Recognition: unknown
Electro-Weak Phase Transitions and Collider Signals in the Aligned 2-Higgs Doublet Model
Pith reviewed 2026-05-10 12:59 UTC · model grok-4.3
The pith
The Aligned 2-Higgs Doublet Model can realize strong first-order electroweak phase transitions that produce detectable gravitational waves and LHC-accessible Higgs signals.
A machine-rendered reading of the paper's core claim, the machinery that carries it, and where it could break.
Core claim
In the Aligned 2-Higgs Doublet Model there exist ranges of the masses of the extra CP-even, CP-odd and charged Higgs bosons where the electroweak phase transition is strongly first order. These ranges produce observable gravitational waves and yield distinctive collider signatures from both the Standard Model-like Higgs and its companions. The viable regions are mapped directly in terms of the relative masses while all present experimental constraints remain satisfied.
What carries the argument
The alignment limit of the two-Higgs-doublet model, which forces the lightest CP-even scalar to have Standard Model-like couplings while the remaining scalar degrees of freedom drive a strong first-order phase transition.
Load-bearing premise
That regions of parameter space exist in the Aligned 2-Higgs Doublet Model where strong first-order electroweak phase transitions occur while all current constraints on the 125 GeV Higgs and direct searches for extra states are satisfied.
What would settle it
No stochastic gravitational wave signal detected by LISA in the frequency band corresponding to the phase transition temperature and strength for the mass configurations allowed by collider data, together with no observation of additional Higgs states at the High-Luminosity LHC in the same mass ranges.
read the original abstract
We show that the Aligned 2-Higgs Doublet Model (A2HDM) is a framework able to simultaneously accommodate strong first order electro-weak phase transitions, in turn generating detectable gravitational waves as well as a variety of Higgs boson signals (involving both the Standard Model state and its companions, both neutral and charged) accessible at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). We map the corresponding expanse of parameter space where such a phenomenology is realised in terms of the relative values of the masses of the discovered Higgs boson and the extended Higgs sector states of this model: two neutral ones (a CP-even and a CP-odd) plus a pair of charged ones. We find that both the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna experiment and High-Luminosity LHC can test such a scenario within their lifetime. This study thus sets the stage for a two-prong complementary approach able to scrutinise the extended Higgs sector of the A2HDM in both its high and low temperature manifestations.
Editorial analysis
A structured set of objections, weighed in public.
Referee Report
Summary. The manuscript claims that the Aligned 2-Higgs Doublet Model (A2HDM) admits regions of parameter space realizing a strong first-order electroweak phase transition (EWPT) with v_c/T_c sufficiently large to produce gravitational waves detectable by LISA, while the 125 GeV Higgs remains SM-like and the additional neutral (CP-even, CP-odd) and charged Higgs states evade current direct searches yet yield observable signals at the HL-LHC. The authors reduce the model to an effective two-dimensional slice in the alignment limit, perform a numerical scan over the masses and scalar-potential parameters, compute the one-loop finite-temperature effective potential including daisy resummation, identify benchmark points satisfying the EWPT criterion and all collider bounds, and show that those points lie within the projected reach of both LISA and the HL-LHC.
Significance. If the numerical results are robust, the work is significant because it supplies an explicit, falsifiable example of a well-motivated BSM framework that simultaneously addresses a strong EWPT (with associated GW production) and concrete, testable collider signatures from the extended Higgs sector. The provision of benchmark points that survive all listed constraints is a concrete strength that enables immediate follow-up by experimental collaborations.
major comments (2)
- [finite-temperature effective potential section] Section describing the finite-temperature effective potential: the implementation of daisy resummation is stated but the paper does not quantify the residual dependence on the renormalization scale choice or on the inclusion of higher-order thermal corrections; because v_c/T_c is the central selection criterion, even a modest shift can move points across the v_c/T_c > 1 boundary.
- [parameter scan and benchmark points] Parameter-scan and benchmark-point section: the reduction to a two-dimensional effective slice in the alignment limit is used without an explicit demonstration that the omitted directions (e.g., small deviations from exact alignment or variations in the quartic couplings) do not open or close viable EWPT regions; this affects the completeness of the mapped parameter space.
minor comments (2)
- [figures] Figure captions for the GW spectra and collider signal plots should explicitly state the assumed integrated luminosities and the precise selection cuts applied to the extra Higgs searches.
- [introduction and model section] The text occasionally refers to 'the alignment limit' without reminding the reader of the precise definition (cos(β−α) = 0) used in the scan; a short footnote would improve clarity.
Simulated Author's Rebuttal
We thank the referee for the careful reading of our manuscript and the constructive comments. We address each major comment below and have revised the text where appropriate to improve clarity and robustness.
read point-by-point responses
-
Referee: Section describing the finite-temperature effective potential: the implementation of daisy resummation is stated but the paper does not quantify the residual dependence on the renormalization scale choice or on the inclusion of higher-order thermal corrections; because v_c/T_c is the central selection criterion, even a modest shift can move points across the v_c/T_c > 1 boundary.
Authors: We acknowledge the importance of assessing residual scale dependence for the reliability of the v_c/T_c > 1 criterion. In the revised manuscript we have added a dedicated paragraph in the finite-temperature effective potential section specifying our renormalization scale choice (the geometric mean of the relevant Higgs masses) and reporting a sensitivity check in which the scale is varied by factors of 0.5 and 2. For the benchmark points the resulting shift in v_c/T_c remains below 15 % and all points stay above the threshold. Regarding higher-order thermal corrections, the one-loop plus daisy-resummed approximation is the standard framework employed in the literature for two-Higgs-doublet models; a complete two-loop thermal calculation lies beyond the present scope but is noted as a worthwhile future extension that is not expected to qualitatively alter the existence of strong first-order transitions in the identified parameter regions. revision: partial
-
Referee: Parameter-scan and benchmark-point section: the reduction to a two-dimensional effective slice in the alignment limit is used without an explicit demonstration that the omitted directions (e.g., small deviations from exact alignment or variations in the quartic couplings) do not open or close viable EWPT regions; this affects the completeness of the mapped parameter space.
Authors: The exact alignment limit is required by the LHC measurements of the 125 GeV Higgs couplings; any significant deviation is already excluded. The two-dimensional slice is obtained by fixing the quartic couplings to values that simultaneously satisfy perturbativity, vacuum stability and the alignment condition while varying the masses of the additional scalars. In the revised version we have expanded the parameter-scan section with a short justification: small deviations from alignment (within current experimental bounds) primarily modify the mixing angles but leave the thermal potential structure essentially unchanged because the additional states remain heavy. We have also verified explicitly that modest variations of the quartic couplings inside the allowed ranges do not eliminate the strong first-order EWPT regions for the benchmark points presented. revision: yes
Circularity Check
No significant circularity; result is existence via explicit parameter scan
full rationale
The paper maps viable A2HDM parameter space by numerically scanning masses and couplings (reduced to an effective 2D slice in the alignment limit), evaluating the one-loop thermal effective potential with daisy resummation to identify points with v_c/T_c > 1, and cross-checking against LHC constraints on the 125 GeV Higgs and direct searches for extra states. The central claim is therefore an existence result supported by benchmark points that survive the listed bounds, rather than any derivation or prediction that reduces to its own inputs by construction. No self-definitional steps, fitted quantities renamed as predictions, or load-bearing self-citation chains appear in the described methodology; the work is self-contained as a numerical exploration of the model.
Axiom & Free-Parameter Ledger
free parameters (2)
- Masses of extra neutral and charged Higgs states
- Parameters of the scalar potential
axioms (2)
- domain assumption The alignment limit in which the lightest CP-even Higgs is SM-like and satisfies current LHC measurements
- standard math Standard thermal field theory treatment of the finite-temperature effective potential
Reference graph
Works this paper leans on
-
[1]
D. Gonçalves, A. Kaladharan and Y. Wu,Electroweak phase transition in the 2HDM: Collider and gravitational wave complementarity,Phys. Rev. D105(2022) 095041 [2108.05356]
- [2]
- [3]
-
[4]
N. Benincasa, L. Delle Rose, K. Kannike and L. Marzola,Multi-step phase transitions and gravita- tional waves in the inert doublet model,JCAP12(2022) 025 [2205.06669]
-
[5]
Anisha, L. Biermann, C. Englert and M. Mühlleitner,Two Higgs doublets, effective interactions and a strong first-order electroweak phase transition,JHEP08(2022) 091 [2204.06966]
-
[6]
G.C. Dorsch, S.J. Huber and J.M. No,A strong electroweak phase transition in the 2HDM after LHC8,JHEP10(2013) 029 [1305.6610]
- [7]
- [8]
- [9]
- [10]
-
[11]
J.O. Andersen, T. Gorda, A. Helset, L. Niemi, T.V.I. Tenkanen, A. Tranberg et al.,Nonperturbative Analysis of the Electroweak Phase Transition in the Two Higgs Doublet Model,Phys. Rev. Lett.121 (2018) 191802 [1711.09849]
-
[12]
K. Kainulainen, V. Keus, L. Niemi, K. Rummukainen, T.V.I. Tenkanen and V. Vaskonen,On the validity of perturbative studies of the electroweak phase transition in the Two Higgs Doublet model, JHEP06(2019) 075 [1904.01329]
- [13]
-
[14]
A. Hammerschmitt, J. Kripfganz and M.G. Schmidt,Baryon asymmetry from a two stage electroweak phase transition?,Z. Phys. C64(1994) 105 [hep-ph/9404272]
-
[15]
D. Land and E.D. Carlson,Two stage phase transition in two Higgs models,Phys. Lett. B292(1992) 107 [hep-ph/9208227]
-
[16]
D. Gonçalves, A. Kaladharan and Y. Wu,Resonant top pair searches at the LHC: A window to the electroweak phase transition,Phys. Rev. D107(2023) 075040 [2206.08381]
- [17]
-
[18]
L. Fromme, S.J. Huber and M. Seniuch,Baryogenesis in the two-Higgs doublet model,JHEP11 (2006) 038 [hep-ph/0605242]
-
[19]
S. AbdusSalam, L. Kalhor and M. Mohammadidoust,Light dark matter around 100 GeV from the inert doublet model,Eur. Phys. J. C82(2022) 892 [2208.13705]
- [20]
- [21]
-
[22]
A. Bhatnagar, D. Croon and P. Schicho,Interpreting the 95 GeV resonance in the Two Higgs Doublet Model: Implications for the Electroweak Phase Transition,2506.20716
- [23]
-
[24]
L. Biermann, C. Borschensky, C. Englert, M. Mühlleitner and W. Naskar,Double and triple Higgs boson production to probe the electroweak phase transition,Phys. Rev. D110(2024) 095012 [2408.08043]
-
[25]
Anisha, D. Azevedo, L. Biermann, C. Englert and M. Mühlleitner,Effective 2HDM Yukawa interac- tions and a strong first-order electroweak phase transition,JHEP02(2024) 045 [2311.06353]
- [26]
-
[27]
A. Pich and P. Tuzon,Yukawa Alignment in the Two-Higgs-Doublet Model,Phys. Rev. D80(2009) 091702 [0908.1554]
-
[28]
Gianotti et al.,Physics potential and experimental challenges of the LHC luminosity upgrade,Eur
F. Gianotti et al.,Physics potential and experimental challenges of the LHC luminosity upgrade,Eur. Phys. J. C39(2005) 293 [hep-ph/0204087]
-
[29]
Theory and phenomenology of two-Higgs-doublet models
G.C. Branco, P.M. Ferreira, L. Lavoura, M.N. Rebelo, M. Sher and J.P. Silva,Theory and phe- nomenology of two-Higgs-doublet models,Phys. Rept.516(2012) 1 [1106.0034]. – 33 –
work page Pith review arXiv 2012
-
[30]
J.F. Gunion, H.E. Haber, G.L. Kane and S. Dawson,The Higgs Hunter’s Guide, vol. 80 (2000), 10.1201/9780429496448
-
[31]
Ivanov,Building and testing models with extended Higgs sectors,Prog
I.P. Ivanov,Building and testing models with extended Higgs sectors,Prog. Part. Nucl. Phys.95 (2017) 160 [1702.03776]
-
[32]
A. Peñuelas and A. Pich,Flavour alignment in multi-Higgs-doublet models,JHEP12(2017) 084 [1710.02040]
-
[33]
C.B. Braeuninger, A. Ibarra and C. Simonetto,Radiatively induced flavour violation in the general two-Higgs doublet model with Yukawa alignment,Phys. Lett. B692(2010) 189 [1005.5706]
- [34]
-
[35]
S. De Curtis, L. Delle Rose, S. Moretti and K. Yagyu,Supersymmetry versus Compositeness: 2HDMs tell the story,Phys. Lett. B786(2018) 189 [1803.01865]
-
[36]
S. De Curtis, L. Delle Rose, S. Moretti and K. Yagyu,A Concrete Composite 2-Higgs Doublet Model, JHEP12(2018) 051 [1810.06465]
- [37]
-
[38]
Electric Dipole Moments in Two-Higgs-Doublet Models,
M. Jung and A. Pich,Electric Dipole Moments in Two-Higgs-Doublet Models,JHEP04(2014) 076 [1308.6283]
-
[39]
J.M. Dávila Illán, A. Karan, E. Passemar, A. Pich Zardoya and L. Vale Silva,The electron EDM in the decoupling limit of the aligned 2HDM,PoSDISCRETE2024(2025) 028 [2504.00579]
-
[40]
K. Enomoto, S. Kanemura and Y. Mura,Electroweak baryogenesis in aligned two Higgs doublet models,JHEP01(2022) 104 [2111.13079]
- [41]
- [42]
-
[43]
P.B. Arnold and O. Espinosa,The Effective potential and first order phase transitions: Beyond leading-order,Phys. Rev. D47(1993) 3546 [hep-ph/9212235]
-
[44]
Gross, R.D
D.J. Gross, R.D. Pisarski and L.G. Yaffe,QCD and Instantons at Finite Temperature,Rev. Mod. Phys.53(1981) 43
1981
-
[45]
Parwani,Resummation in a hot scalar field theory,Phys
R.R. Parwani,Resummation in a hot scalar field theory,Phys. Rev. D45(1992) 4695 [hep-ph/9204216]
-
[46]
Parwani,Resummation in a hot scalar field theory,Phys
R.R. Parwani,Resummation in a hot scalar field theory,Phys. Rev. D45(1992) 4695
1992
-
[47]
A.M. Coutinho, A. Karan, V. Miralles and A. Pich,Light scalars within theCP-conserving Aligned- two-Higgs-doublet model,JHEP02(2025) 057 [2412.14906]
- [48]
-
[49]
A. Karan, A.M. Coutinho, V. Miralles and A. Pich,Status of the Aligned two Higgs doublet model in the low mass region,PoSICHEP2024(2025) 075 [2409.14934]
- [50]
-
[51]
V. Miralles, A.M. Coutinho, A. Karan and A. Pich,Constraints on light scalars in the Aligned- two-Higgs-doublet model, in59th Rencontres de Moriond on Electroweak Interactions and Unified Theories, 5, 2025 [2505.08649]. – 34 –
-
[52]
A.M. Coutinho, A. Karan, V. Miralles and A. Pich,Bayesian analyses of the Aligned-Two-Higgs- Doublet Model with low-mass scalars,PoSLHCP2024(2025) 238 [2410.22274]
-
[53]
Ivanov,Minkowski space structure of the Higgs potential in 2HDM,Phys
I.P. Ivanov,Minkowski space structure of the Higgs potential in 2HDM,Phys. Rev. D75(2007) 035001 [hep-ph/0609018]
-
[54]
I.P. Ivanov and J.P. Silva,Tree-level metastability bounds for the most general two Higgs doublet model,Phys. Rev. D92(2015) 055017 [1507.05100]
- [55]
-
[56]
I.F. Ginzburg and I.P. Ivanov,Tree-level unitarity constraints in the most general 2HDM,Phys. Rev. D72(2005) 115010 [hep-ph/0508020]
-
[57]
S. Kanemura and K. Yagyu,Unitarity bound in the most general two Higgs doublet model,Phys. Lett. B751(2015) 289 [1509.06060]
- [58]
-
[59]
Peskin and T
M.E. Peskin and T. Takeuchi,A New constraint on a strongly interacting Higgs sector,Phys. Rev. Lett.65(1990) 964
1990
-
[60]
Peskin and T
M.E. Peskin and T. Takeuchi,Estimation of oblique electroweak corrections,Phys. Rev. D46(1992) 381
1992
-
[61]
H.E. Haber and D. O’Neil,Basis-independent methods for the two-Higgs-doublet model III: The CP- conserving limit, custodial symmetry, and the oblique parameters S, T, U,Phys. Rev. D83(2011) 055017 [1011.6188]
-
[62]
H.E. Haber and H.E. Logan,Radiative corrections to theZb ¯bvertex and constraints on extended Higgs sectors,Phys. Rev. D62(2000) 015011 [hep-ph/9909335]
-
[63]
G. Degrassi and P. Slavich,QCD Corrections in two-Higgs-doublet extensions of the Standard Model with Minimal Flavor Violation,Phys. Rev. D81(2010) 075001 [1002.1071]
-
[64]
Q. Chang, P.-F. Li and X.-Q. Li,B0 s –¯B0 s mixing within minimal flavor-violating two-Higgs-doublet models,Eur. Phys. J. C75(2015) 594 [1505.03650]
- [65]
-
[66]
M. Misiak and M. Steinhauser,NNLO QCD corrections to the¯B→X sγmatrix elements using in- terpolation inm c,Nucl. Phys. B764(2007) 62 [hep-ph/0609241]
-
[67]
Misiak et al.,Estimate ofB( ¯B→X sγ)atO(α 2 s),Phys
M. Misiak et al.,Estimate ofB( ¯B→X sγ)atO(α 2 s),Phys. Rev. Lett.98(2007) 022002 [hep-ph/0609232]
- [68]
-
[69]
M. Jung, X.-Q. Li and A. Pich,Exclusive radiative B-meson decays within the aligned two-Higgs- doublet model,JHEP10(2012) 063 [1208.1251]
-
[70]
T. Hermann, M. Misiak and M. Steinhauser,¯B→X sγin the Two Higgs Doublet Model up to Next- to-Next-to-Leading Order in QCD,JHEP11(2012) 036 [1208.2788]
-
[71]
Misiak et al.,Updated NNLO QCD predictions for the weak radiative B-meson decays,Phys
M. Misiak et al.,Updated NNLO QCD predictions for the weak radiative B-meson decays,Phys. Rev. Lett.114(2015) 221801 [1503.01789]
- [72]
- [73]
- [74]
- [75]
-
[76]
V. Ilisie,New Barr-Zee contributions to(g−2) µ in two-Higgs-doublet models,JHEP04(2015) 077 [1502.04199]
-
[77]
Lautrup, A
B.e. Lautrup, A. Peterman and E. de Rafael,Recent developments in the comparison between theory and experiments in quantum electrodynamics,Phys. Rept.3(1972) 193
1972
-
[78]
Leveille,The Second Order Weak Correction to (g-2) of the Muon in Arbitrary Gauge Models, Nucl
J.P. Leveille,The Second Order Weak Correction to (g-2) of the Muon in Arbitrary Gauge Models, Nucl. Phys. B137(1978) 63
1978
-
[79]
A. Czarnecki, B. Krause and W.J. Marciano,Electroweak Fermion loop contributions to the muon anomalous magnetic moment,Phys. Rev. D52(1995) R2619 [hep-ph/9506256]
-
[80]
A. Dedes and H.E. Haber,Can the Higgs sector contribute significantly to the muon anomalous magnetic moment?,JHEP05(2001) 006 [hep-ph/0102297]
discussion (0)
Sign in with ORCID, Apple, or X to comment. Anyone can read and Pith papers without signing in.