Processes $\gamma \gamma \rightarrow \phi_i\phi_j$ in Inert Higgs Doublet Models and Two Higgs Doublet Models

TL;DR

This paper analyzes one-loop induced photon-photon collision processes producing Higgs pairs in Inert and Two Higgs Doublet Models, highlighting cross section enhancements near charged Higgs thresholds and potential collider discrimination of model parameters.

Contribution

It provides a detailed phenomenological analysis of $mbda mbda ightarrow _i_j$ processes in two Higgs models, exploring parameter space effects and collider signatures.

Findings

Cross sections are significantly enhanced near charged Higgs pair production threshold.

Enhancement factors vary with model parameters and can distinguish between scenarios.

Cross section dependence on $m_{12}^2$ probes the soft $Z_2$-breaking scale.

Abstract

In this paper, we present a phenomenological analysis of one-loop induced processes $\gamma \gamma \rightarrow \phi_i\phi_j$, where the CP-even Higgs bosons are denoted as $\phi_{i,j} \equiv h,~H$, in high-energy photon-photon collisions, within the frameworks of the Inert Higgs Doublet Model and the Two Higgs Doublet Model. The total cross sections are evaluated as functions of the center-of-mass energy, finding that the cross sections for the considered processes in all the models under investigation are significantly enhanced around the threshold for charged Higgs boson pair production ($\sim 2 M_{H^\pm}$). Furthermore, the enhancement factors, defined as the ratios of cross sections of $\gamma \gamma \rightarrow \phi_i\phi_j$ in the investigated models to those for $\gamma \gamma \rightarrow hh$ in the Standard Model, are examined in the relevant regions of the model's parameter space. In the Inert Higgs Doublet Model, the factors are studied in the parameter space of $(M_{H^\pm},~\mu^2_2)$ and $(M_{H^\pm},~\lambda_2)$. In the Two Higgs Doublet Model, the factors are examined in the planes defined by $(M_{H^\pm},~t_{\beta})$ as well as in the space of the charged Higgs mass $M_{H^\pm}$ and the soft-breaking $Z_2$ parameter $m_{12}^2$. Two scenarios characterized by $c_{\beta-\alpha} > 0$ and $c_{\beta-\alpha} < 0$ are studied in further detail. The factors exhibit distinct behaviors between these two scenarios. As a result, it is possible to discriminate between them at future colliders. The dependence of the cross section for the process $\gamma \gamma \rightarrow hH$ on $m_{12}^2$ provides a potential probe of the soft $Z_2$-breaking scale in the Two Higgs Doublet Model.