Precision unification and the scale of supersymmetry

TL;DR

This paper explores how precise gauge coupling unification constrains supersymmetric particle masses, suggesting they are likely in the multi-TeV range, and discusses implications for dark matter candidates and LHC searches.

Contribution

It demonstrates that precise unification favors superpartner masses in the several TeV range within minimal supersymmetric models and analyzes implications for dark matter and naturalness.

Findings

Superpartner masses are favored to be several TeV.

Unification remains viable despite lack of LHC superpartner discoveries.

Candidate dark matter particles include Higgsino and wino.

Abstract

In this letter, we study the implications of precise gauge coupling unification on supersymmetric particle masses. We argue that precise unification favors the superpartner masses that are in the range of several TeV and well beyond. We demonstrate this in the minimal supersymmetric theory with a common sparticle mass threshold, and two simple high-scale scenarios: minimal supergravity and minimal anomaly-mediated supersymmetry. We also identify candidate models with a Higgsino or a wino dark matter candidate. Finally, the analysis shows unambiguously that unless one takes foggy naturalness notions too seriously, the lack of direct superpartner discoveries at the LHC has not diminished the viability of supersymmetric unified theories in general nor even precision unification in particular.