Higgs flavor violation as a signal to discriminate models

Abstract

Abstract

We consider the Higgs Lepton Flavor Violating process h [arrow right] τ[mu], in which CMS found a 2.5 [sigma] excess of events, from a model independent perspective, and find that it is difficult to generate this operator without also obtaining a sizeable Wilson coefficient for the dipole operators responsible for tau radiative decay, constrained by BABAR to BR([tau] [arrow right] [mu]γ) < 4.4 × 10^sup -8^. We then survey a set of representative models for new physics, to determine which ones are capable of evading this problem. We conclude that, should this measurement persist as a signal, type-III Two Higgs Doublet Models and Higgs portal-like models are favored, while SUSY and Composite Higgs models are unlikely to explain it.