Potential of a singlet scalar enhanced Standard Model

TL;DR

This paper explores the parameter space of an extended Standard Model with a singlet scalar, analyzing stability, dark matter potential, and quantum corrections to the scalar potential.

Contribution

It systematically studies the effects of a singlet scalar on the Standard Model's stability, dark matter prospects, and the impact of one-loop corrections.

Findings

Allowed parameter space identified under various symmetry and stability conditions

Conditions for dark matter candidate existence established

One-loop corrections significantly affect potential minima

Abstract

We investigate the parameter space of the Standard Model enhanced by a gauge singlet real scalar $S$. Taking into account all the theoretical and experimental constraints, we show the allowed parameter space for two different types of such singlet-enhanced Standard Model. For the first case, the scalar potential has an explicit $Z_2$-symmetry, and may lead to a dark matter candidate under certain conditions. For the second case, the scalar potential does not respect any $Z_2$. This is again divided into two subcategories: one where the Standard Model vacuum is stable, and one where it is unstable and can decay into a deeper minimum. We show how the parameters in the scalar potential control the range of validity of all these models. Finally, we show the effect of one-loop correction on the positions and depths of the minima of the potential.