CONTEXT
The X-HEP Project ("Exotic High Energy Phenomenology") aims to advance our understanding of quantum field theories (QFTs) and effective field theories (EFTs), two fundamental frameworks in theoretical physics. These frameworks are pivotal for describing the physics of fundamental particles, their interactions, and emergent phenomena at different scales, from the subatomic to the cosmological.
The key Background and Motivation:
1- Exploration of the Standard Model's Boundaries:
The Standard Model (SM) of particle physics is an incredibly successful theory but is known to be incomplete. It does not explain phenomena such as dark matter, neutrino masses, or the hierarchy problem.
Tools like EFTs are essential to parameterize deviations from the Standard Model and explore physics beyond it.
2- Strong Coupling Regimes in Quantum Field Theory:
Understanding quantum field theories at strong coupling is one of the most challenging and least understood areas of physics. It is essential for describing phenomena such as confinement in quantum chromodynamics (QCD) and emergent dynamics in strongly correlated systems.
3- Physical Predictions from Fundamental Constraints:
The scattering S-matrix, a fundamental observable in physics, encodes the probability of particle interactions. Understanding the constraints on the S-matrix from first principles (such as causality, unitarity, and symmetry) is crucial for deriving physically consistent theories.
OVERALL OBJECTIVES
The X-HEP project is centered on two primary themes, each addressing distinct yet interconnected problems in high-energy physics.
Theme 1: Constraining Relativistic Effective Field Theories
1- Develop techniques to impose consistency conditions on low-energy EFTs, using the scattering S-matrix as a primary tool.
2.-Extract physical predictions for the Standard Model and beyond, emphasizing:
Higgs physics (e.g. constraints on dimension-six operators and trilinear couplings).
Extending positivity bounds and S-matrix bootstrap methodologies.
3.-Bridge the gap between theoretical constraints and experimentally measurable observables, potentially impacting collider physics and other areas.
Theme 2: Studying Quantum Field Theories at Strong Coupling
1.-Extend and refine Hamiltonian Truncation methods to study renormalization group flows and strongly coupled QFTs in higher dimensions.
2.-Apply theoretical advancements to practical scenarios, such as the QCD equation of state and thermal effects in confining flux tubes.
3.- Explore novel phenomena, such as non-unitary UV completions and unexpected violations of positivity bounds.
