Scrutinizing the Alignment Limit in Two-Higgs-Doublet Models. Part 2: mH=125m_H=125 GeV

In the alignment limit of a multi-doublet Higgs sector, one of the Higgs mass eigenstates aligns in field space with the direction of the scalar field vacuum expectation values, and its couplings approach those of the Standard Model (SM) Higgs boson. We consider CP-conserving Two-Higgs-Doublet Models (2HDMs) of Type I and Type II near the alignment limit in which the heavier of the two CP-even Higgs bosons, $H$, is the SM-like state observed with a mass of 125 GeV, and the couplings of $H$ to gauge bosons approach those of the SM. We review the theoretical structure and analyze the phenomenological implications of this particular realization of the alignment limit, where decoupling of the extra states cannot occur given that the lighter CP-even state $h$ must, by definition, have a mass below 125 GeV. For the numerical analysis, we perform scans of the 2HDM parameter space employing the software packages 2HDMC and Lilith, taking into account all relevant pre-LHC constraints, constraints from the measurements of the 125 GeV Higgs signal at the LHC, as well as the most recent limits coming from searches for heavy Higgs-like states. Implications for Run 2 at the LHC, including expectations for observing the other scalar states, are also discussed.Comment: 44 pages, 27 figures; v2: references added, some updated constraint

Collider limits on new physics within micrOMEGAs4.3

Results from the LHC put severe constraints on models of new physics. This includes constraints on the Higgs sector from the precise measurement of the mass and couplings of the 125GeV Higgs boson, as well as limits from searches for other new particles. We present the procedure to use these constraints in micrOMEGAs by interfacing it to the external codes Lilith, HiggsSignals, HiggsBounds and SModelS. A few dedicated modules are also provided. With these new features, micrOMEGAs_4.3 provides a generic framework for evaluating dark matter observables together with collider and non-collider constraints.Comment: 23 page

Light Higgs bosons in Two-Higgs-Doublet Models

We explore the possibilities in two-Higgs-doublet models (2HDMs) of Type I and Type II for Higgs states with mass below about 60 GeV, i.e. less than half of the ~125 GeV mass of the observed SM-like Higgs boson. We identify the latter as either the lighter or the heavier CP-even state, h or H, and employ scans of the 2HDM parameter space taking into account all relevant theoretical and experimental constraints, including the most up-to-date Higgs signal strength measurements. We find that, in both Type I and Type II models, such light Higgs states are phenomenologically viable and can lead to interesting signatures. Part of the relevant parameter space may be testable with the existing 8 TeV LHC data, e.g. by looking for direct production of the light state via gg-fusion or bb-associated-production using its \tau^+ \tau^- and \mu^+ \mu^- decays at low invariant mass.Comment: 19 pages, 15 figures, references and a short comment adde

A mid-infrared Mueller ellipsometer with pseudo-achromatic optical elements

The purpose of this article is to present a new broadband Mueller ellipsometer designed to work in the mid-infrared range, from 3 to 14 microns. The Mueller ellipsometer, which can be mounted in reflection or in transmission configuration, consists of a polarization state generator (PSG), a sample holder, and a polarization state analyzer (PSA). The PSG consists in one linear polarizer and a retarder sequentially rotated to generate a set of four optimal polarization states. The retarder consists in a bi-prism made of two identical Fresnel rhombs disposed symmetrically and joined by optical contact, giving the ensemble a "V" shape. Retardation is induced by the four total internal reflections that the beam undergoes when it propagates through the bi-prism. Total internal reflection allows to generate a quasi-achromatic retardation. The PSA is identical to the PSG, but with its optical elements mounted in reverse order. After a measurement run, the instrument yields a set of sixteen independent values, which is the minimum amount of data required to calculate the Mueller matrix of the sample. The design of the Mueller ellipsometer is based on the optimization of an objective criterion that allows minimizing the propagation of errors from raw data to the Mueller matrix of the sample. The pseudo-achromatic optical elements ensure a homogeneous quality of the measurements for all wavelengths. The performance of the Mueller ellipsometer in terms of precision, and accuracy, is discussed and illustrated with a few examples

Carbon brainprint - An estimate of the intellectual contribution of research institutions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions

This is the accepted manuscript of a paper published in Process Safety and Environmental Protection (Chatterton J, et al., Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 2015, 96, 74-81, doi:10.1016/j.psep.2015.04.008). The final version is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2015.04.008Research and innovation have considerable, currently unquantified potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by, for example, increasing energy efficiency. Furthermore, the process of knowledge transfer in itself can have a significant impact on reducing emissions, by promoting awareness and behavioural change. The concept of the ‘carbon brainprint’ was proposed to convey the intellectual contribution of higher education institutions to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by other parties through research and teaching/training activities. This paper describes an investigation of the feasibility of quantifying the carbon brainprint, through six case studies. The potential brainprint of higher education institutes is shown to be significant: up to 500 kt CO2e/year for one project. The most difficult aspect is attributing the brainprint among multiple participants in joint projects.The Carbon Brainprint project was supported by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) under its Leading Sustainable Development in Higher Education programme, with support for case studies from Santander Universities. HEFCE, Research Councils UK and the Carbon Trust were members of the Steering Committee, which provided guidance, but did not direct the research. The Carbon Trust also advised on best practice in carbon footprinting. We are grateful to the many university staff at Cranfield, Cambridge and Reading Universities who shared their work with us so enthusiastically. We also thank the external partners and clients for the projects on which these case studies are based: Rolls-Royce plc, the ETI NOVA consortium, IGD, the Environment Agency, Esso, Repsol YPF, Carnego Systems Ltd. and Newera Controls Ltd

A generic testing framework for agent-based simulation models

International audienceAgent-based modelling and simulation (ABMS) had an increasing attention during the last decade. However, the weak validation and verification of agent-based simulation models makes ABMS hard to trust. There is no comprehensive tool set for verification and validation of agent-based simulation models, which demonstrates that inaccuracies exist and/or reveals the existing errors in the model. Moreover, on the practical side, many ABMS frameworks are in use. In this sense, we designed and developed a generic testing framework for agent-based simulation models to conduct validation and verification of models. This paper presents our testing framework in detail and demonstrates its effectiveness by showing its applicability on a realistic agent-based simulation case study