SO(10): a Case for Hadron Colliders

Abstract

We study the mass scales in the $SO(10)$ grand unified theory based on the following minimal Higgs representation content: adjoint $45_{\mathrm{H}}$, spinor $16_{\mathrm{H}}$ and complex vector $10_{\mathrm{H}}$, with higher dimensional operators on top of renormalizable interactions. We show that the consistency of the theory requires scalar $W$ and $Z$, scalar quark doublet and scalar gluon to lie below $10\mathrm{TeV}$ energy and potentially accessible even at the LHC. These signatures are intimately connected with the prediction of proton lifetime below $10^{35}\mathrm{yr}$, to be probed in the new generation of proton decay experiments.

Comments: v3: published version in Phys. Lett. B. A few references and clarifications regarding Yukawa couplings and neutrino mass running added. Minor cosmetic changes made