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Illustration by Sandbox Studio, Chicago with Ana Kova
Beyond the Standard Model
Beyond the Standard Model
The Standard Model (SM) of particle physics is the most successful quantum theory of the Universe to date, offering a remarkable framework for describing the fundamental particles—such as quarks and leptons—that constitute matter, as well as their interactions through the electromagnetic, weak, and strong forces. Despite its numerous triumphs, the SM is not without serious theoretical limitations and experimental shortcomings. One of the most significant experimental gaps is its inability to account for the existence of dark matter (DM), whose presence has been firmly established through astrophysical and cosmological observations.
On the theoretical front, a central unresolved issue is the flavor problem of the SM. This refers to the lack of a mechanism to explain the hierarchical mass spectrum of different fermion generations and the observed patterns of flavor mixing in both the quark and lepton sectors. In particular, the masses and oscillations of neutrinos, which require physics beyond the SM, form an integral part of the broader flavor problem.
Flavour Problem: Origin of mass
Flavour Problem: Origin of mass
The quarks and leptons of the Standard Model come in different flavors, with masses that are hierarchical and treated as free parameters in the theory. In addition, there exists a peculiar pattern of flavor mixing—among both quarks (via the CKM matrix) and neutral leptons (via the PMNS matrix)—whose origin remains one of the fundamental open questions in particle physics. In essence, a deeper understanding of the origin of mass for the matter in our Universe is still lacking. To address this, we are exploring novel ideas such as flavon fields and hierarchical vacuum expectation values (VEVs). These concepts are converging into a unified theoretical framework grounded in technicolor and dark-technicolor symmetries, offering a fresh perspective on the flavor problem and the structure of mass generation.
Artwork by Sandbox Studio, Chicago with Corinne Mucha
Illustration by Sandbox Studio, Chicago with Ana Kova
Dark Matter
Dark Matter
Approximately 5% of the Universe is composed of visible matter, while about 25% consists of dark matter (DM). The remaining 70% is attributed to dark energy. The Standard Model (SM) of particle physics, despite its remarkable success, offers no explanation for the existence or properties of dark matter—one of its most significant shortcomings. The true nature of dark matter remains unknown. In our research, we focus on theoretical models in which a pseudoscalar particle emerges as a viable dark matter candidate, aiming to explore its properties and implications within and beyond the Standard Model framework.
Precision QCD
Precision QCD
Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) is a remarkably elegant theory that governs the dynamics of the strong force. One of its most striking features is asymptotic freedom, which enables a perturbative description of quark and gluon interactions at high energies. However, at low energies—where confinement dominates—an exact analytical solution remains elusive. Our research focuses on the non-perturbative regime of QCD, including processes such as pion and kaon scattering, and final-state interactions in weak decays, where conventional perturbative techniques break down. By studying these interactions, we aim to improve the precision of Standard Model predictions in the hadronic sector. In addition, we are actively investigating the decays of the Higgs boson to gluons and bottom quarks, which are essential for understanding both Higgs properties and QCD corrections in Higgs phenomenology.
Artwork by Sandbox Studio, Chicago with Corinne Mucha
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