U(2) Flavor Physics without U(2) Symmetry

TL;DR

This paper introduces a minimal non-Abelian discrete symmetry model that replicates U(2) flavor physics results, offering new solutions to neutrino problems without altering charged fermion textures.

Contribution

It proposes a novel discrete symmetry approach to fermion masses that reproduces U(2) Yukawa textures and provides alternative solutions to neutrino oscillation issues.

Findings

Reproduces U(2) Yukawa textures with a discrete symmetry

Offers new solutions to solar and atmospheric neutrino problems

Maintains charged fermion Yukawa textures unchanged

Abstract

We present a model of fermion masses based on a minimal, non-Abelian discrete symmetry that reproduces the Yukawa matrices usually associated with U(2) theories of flavor. Mass and mixing angle relations that follow from the simple form of the quark and charged lepton Yukawa textures are therefore common to both theories. We show that the differing representation structure of our horizontal symmetry allows for new solutions to the solar and atmospheric neutrino problems that do not involve modification of the original charged fermion Yukawa textures, or the introduction of sterile neutrinos.