An extended scalar sector to address the tension between a fourth generation and Higgs searches at the LHC

TL;DR

This paper investigates extended scalar sectors as a solution to reconcile a heavy fourth generation of particles with Higgs search results at the LHC, which challenge the viability of such models.

Contribution

It proposes new scalar sector extensions that can preserve the existence of a heavy fourth generation despite experimental constraints from Higgs searches.

Findings

Extended scalar sectors can suppress Higgs production cross-section.

Heavy fourth generation remains viable with specific scalar sector modifications.

The model aligns with current LHC exclusion limits.

Abstract

It is expected that the LHC will soon discover the Higgs boson, or that failure to find it will severely constrain its production cross-section over a large mass range. Either one of these results spells trouble for a fourth generation that significantly enhances the Higgs production cross-section at LHC. In fact the LHC has already ruled out a SM Higgs mass in the range of 120 GeV to 600 GeV with a fourth generation at the 95% C.L. In this paper we explore options within extended scalar sectors to maintain the viability of a heavy fourth generation if an enhanced (relative to the Standard Model) Higgs production cross-section is not observed.