On finite--temperature and --density radiative corrections to the neutrino effective potential in the early Universe

Finite-temperature and -density radiative corrections to the neutrino effective potential in the otherwise CP-symmetric early Universe are considered in the real-time approach of Thermal Field Theory. A consistent perturbation theory endowed with the hard thermal loop resummation techniques developed by Braaten and Pisarski is applied. Special attention is focused on the question whether such corrections can generate any nonzero contribution to the CP-symmetric part of the neutrino potential, if the contact approximation for the W-propagator is used.Comment: 11 pages, revtex styl

Bounds on New Physics from the New Data on Parity Violation in Atomic Cesium

We assume the latest experimental determination of the weak charge of atomic cesium and analyze its implications for possible new physics. We notice that the data would imply positive upper and lower bounds on the new physics contribution to the weak charge, $\delta_NQ_W$. The required new physics should be of a type not severely constrained by the high energy precision data. A simplest possibility would be new neutral vector bosons almost un-mixed to the $Z$ and with sizeable couplings to fermions. The lower positive bound would however forbid zero or negative $\delta_NQ_W$ and exclude not only the standard model but also models with sequential $Z^\prime$, in particular simple-minded towers of $Z$-like excitations from extra-dimensions. The bound would also imply an upper limit on the $Z^\prime$ mass within the models allowed. Conclusions are also derived for models of four-fermion contact interactions.Comment: 11 pages, Latex, 1 PS figure, final version for Physics Letter

Flat Directions in Three-Generation Free-Fermionic String Models

In quasi-realistic string models that contain an anomalous U(1) the non-zero Fayet-Iliopoulos term triggers the shifting of the original vacuum to a new one along some flat direction, so that SUSY is preserved but the gauge group is partially broken. The phenomenological study of these models thus requires as a first step the mapping of the space of flat directions. We investigate F- and D-flat directions in several three-generation SU(3)_C x SU(2)_L x U(1)_Y free-fermionic string models and discuss the typical scenarios that generically arise. When they exist, we systematically construct the flat directions that preserve hypercharge, only break Abelian group factors, and can be proven to remain F-flat to all orders in the non-renormalizable superpotential.Comment: 59 page

The 331 model with right-handed neutrinos

We explore some more consequences of the $SU(3)_L\otimes U(1)_N$ electroweak model with right-handed neutrinos. By introducing the $Z - Z'$ mixing angle $\phi$, the {\it exact} physical eigenstates for neutral gauge bosons are obtained. Because of the mixing, there is a modification to the $Z^1$ coupling proportional to $\sin\phi$. The data from the $Z$-decay allows us to fix the limit for $\phi$ as $-0.0021 \leq \phi \leq 0.000132$. >From the neutrino neutral current scatterings, we estimate a bound for the new neutral gauge boson $Z^2$ mass in the range 300 GeV, and from symmetry-breaking hierarchy a bound for the new charged and neutral (non-Hermitian) gauge bosons $Y^{\pm}, X^o$ are obtained.Comment: Slight changes in section 5, Latex, 16 page

An SU(5)⊗\otimesZ_{13} Grand Unification Model

We propose an SU(5) grand unified model with an invisible axion and the unification of the three coupling constants which is in agreement with the values, at $M_Z$, of $\alpha$, $\alpha_s$, and $\sin^2\theta_W$. A discrete, anomalous, $Z_{13}$ symmetry implies that the Peccei-Quinn symmetry is an automatic symmetry of the classical Lagrangian protecting, at the same time, the invisible axion against possible semi-classical gravity effects. Although the unification scale is of the order of the Peccei-Quinn scale the proton is stabilized by the fact that in this model the standard model fields form the SU(5) multiplets completed by new exotic fields and, also, because it is protected by the $Z_{13}$ symmetry.Comment: 14 pages, more typos correcte

Radiatively Induced Neutrino Masses and Large Higgs-Neutrino Couplings in the Standard Model with Majorana Fields

The Higgs sector of the Standard Model with one right-handed neutrino per family is systematically analyzed. In a model with intergenerational independent mixings between families, we can account for very light neutrinos acquiring Majorana masses radiatively at the first electroweak loop level. We also find that in such a scenario the Higgs coupling to the light-heavy neutrinos and to the heavy-heavy ones may be remarkably enhanced with significant implications for the production of these heavy neutrinos at high energy colliders.Comment: Making the text of an old paper electronically availabl

Recent Developments in Precision Electroweak Physics

Developments in precision electroweak physics in the two years since the symposium are briefly summarized.Comment: Update on recent developments, prepared for the publication of the Proceedings of Alberto Sirlin Symposium, New York University, October 2000. 10 pages, 1 figur

Comment On ``Grand Unification and Supersymmetric Threshold"

Barbieri and Hall have argued that threshold effects at the scale of grand-unification wipe out predictions on the SUSY scale, M_S. Using triviality arguments we give upper bounds on ultraheavy particles, while proton stability gives lower bounds on the mass of the higgs color-triplet. We find no useful lower bound on the $\Sigma$ supermultiplet, but if the strong coupling constant is as large as recent experiments suggest, unification in the minimal SUSY SU(5) model requires that the $Sigma$ masses be $\sim 10^{-7}M_V$ and that the color octet and weak triplet be split in mass by a factor of $\sim$100.Comment: 6 pages (revised