SO(3) family symmetry and axions

Motivated by the idea of Comprehensive Unification, we consider a gauged $SO(3)$ flavor extension of the Standard Model, including right-handed neutrinos and a Peccei-Quinn symmetry. 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.Comment: Contribution to the 2019 EW session of the 54th Rencontres de Morion

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 gravitational waves in the frequency range of SKA. Unless a fine-tuned hidden sector is introduced, the mechanism predicts a QCD axion in the mass range $1\text{ meV}-15\text{ meV}$.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures; matches published versio

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 decay constant. Low energy processes which can be used to test this interpretation are pointed out.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figure, a brief section on axial Baryon number as PQ symmetry added, additional refs added, conclusions unchanged, published versio

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.Comment: 9 pages, matches published versio

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.Comment: 27 pages, 3 figures; v2: references added, matches published versio

New bounds and future prospects for axion force searches at Penning trap experiments

In this note we consider Penning trap experiments as probes of axion-mediated forces. We show that the current measurement of electron's $g$-factor already sets a new exclusion limit for monopole-dipole axion forces acting on the electron spin. We also show that the Penning trap's capability of switching an electron and a positron can isolate the effect of an axion force and suppress systematic effects.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figur

Three-family left-right symmetry with low-scale seesaw mechanism

We suggest a new left-right symmetric model implementing a low-scale seesaw mechanism in which quantum consistency requires three families of fermions. The symmetry breaking route to the Standard Model determines the profile of the "next" expected new physics, characterized either by the simplest left-right gauge symmetry or by the 3-3-1 scenario. The resulting $Z^\prime$ gauge bosons can be probed at the LHC and provide a production portal for the right-handed neutrinos. On the other hand, its flavor changing interactions would affect the K, D and B neutral meson systems.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures. Revised version as accepted by JHE

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.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures. Published versio

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.Comment: 8 pages, References added, Discussion on Domain Wall Problem Expanded, Conclusions Unchanged, Version Published in Phys. Rev. Let