We present the results obtained by performing global fits of two-Higgs-doublet models (2HDMs) using the full Run 1 and Run 2 Higgs datasets collected at the LHC. Avoiding unwanted tree-level flavor-changing neutral currents and including the wrong-sign cases, we consider 12 scenarios across six types of 2HDMs: Inert, type I, type II, type III, type IV, and aligned 2HDMs. Our main results are presented in Table III and Fig. 1. We find that the type-I 2HDM provides the best fit, while the wrong-sign scenarios of the type-II and type-IV 2HDMs, where the normalized Yukawa coupling to down-type quarks is opposite in sign to the Standard Model (SM), are disfavored. We also observe that the aligned 2HDM gives the second-best fit when the Yukawa couplings to down-type quarks take the same sign as in the SM, regardless of the sign of the Yukawa couplings to the charged leptons.

We propose an alternative to the axion mechanism for addressing the charge parity ($CP$) problem in QCD. Our approach involves imposing $CP$ as an inherent symmetry of the Lagrangian, which is then spontaneously broken. To generate the correct texture for the Yukawa matrices, we introduce a discrete ${\mathbb{Z}}_2$ symmetry that is softly broken by the scalar potential. By identifying a benchmark point for the Yukawa couplings that aligns with the measured quark masses, the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix, and low-energy flavor-changing constraints, our findings suggest that this model offers a viable solution to the $CP$ problem.

The longstanding issue of general covariance in effective models of quantum gravity is addressed, which arises when canonical quantum gravity leads to a semiclassical model described by an effective Hamiltonian constraint. In the context of spherically symmetric models, general covariance is precisely formulated into a set of equations, leading to the necessary and sufficient conditions for ensuring covariance. With the aid of these conditions, we derive the equations for the effective Hamiltonian constraint. The equations yield two candidates for effective Hamiltonian constraints dependent on a quantum parameter. The resulting quantum modified black hole spacetimes are analyzed. Our models show improvement by casting off the known limitations of previous works with similar results.

Merging supermassive black hole (SMBH) binaries will likely be surrounded by a circumbinary accretion disk. Close to merger, a gravitational radiation-driven inspiral will happen on timescales faster than the effective viscous time at the disk cavity wall, leading to a decoupling of the inner binary dynamics from the surrounding gaseous environment. Here we perform the first magnetohydrodynamics simulation of this decoupling process from a magnetically arrested circumbinary accretion disk. In this regime, the central cavity is filled with a very strong vertical magnetic flux, regulating accretion onto the binary. Our simulations identify three main stages of this process: (i) large-scale magnetic flux loss prior to decoupling, (ii) Rayleigh-Taylor-driven accretion streams onto the binary during and after decoupling, which can power magnetic towerlike outflows, resembling dual jets, and (iii) postmerger, the cavity wall becomes unstable and the magnetic flux trapped inside the cavity will get ejected in large coherent outbreak episodes with implications for potential multimessenger transients to merging SMBH binaries.

We investigate cosmological constraints on local position invariance (LPI), a key aspect of the Einstein equivalence principle (EEP), through asymmetric galaxy clustering. The LPI asserts that the outcomes of the nongravitational experiments are identical regardless of location in spacetime and has been tested through measurements of the gravitational redshift effect. Therefore, measuring the gravitational redshift effect encoded in galaxy clustering provides a powerful and novel cosmological probe of the LPI. Recent work by Saga et al. proposed its validation using the cross-correlation function between distinct galaxy samples, but their analysis focused solely on the dipole moment. In this paper, we extend their work by further analyzing a higher-order odd multipole moment, the octupole moment, in the constraints on the LPI-violating parameter, $\alpha$, expected from galaxy surveys such as Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, Euclid space telescope, Subaru Prime Focus Spectrograph, and Square Kilometre Array. We demonstrate that combining the octupole and dipole moments significantly improves the constraints, particularly when the analysis is restricted to larger scales, characterized by a large minimum separation $s_{\min }$. For a conservative setup with $s_{\min }=15\mathrm{Mpc}/h$, we find an average improvement of 11% compared to using the dipole moment alone. Our results highlight the importance of higher-order multipoles in constraining $\alpha$, providing a more robust approach to testing the EEP on cosmological scales.

In this work, we investigate a largely unexplored nongeometric corner of the string landscape: the quasicrystalline orbifolds. These exist at special points of the Narain moduli, leading to frozen moduli and large quantum symmetries. Here, we complete the classification and construction of quasicrystalline Narain lattices and use this to explore supersymmetric compactifications in $4\le D\le 6$ and with $4\le Q\le 16$ supercharges, leading to novel theories, including theories with large quantum symmetries at all points in the moduli space. We anticipate that these constructions will have many applications, and in subsequent work, we apply these techniques to construct new nonsupersymmetric tachyon-free models. Similarly, these constructions can lead to constructing exotic matter representations in the string landscape.

We analyze the stability issue of the vector and axial modes of the torsion and nonmetricity tensors around general backgrounds in the framework of cubic metric-affine gravity. We show that the presence of cubic order invariants defined from the curvature, torsion, and nonmetricity tensors allow the cancellation of the well-known instabilities arising in the vector and axial sectors of quadratic metric-affine gravity. For the resulting theory, we also obtain Reissner-Nordström-like black hole solutions with dynamical torsion and nonmetricity, which in general include massive tensor modes for these quantities, thus avoiding further no-go theorems that potentially prevent a consistent interaction of massless higher spin fields in the quantum regime.

We construct general relativistic kinetic models of stationary finite accretion disks in the Kerr spacetime. Our analysis generalizes a previous model of razor-thin accretion disks of collisionless gas in the Kerr spacetime, extending to infinity in the equatorial plane. We investigate monoenergetic configurations, as well as models characterized by Maxwell-Jüttner type distributions at the outer edge of the disk. In both cases, we consider particles moving along orbits reaching the outer boundary of the disk, either plunging into the black hole, or scattered by the centrifugal barrier. For Maxwell-Jüttner models, the location of the outer disk boundary affects the mass and angular momentum accretion rates at a similar order of magnitude as the temperature parameter in the assumed Maxwell-Jüttner distribution.

One of the latest predictions of Einstein’s theory is the existence of wormholes (WHs). In this work, we present exact solutions of the Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton equations representing traversable wormholes. These solutions satisfy the energy conditions and have a ring singularity satisfying the cosmic censorship of WHs, i.e., we show that, as in previous solutions, geodesics cannot touch the singularity. We delineate the optimal traversal regions for two classes of solutions. The solution referenced in ${\lambda }_5$ allows for secure passage in proximity to the poles and the equatorial plane. Conversely, the solution in ${\lambda }_{N1}$ tends to favor trajectories near the poles and the equatorial plane; however, it affords greater flexibility. This study shows that solutions incorporating a dilatonic scalar field satisfy the null energy condition. We also find that the solution associated with the first class is physically feasible, while for the second class it presents the problem of not being asymptotically flat when considering a dilatonic-type scalar field. Finally, we give examples of realistic astrophysical objects that could fulfill these conditions.

Muon counting is an effective strategy for discriminating between gamma- and hadron-initiated air showers. However, their detection, which requires shielded detectors, is highly expensive and challenging to implement across large, environmentally sensitive areas. This work allowed us to establish for the first time that at PeV energies the gamma/hadron discriminator based on the new $LCm$ variable have proton rejection levels of the order of ${10}^{-4}$, outperforming the discrimination power based on the counting of the number of muons. A thorough examination of muon depleted showers at the PeV energies and the simulation strategy devised to achieve the required $\mathcal{O}({10}^6)$ simulated showers is presented.

After decades of experimental efforts, the DAMA/LIBRA(DL) annual modulation (AM) analysis on the $\chi \mathrm{N}$ (WIMP dark matter interactions on nucleus) channel remains the only one which can be interpreted as positive signatures. This has been refuted by numerous time-integrated (TI) and AM analysis. It has been shown that $\chi \mathrm{e}$ (WIMP interactions with electrons) alone is not compatible with the DL AM data. We expand the investigations by performing an AM analysis with the addition of $\chi \mathrm{e}$ long-range and short-range interactions to $\chi \mathrm{N}$, derived using the frozen core approximation method. Two scenarios are considered, where the $\chi \mathrm{N}$ and $\chi \mathrm{e}$ processes are due to a single $\chi$ (${\mathrm{\Gamma }}_{\mathrm{tot}}^{1\chi }$) or two different $\chi$’s (${\mathrm{\Gamma }}_{\mathrm{tot}}^{2\chi }$). The combined fits with $\chi \mathrm{N}$ and $\chi \mathrm{e}$ provide stronger significance to the DL AM data which are compatible with the presence of additional physical effects beyond $\chi \mathrm{N}$ alone. This is the first analysis which explores how $\chi \mathrm{e}$ AM can play a role in DL AM. The revised allowed regions as well as the exclusion contours from the other null AM experiments are presented. All DL AM allowed parameter spaces in $\chi \mathrm{N}$ and $\chi \mathrm{e}$ channels under both ${\mathrm{\Gamma }}_{\mathrm{tot}}^{1\chi }$ and ${\mathrm{\Gamma }}_{\mathrm{tot}}^{2\chi }$ are excluded at the 90% confidence level by the combined null AM results. It can be projected that DL-allowed parameter spaces from generic models with interactions induced by two-WIMPs are ruled out.

The ultralight dark photon is a well-motivated, hypothetical dark matter candidate. In a dilute plasma, they can resonantly convert into photons, and heat up the intergalactic medium between galaxies. In this work, we explore the dark photon dark matter parameter space by comparing synthetic Lyman-$\alpha$ forest data from cosmological hydrodynamical simulations to observational data from VLT/UVES of the quasar HE0940-1050 ($z_{\mathrm{em}}=3.09$). We use a novel flux normalization technique that targets underdense gas, reshaping the flux probability distribution. Not only do we place robust constraints on the kinetic mixing parameter of dark photon dark matter, but notably our findings suggest that this model can still reconcile simulated and observed Doppler parameter distributions of $z\sim 0$ Lyman-$\alpha$ lines, as seen by HST/COS. This work opens new pathways for the use of the Lyman-$\alpha$ forest to explore new physics, and can be extended to other scenarios such as primordial black hole evaporation, dark matter decay, and annihilation.

It has been previously advocated that the presence of the daily and annual modulations of the axion flux on the Earth’s surface may dramatically change the strategy of the axion searches. The arguments were based on the so-called Axion Quark Nugget (AQN) dark matter model which was originally put forward to explain the similarity of the dark and visible cosmological matter densities ${\mathrm{\Omega }}_{\mathrm{dark}}\sim {\mathrm{\Omega }}_{\text{visible}}$. In this framework, the population of galactic axions with mass ${10}^{-6}\mathrm{eV}\lesssim m_a\lesssim {10}^{-3}\mathrm{eV}$ and velocity $⟨v_a⟩\sim {10}^{-3}c$ will be accompanied by axions with typical velocities $⟨v_a⟩\sim 0.6c$ emitted by AQNs. Furthermore, in this framework, it has also been argued that the AQN-induced axion daily modulation (in contrast with the conventional weakly interactive massive particle paradigm) could be as large as (10–20)%, representing the main motivation for the present investigation. We argue that the daily modulations along with the broadband detection strategy can be very useful tools for the discovery of such relativistic axions. The data from the CAST-CAPP detector have been used following such arguments. Unfortunately, due to the dependence of the amplifier chain on temperature-dependent gain drifts and other factors, we could not conclusively show the presence or absence of a dark sector-originated daily modulation. However, this proof of principle analysis procedure can serve as a reference for future studies.

The Electron-Ion Collider in China (EicC) is pivotal in enhancing our knowledge of the internal structure of nucleons and nuclei, particularly through the study of transverse momentum-dependent parton distributions (TMDs). Among the leading-twist TMDs, the Sivers function is of particular interest, as it provides crucial insights into the spin and momentum structure of hadrons and plays a significant role in describing transverse single-spin asymmetries (SSAs) in high-energy scatterings. In this study, we focus on the theoretical framework and phenomenological implications of the Sivers function in the context of small-$x$ physics, where it is intricately connected to the spin-dependent QCD odderon, demonstrating that the SSA can be expressed in terms of transverse momentum-dependent factorization within the Color Glass Condensate effective theory. Furthermore, we present simulation results using PythiaeRHIC to assess the feasibility of measuring the charm quark Sivers function at the EicC. The simulation outcomes suggest that the EicC, with its unique kinematic coverage, offers distinct advantages for probing the Sivers function, which would provide compelling evidence for the existence of the elusive spin-dependent odderon.

The $\mathrm{CONUS}+$ collaboration has reported their first observation of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering ($\mathrm{CE}\nu \mathrm{NS}$). The experiment uses reactor electron antineutrinos and germanium detectors with recoil thresholds as low as $160{\mathrm{eV}}_{\mathrm{ee}}$. With an exposure of $327\mathrm{kg}\times \mathrm{d}$, the measurement was made with a statistical significance of $3.7\sigma$. We explore several physics implications of this observation, both within the standard model and in the context of new physics. We focus on a determination of the weak mixing angle, nonstandard and generalized neutrino interactions both with heavy and light mediators, neutrino magnetic moments, and the up-scattering of neutrinos into sterile fermions through the sterile dipole portal and new mediators. Our results highlight the role of reactor-based $\mathrm{CE}\nu \mathrm{NS}$ experiments in probing a vast array of neutrino properties and new physics models.

In a predictive modular invariant theory of flavor there should exist correlations between the quark and lepton observables, induced by the common modulus, by joint experimental constraints and possibly, in grand unified theories (GUTs), by common gauge multiplets. So far, in non-GUT bottom-up modular flavor models, these observables have been analyzed separately, making it impossible to investigate their interconnections. We perform a joint analysis of quark and lepton observables (22 altogether, 18 being measured) and of their correlations in a modular flavor model of the indicated class. The model is based on $2O$ flavor symmetry and, within its class, it is characterized by the minimal number of free parameters (14 real constants). The joint analysis shows that the model is in good agreement with the experimental data for normal neutrino mass ordering, while predicting the leptonic Dirac $CP$-violating ($CPV$) phase (${\delta }_{CP}$), the two Majorana $CPV$ phases (${\eta }_1$, ${\eta }_2$), the lightest neutrino mass ($m_1$) and the effective neutrino masses probed by beta and neutrinoless double beta decay ($m_{\beta }$ and $m_{\beta \beta }$). A detailed comparison of the separate (lepton-only and quark-only) and combined (lepton and quark) fit results shows differences in best-fit values and jointly allowed regions, that reflect a nontrivial interplay between quark and lepton observables in the model. Most importantly, our analysis highlights the existence of significant correlations between various pairs of such observables. For instance, the ratio of the strange and bottom quark masses, $r_{sb}$, is strongly negatively correlated with each of the three lepton mixing angles and with ${\delta }_{CP}$, $m_1$, $m_{\beta }$, and $m_{\beta \beta }$, while being positively correlated with ${\eta }_1$ and ${\eta }_2$. These findings, that are missed in separate analyses of quark and lepton flavor sectors, as well as in (GUT and non-GUT) models with a relatively large number of free parameters, fall within ranges that can be tested by current and future experiments.

We study a scotogenic model augmented with an additional $U(1)$ gauge and a discrete $Z_2$ symmetry. The lightest $Z_2$-odd particle in our model becomes the dark matter (DM) candidate while tiny neutrino masses are realized at one loop. We explore the parameter space of the model for which the DM relic density is satisfied, and the correct low-energy neutrino observables are reproduced. The extended gauge symmetry includes a beyond Standard Model (SM) particle spectrum consisting of vectorlike fermions and scalars. We also highlight possible collider signatures of these particles at the LHC.

We discuss the thermal $CP$ phase transition in QCD at $\theta =\pi$ under a weak magnetic field background, where the electromagnetic scale anomaly gets significant. To be explicit, we work on a two-flavor Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model at $\theta =\pi$ in the mean field approximation, including the electromagnetic-scale anomaly term. We find that the thermal $CP$ phase transition becomes first order and the strength of the first order gets more prominent as the magnetic field increases. The associated potential barrier is thermally created by the electromagnetic scale anomaly and gives rise to criticality due to the induced potential of a nonperturbative form $\sim \frac{|eB{|}^3}{f_{\pi }}\frac{|P|}{P^2+m_0^2}$, where $eB$ denotes the magnetic field strength; $P$ is the $CP$-order parameter, and $m_0$ is the isospin-symmetric current-quark mass.