Lattice study of an electroweak phase transition at m_h ~ 126 GeV

TL;DR

This study uses lattice simulations to analyze the electroweak phase transition in a scenario similar to the MSSM with a Higgs mass around 126 GeV, revealing a stronger transition than perturbative predictions and implications for baryogenesis.

Contribution

First non-perturbative lattice analysis of the electroweak phase transition at m_h ~ 126 GeV including a light stop, providing insights into transition strength and baryogenesis viability.

Findings

Transition is stronger than 2-loop perturbation theory predicts.

Possible right-handed stop mass up to 155 GeV affects transition strength.

Results suggest a window for electroweak baryogenesis in this scenario.

Abstract

We carry out lattice simulations of a cosmological electroweak phase transition for a Higgs mass m_h ~ 126 GeV. The analysis is based on a dimensionally reduced effective theory for an MSSM-like scenario including a relatively light coloured SU(2)-singlet scalar, referred to as a right-handed stop. The non-perturbative transition is stronger than in 2-loop perturbation theory, and may offer a window for electroweak baryogenesis. The main remaining uncertainties concern the physical value of the right-handed stop mass which according to our analysis could be as high as m_tR ~ 155 GeV; a more precise effective theory derivation and vacuum renormalization than available at present are needed for confirming this value.