Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/122586
Type: Thesis
Title: The landscape of composite Higgs models
Author: Murnane, Daniel Thomas
Issue Date: 2019
School/Discipline: School of Physical Sciences
Abstract: While the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics contains the most precise set of predictions ever devised by humanity, that precision comes at a cost. The strange nature of the Higgs particle requires its parameters to be tuned so precisely that if the SM is indeed the true description of reality, one is forced to wonder how such a miracle as galactic structure and life could occur. Instead, we search in this work for a natural explanation. The concept of naturalness is comprehensively explored, and a new tuning measure proposed, with an aim to place it on well-defined Bayesian footing. We then turn this measure on to the analysis of a class of intriguing new physics - Composite Higgs models. These effective models are the result of a plethora of underlying theories, and they allow the production of a naturally light Higgs particle, appearing as the SM Higgs at low energy. We establish the background required to appreciate the N-site 4D Composite Higgs model, and subsequently focus on the simplest incarnations of this class. A global fit is performed on the Minimal 4D Composite Higgs model (M4DCHM), with strong exclusion bounds placed on collider search channels. We analyse any improvement in tuning that could be gained from several extensions to this model. The Leptonic M4DCHM is explored, with a composite tau lepton embedded in various representations. The possibility of a dark matter candidate existing in the Next-to-Minimal 4DCHM is considered. Ultimately, we are able to define what, if any, benefit to naturalness can come to the Composite Higgs sector by introducing these extensions.
Advisor: Williams, Anthony
White, Martin
Dissertation Note: Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Physical Sciences, 2019
Keywords: Particle physics
high energy physics
composite higgs
BSM physics
model building
phenomenology
Provenance: This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals
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