Dynamical scotogenic generation of the Linear and Inverse seesaws

TL;DR

This paper introduces a model where tiny neutrino masses are generated through a combined linear and inverse seesaw mechanism at two-loop level, also providing stable dark matter candidates and explaining neutrino mass hierarchies.

Contribution

It presents a novel dynamical model that generates linear and inverse seesaw mechanisms via discrete symmetries at two-loop level, linking neutrino masses and dark matter stability.

Findings

Inverse seesaw dominates neutrino mass generation.

Model satisfies current neutrino and dark matter constraints.

Predicts a slight preference for normal neutrino mass ordering.

Abstract

We propose an economical model in which the tiny active neutrino masses arise from an interplay of linear and inverse seesaw mechanisms. The Standard Model is extended by a local $U(1)'$ gauge symmetry and discrete $\mathbb{Z}_{3}\otimes\mathbb{Z}_{4}$ symmetries, together with gauge-singlet scalars and neutral leptons. Owing to the preserved discrete symmetries after spontaneous symmetry breaking, the linear and inverse seesaw mechanisms are dynamically generated at the two-loop level, while the same symmetries ensure the stability of both scalar and fermionic dark matter candidates. One of the distinctive features of the model is a fermionic dark matter candidate whose mass is generated at one loop, whereas scalar dark matter masses arise at tree level. The model satisfies current constraints from neutrino oscillation data, dark matter direct detection, invisible Higgs decays, $Z'$ searches, and charged lepton flavor violation, in addition we also discuss predictions for muonium states. The outcome of our analysis is that the inverse seesaw contribution dominates over the linear one, suggesting that atmospheric neutrino mass squared splitting arises from the inverse seesaw mechanism, whereas the solar one is generated from the linear seesaw. Finally, our model offers an explanation of the hierarchy between the atmospheric and solar neutrino mass squared splittings, in addition to the smallness of active neutrino masses, feature not presented in many low-scale seesaw models. In addition, our parameter-space scan shows a slight preference for the normal neutrino mass ordering.