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Reig, M., Valle, J. W. F., & Wilczek, F. (2018). SO(3) family symmetry and axions. Phys. Rev. D, 98(9), 095008–6pp.
Abstract: 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.
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Reig, M., Valle, J. W. F., & Yamada, M. (2019). Light majoron cold dark matter from topological defects and the formation of boson stars. J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys., 09(9), 029–25pp.
Abstract: We show that for a relatively light majoron (<< 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.
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Reig, M., Valle, J. W. F., Vaquera-Araujo, C. A., & Wilczek, F. (2017). A model of comprehensive unification. Phys. Lett. B, 774, 667–670.
Abstract: 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.
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Reig, M., Valle, J. W. F., & Vaquera-Araujo, C. A. (2017). Unifying left-right symmetry and 331 electroweak theories. Phys. Lett. B, 766, 35–40.
Abstract: We propose a realistic theory based on the SU(3) c. SU(3) L. SU(3) R. U(1) Xgauge group which requires the number of families to match the number of colors. In the simplest realization neutrino masses arise from the canonical seesaw mechanism and their smallness correlates with the observed V-A nature of the weak force. Depending on the symmetry breaking path to the Standard Model one recovers either a left-right symmetric theory or one based on the SU(3) c. SU(3) L. U(1) symmetry as the “next” step towards new physics.
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Reig, M., Valle, J. W. F., & Vaquera-Araujo, C. A. (2017). Three-family left-right symmetry with low-scale seesaw mechanism. J. High Energy Phys., 05(5), 100–10pp.
Abstract: We suggest a new left-right symmetric model implementing a low-scale see-saw 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' 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.
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Reig, M., & Srivastava, R. (2019). Spontaneous proton decay and the origin of Peccei-Quinn symmetry. Phys. Lett. B, 790, 134–139.
Abstract: 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) equivalent to 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) equivalent to 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.
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Reig, M., Restrepo, D., Valle, J. W. F., & Zapata, O. (2019). Bound-state dark matter with Majorana neutrinos. Phys. Lett. B, 790, 303–307.
Abstract: We propose a simple scenario in which dark matter (DM) emerges as a stable neutral hadronic thermal relic, its stability following from an exact U(1)(D) symmetry. Neutrinos pick up radiatively induced Majorana masses from the exchange of colored DM constituents. There is a common origin for both dark matter and neutrino mass, with a lower bound for neutrinoless double beta decay. Direct DM searches at nuclear recoil experiments will test the proposal, which may also lead to other phenomenological signals at future hadron collider and lepton flavor violation experiments.
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Reig, M., Restrepo, D., Valle, J. W. F., & Zapata, O. (2018). Bound-state dark matter and Dirac neutrino masses. Phys. Rev. D, 97(11), 115032–5pp.
Abstract: We propose a simple theory for the idea that cosmological dark matter (DM) may be present today mainly in the form of stable neutral hadronic thermal relics. In our model, neutrino masses arise radiatively from the exchange of colored DM constituents, giving a common origin for both dark matter and neutrino mass. The exact conservation of B – L symmetry ensures dark matter stability and the Dirac nature of neutrinos. The theory can be falsified by dark matter nuclear recoil direct detection experiments, leading also to possible signals at a next generation hadron collider.
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ANTARES Collaboration(Reeb, N. et al), Alves, S., Carretero, V., Colomer, M., Hernandez-Rey, J. J., Khan-Chowdhury, N. R., et al. (2023). Studying bioluminescence flashes with the ANTARES deep-sea neutrino telescope. Limnol. Oceanogr. Meth., 21(11), 734–760.
Abstract: We develop a novel technique to exploit the extensive data sets provided by underwater neutrino telescopes to gain information on bioluminescence in the deep sea. The passive nature of the telescopes gives us the unique opportunity to infer information on bioluminescent organisms without actively interfering with them. We propose a statistical method that allows us to reconstruct the light emission of individual organisms, as well as their location and movement. A mathematical model is built to describe the measurement process of underwater neutrino telescopes and the signal generation of the biological organisms. The Metric Gaussian Variational Inference algorithm is used to reconstruct the model parameters using photon counts recorded by photomultiplier tubes. We apply this method to synthetic data sets and data collected by the ANTARES neutrino telescope. The telescope is located 40 km off the French coast and fixed to the sea floor at a depth of 2475 m. The runs with synthetic data reveal that we can model the emitted bioluminescent flashes of the organisms. Furthermore, we find that the spatial resolution of the localization of light sources highly depends on the configuration of the telescope. Precise measurements of the efficiencies of the detectors and the attenuation length of the water are crucial to reconstruct the light emission. Finally, the application to ANTARES data reveals the first localizations of bioluminescent organisms using neutrino telescope data.
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Real, D., Sanchez Losa, A., Diaz, A., Salesa Greus, F., & Calvo, D. (2023). The Neutrino Mediterranean Observatory Laser Beacon: Design and Qualification. Appl. Sci.-Basel, 13(17), 9935–16pp.
Abstract: This paper encapsulates details of the NEMO laser beacon's design, offering a profound contribution to the field of the time calibration of underwater neutrino telescopes. The mechanical design of the laser beacon, which operates at a depth of 3500 m, is presented, together with the design of the antibiofouling system employed to endure the operational pressure and optimize the operational range, enhancing its functionality and enabling time calibration among multiple towers. A noteworthy innovation central to this development lies in the battery system. This configuration enhances the device's portability, a crucial aspect in underwater operations. The comprehensive design of the laser beacon, encompassing the container housing, the requisite battery system for operation, electronics, and an effective antibiofouling system, is described in this paper. Additionally, this paper presents the findings of the laser beacon's qualification process.
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