Dark energy density in SUGRA models and degenerate vacua

Froggatt, C.D., Nielsen, H.B., Nevzorov, R. and Thomas, A.W. (2017) Dark energy density in SUGRA models and degenerate vacua. International Journal of Modern Physics A, 32(17), 1730013. (doi: 10.1142/s0217751x17300137)

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Abstract

In N=1 supergravity the tree-level scalar potential of the hidden sector may have a minimum with broken local supersymmetry (SUSY) as well as a supersymmetric Minkowski vacuum. These vacua can be degenerate, allowing for a consistent implementation of the multiple point principle. The first minimum where SUSY is broken can be identified with the physical phase in which we live. In the second supersymmetric phase, in flat Minkowski space, SUSY may be broken dynamically either in the observable or in the hidden sectors inducing a tiny vacuum energy density. We argue that the exact degeneracy of these phases may shed light on the smallness of the cosmological constant. Other possible phenomenological implications are also discussed. In particular, we point out that the presence of such degenerate vacua may lead to small values of the quartic Higgs coupling and its beta function at the Planck scale in the physical phase.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Froggatt, Professor Colin
Authors: Froggatt, C.D., Nielsen, H.B., Nevzorov, R., and Thomas, A.W.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:International Journal of Modern Physics A
Publisher:World Scientific Publishing
ISSN:0217-751X
ISSN (Online):1793-656X
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd
First Published:First published in International Journal of Modern Physics A 32(17): 1730013
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
630801Phenomenology from Lattice QCD and collider physicsChristine DaviesScience & Technology Facilities Council (STFC)ST/L000466/1S&E P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY