PPP Group @ IISER-TVM

Beyond the Standard Model

After the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012 at the Large Hadron Collider, the particle spectrum of the Standard Model of particle physics is now complete. The Standard Model, a theory developed from a bottom-up approach based on the experimental results, is remarkably consistent with collider experiments so far at the energies hitherto probed. However, some theoretical shortcomings of the Standard Model (like the gauge hierarchy problem, strong CP problem etc.) as well as some observational evidences (like dark matter, dark energy, matter-antimatter asymmetry, neutrino mass etc.) motivate us to build theories beyond the Standard Model with high-scale validity whose low-energy effective versions must correspond to the Standard Model. The signatures of these new theories, if they exist within the reach of the collider energies, would show up either directly as new resonances or indirectly as deviations from the Standard Model predictions of some observables.

Matter under extreme conditions

A large magnetic field can exist inside the compact stars where the color superconducting (CSC) matter can be found. Thus, the study of the CSC phase in presence of magnetic field is important to explain and predict some astrophysical signatures. We studied the effect of strong magnetic field and temperature on chiral and diquark condensates in a two-flavor color superconductor using the NJL model. We found that a strong magnetic field can change the nature of the phase transitions. We also investigated the effect of electric and color charge neutrality conditions on CSC matter. We observed hints of the Clogston-Chandrasekhar limit in CSC matter in extreme conditions.

Neutrino Physics

Even after continuous and strenuous attempts, neutrino physics has been grappling with several unresolved questions. These included solving the neutrino mass hierarchy problem, determining the absolute values of neutrino masses, deciding whether neutrinos are Majorana or Dirac fermions, and investigating CP violation in neutrino oscillations for insights into the matter-antimatter imbalance in the universe. The existence and properties of sterile neutrinos, unresolved issues related to solar neutrinos, and the role of neutrinos in astrophysical processes and astronomy are also significant challenges. Research and experiments concerning new physics theories in this field continue to evolve which have potential for bringing solutions to these open problems.

Muon (g-2) Anomaly

In the early 2000s, the muon (g-2) anomaly emerged as a subtle yet profound deviation, initially observed within the confines of the Brookhaven National Laboratory's Muon (g-2) experiment and subsequently corroborated by the Fermilab Muon (g-2) experiment. This anomaly, in essence, signals a magnetic moment of the muon that deviates from the well-established predictions offered by the Standard Model. This divergence has ignited fervent speculation, suggesting the possibility of hitherto undiscovered particles or interactions lying beyond the familiar boundaries of the Standard Model, adding a possibility that has resonated deeply within the particle physics community. Eagerly, scientists are currently toiling to diminish the inherent uncertainty within measurements and delve further into the conundrum at hand, probing to determine whether the discrepancy is indeed a reflection of physics beyond the Standard Model. However, it is not a straightforward endeavor, as the muon g-2 anomaly presents a manifold of challenges: from attaining utmost precision in the measurement of the muon's magnetic moment to the delicate task of minimizing experimental uncertainties. Simultaneously, researchers are immersed in complex theoretical calculations grounded in the Standard Model, confronting the relentless endeavor to identify and neutralize systematic errors while ensuring the attainment of an elevated statistical significance in their findings.

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