FlexibleDecay: An automated calculator of scalar decay widths

TL;DR

FlexibleDecay is a new computational tool designed to accurately calculate scalar decay widths in various BSM models, incorporating higher-order effects and seamlessly integrating with spectrum generators.

Contribution

It introduces a high-precision, flexible decay calculator that extends FlexibleSUSY, including higher-order corrections and BSM effects in a consistent scheme.

Findings

Accurately predicts Higgs decay widths in multiple models.

Shows numerical consistency with existing tools, highlighting differences.

Facilitates high-scale tests like perturbativity and vacuum stability.

Abstract

We present FlexibleDecay, a tool to calculate decays of scalars in a broad class of BSM models. The tool aims for high precision particularly in the case of Higgs boson decays. In the case of scalar and pseudoscalar Higgs boson decays the known higher order SM QED, QCD and EW effects are taken into account where possible. The program works in a modified $\bar{\text{MS}}$ scheme that exhibits a decoupling property with respect to heavy BSM physics, with BSM parameters themselves treated in the $\bar{\text{MS}}/\bar{\text{DR}}$-scheme allowing for an easy connection to high scale tests for, e.g., perturbativity and vacuum stability, and the many observable calculations readily available in $\bar{\text{MS}}/\bar{\text{DR}}$ programs. Pure BSM effects are taken into account at the leading order, including all one-loop contributions to loop-induced processes. The program is implemented as an extension to FlexibleSUSY, which determines the mass spectrum for arbitrary BSM models, and does not require any extra configuration from the user. We compare our predictions for Higgs decays in the SM, singlet extended SM, type II THDM, CMSSM and MRSSM, as well as for squark decays in the CMSSM against a selection of publicly available tools. The numerical differences between our and other programs are explained. The release of FlexibleDecay officially deprecates the old effective couplings routines in FlexibleSUSY.