MSSM: Cornered and Correlated

TL;DR

This paper explores specific regions in the MSSM parameter space where Higgs signals are enhanced, revealing correlations with low-energy observables and dark matter, and providing testable predictions for future experiments.

Contribution

It identifies and analyzes the MSSM parameter space corners with enhanced Higgs signals, revealing correlations with low-energy observables and dark matter consistent with current data.

Findings

Enhanced B -> X_sgamma branching fraction

Suppressed B_s -> mu^+mu^- rate below SM

Good agreement of Higgs couplings with experiments

Abstract

Inspired by the latest results of ATLAS and CMS on the search for the standard model (SM) Higgs scalar, we discuss in this article the correlations between Higgs-boson properties, low-energy observables, such as B -> X_sgamma, B_s -> mu^+mu^-, and (g-2)_mu, and the dark matter (DM) relic density. We focus on the corners of the MSSM parameter space where the pp -> h -> gammagamma signal is enhanced due to the presence of a light stau state. In this region tan(beta), M_A, A_t, and mu take large values, and we find striking correlations between many of the considered observables. In particular, the B -> X_sgamma branching fraction is enhanced, while the B_s -> mu^+mu^- rate tends to be below the SM expectation. In contrast, the Higgs-boson couplings show good overall agreement with the preliminary experimental determinations, the DM abundance is consistent with observation, and the discrepancy in (g-2)_mu is reduced. The predicted deviations and found correlations could be tested in the near future and hence may become very valuable as guidelines and consistency checks.