Lattice Gauge Theory for the LHC and Beyond
Coordinators: Simon Catterall, Anna Hasenfratz, Andreas Kronfeld, Yannick Meurice
Scientific Advisors: Csaba Csaki, Adam Martin, Ann Nelson, Erich Poppitz, Robert Sugar
This program will focus on the uses of lattice gauge theory to explore particle physics beyond the Standard Model. Within this broad theme, we aim to integrate three main subtopics: tests of the Standard Model in quark flavor physics, fundamental probes of new physics at the interface of nuclear and particle physics, and nonperturbative phenomena in electroweak symmetry breaking.
The last decade has witnessed a dramatic increase in the scope and precision of lattice-QCD calculations. These developments have aided the search for new phenomena in precise experiments, particularly those studying the quark flavor sector. The success has brought on several challenges: extending the methods to include electromagnetism and isospin breaking; expanding the program of matrix-element calculations from mesons to nucleons; and exploring new kinds of calculations, such as those needed to understand hadronic contributions to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. Traditionally, nucleon matrix elements have been a topic in nuclear physics, but they are increasingly important for experiments related to neutrino scattering, charged-lepton flavor violation, electric dipole moments, and dark matter.
Methods developed for QCD are also increasingly applied to problems directly related to the 2012 discovery of the Higgs boson at the LHC. The measured mass, 126 GeV, could be consistent with composite structure, or other models in which the electroweak symmetry is broken via strong dynamics. Or the observed Higgs could be consistent with a super-symmetric explanation of the TeV scale. In either case, lattice gauge theory can play an important role.
This program will allow lattice gauge theorists working on these different aspects to share ideas and foster collaborations. We also welcome participation by theorists working in allied areas.