Two-loop QCD corrections to the MSSM Higgs masses beyond the effective-potential approximation

Area of Science:

• Particle Physics
• High Energy Physics
• Quantum Field Theory

Background:

• The Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) requires precise predictions for Higgs boson masses.
• Supersymmetric extensions of the Standard Model introduce new particles and interactions, necessitating complex calculations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compute two-loop quantum chromodynamics (QCD) corrections to neutral Higgs boson masses within the MSSM.
• To include the effects of non-vanishing external momenta in self-energy calculations.
• To compare results with existing literature and identify inconsistencies.

Main Methods:

• Two-loop perturbative calculations in QCD.
• Renormalization using the $\overline{\text{DR}}$ scheme or a mixed on-shell (OS)-$\overline{\text{DR}}$ scheme.
• Inclusion of non-vanishing external momenta in self-energies.

Main Results:

• Calculated two-loop QCD corrections involving the strong gauge coupling and top Yukawa coupling.
• Identified an inconsistency in a recent calculation using the mixed OS-DR scheme.
• Found that new corrections moderately impact the lightest scalar Higgs mass prediction.

Conclusions:

• The computed two-loop corrections are significant for precise Higgs mass predictions in the MSSM.
• The accuracy of these corrections is comparable to current experimental precision at the Large Hadron Collider.
• This work provides a more consistent theoretical framework for Higgs mass calculations in supersymmetric theories.