroweak skyrmion as a spatially localised soliton field configuration with finite size. Such operators are induced generically by a wide class of UV models. To calculate the skyrmion energy and radius we use a neural network method. Electroweak skyrmions are non-topological solitons but are exponentially long lived, and we find that the electroweak skyrmion is a viable dark matter candidate. While the skyrmion production cross section at collider experiments is suppressed, measuring the size of the Skyrme term in multi-Higgs-production processes at high-energy colliders is a promising avenue to probe the existence of electroweak skyrmions.