Probing the Planck Scale with Proton Decay
We advocate the idea that proton decay may probe physics at the Planck scale instead of the GUT scale. This is possible because supersymmetric theories have dimension-5 operators that can induce proton decay at dangerous rates, even with R-parity conservation. These operators are expected to be suppressed by the same physics that explains the fermion masses and mixings. We present a thorough analysis of nucleon partial lifetimes in models with a string-inspired anomalous U(1)_X family symmetry which is responsible for the fermionic mass spectrum as well as forbidding R-parity violating interactions. Protons and neutrons can decay via R-parity conserving non-renormalizable superpotential terms that are suppressed by the Planck scale and powers of the Cabibbo angle. Many of the models naturally lead to nucleon decay near present limits without any reference to grand unification.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Physics Division
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-05CH11231
- OSTI ID:
- 964659
- Report Number(s):
- LBNL-54961; TRN: US0903612
- Journal Information:
- Nuclear Physics B, Related Information: Journal Publication Date: 25 November 2004; ISSN 0550-3213
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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