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Selected for a Viewpoint in Physics week ending PRL 115, 221801 (2015) PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 27 NOVEMBER 2015

Cosmological Relaxation of the Electroweak Scale

Peter W. Graham,1 David E. Kaplan,1,2,3,4 and Surjeet Rajendran3 1Stanford Institute for Theoretical Physics, Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA 2Department of Physics and Astronomy, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA 3Berkeley Center for Theoretical Physics, Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA 4Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (WPI), Todai Institutes for Advanced Study, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-8583, Japan (Received 22 June 2015; published 23 November 2015) A new class of solutions to the electroweak is presented that does not require either weak-scale dynamics or anthropics. Dynamical evolution during the early Universe drives the mass to a value much smaller than the cutoff. The simplest model has the particle content of the plus a QCD axion and an inflation sector. The highest cutoff achieved in any technically natural model is 108 GeV.

DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.115.221801 PACS numbers: 12.60.Fr

Introduction.—In the 1970s, Wilson [1] had discovered Our models only make the weak scale technically natural that a fine-tuning seemed to be required of any field theory [9], and we have not yet attempted to UV complete them which completed the standard model Higgs sector, unless for a fully natural theory, though there are promising its new dynamics appeared at the scale of the Higgs mass. directions [10–14]. Note that technical naturalness means Since then, there have essentially been one and a half a theory still contains small parameters, yet they are explanations proposed: dynamics and anthropics. quantum mechanically stable, and therefore one can imag- Dynamical solutions propose new physics at the electro- ine field-theoretic UV completions. In addition, our models weak scale which cuts off contributions to the quadratic require large field excursions, far above the cutoff, and term in the Higgs potential. Proposals include supersym- small couplings. We judge the success of our models by metry, compositeness for the Higgs boson (and its holo- how far they are able to naturally raise the cutoff of the graphic dual), extra dimensions, or even quantum gravity Higgs boson. Our simplest model can raise the cutoff to at the electroweak scale [2–6]. While these scenarios all ∼1000 TeV, and we present a second model which can lead to a technically natural electroweak scale, collider and raise the cutoff up to ∼105 TeV. indirect constraints force these models into fine-tuned — regions of their parameter spaces. Anthropics, on the other Minimal model. In our simplest model, the particle hand, allows for the tuning, but it assumes the existence of a content below the cutoff is just the standard model plus the – multiverse. Its difficulty is in the inherent ambiguity in QCD axion [15 17], with an unspecified inflation sector. defining both probability distributions and observers. Of course, by itself the QCD axion does not solve the We propose a new class of solutions to the hierarchy hierarchy problem. However, the only changes we need to problem. The Lagrangian of these models is not tuned and make to the normal axion model are to give the axion a yet has no new physics at the weak scale cutting off loops. very large (noncompact) field range, and a soft symmetry- In fact, the simplest model has no new physics at the weak breaking coupling to the Higgs boson. scale at all. It is instead dynamical evolution of the Higgs The axion will have its usual periodic potential, but now mass in the early Universe that chooses an electroweak extending over many periods for a total field range that scale parametrically smaller than the cutoff of the theory. is parametrically larger than the cutoff (and may be larger Our theories take advantage of the simple fact that the than the Planck scale), similar to recent inflation models Higgs mass squared equal to zero, while not a special point such as axion monodromy [10–14]. The exact (discrete) in terms of symmetries, is a special point in terms of shift symmetry of the axion potential is then softly broken dynamics; namely, it is the point where the weak force by a small dimensionful coupling to the Higgs boson. spontaneously breaks and the theory enters a different This small coupling will set the weak scale and will be phase [7]. It is this which chooses the weak scale, allowing technically natural, making the weak scale technically it to be very close to zero. This mechanism takes some natural and thus solving the hierarchy problem. inspiration from Abbott’s attempt to solve the cosmological We add to the standard model Lagrangian the following constant problem [8]. terms:

0031-9007=15=115(22)=221801(9) 221801-1 © 2015 American Physical Society PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS week ending PRL 115, 221801 (2015) 27 NOVEMBER 2015 1 ϕ 2 2 ~ μν ð−M þ gϕÞjhj þ VðgϕÞþ G Gμν; ð1Þ 32π2 f where M is the cutoff of the theory (where standard model loops are cutoff), h is the Higgs doublet, Gμν is the QCD ~ μν μναβ field strength (and G ¼ ϵ Gαβ), g is our dimensionful coupling, and we have neglected order one numbers. We have set the mass of the Higgs boson to be at the cutoff M so that it is natural. The field ϕ is like the QCD axion, but it can take on field values much larger than f. However, despite its noncompact nature it has all of the properties of the QCD axion with couplings set by f. Setting g → 0, the Lagrangian has a shift symmetry ϕ → ϕ þ 2πf (broken from a continuous shift symmetry by nonperturbative QCD ϕ’ effects). Thus, g can be treated as a spurion that breaks FIG. 1 (color online). Here is a characterization of the s potential in the region where the barriers begin to become this symmetry entirely. This coupling can generate small ϕ important. This is the one-dimensional slice in the field space potential terms for , and we take the potential with after the Higgs boson is integrated out, effectively setting it to its ϕ technically natural values by expanding in powers of g . minimum. To the left, the Higgs VEV is essentially zero and is Nonperturbative effects of QCD produce an additional OðmWÞ when the barriers become visible. The density of the potential for ϕ, satisfying the discrete shift symmetry. barriers is greatly reduced for clarity. Below the QCD scale, our potential becomes 4 2 2 Λ ∼ fπmπ ð3Þ ð−M2 þ gϕÞjhj2 þðgM2ϕ þ g2ϕ2 þÞþΛ4 cosðϕ=fÞ; times the dimensionless ratios of the quark masses. Since ð2Þ 2 mπ changes linearly with the quark masses, it is propor- tional to the Higgs VEV. Therefore, Λ4 grows linearly with ϕ 2 where the ellipsis represents terms higher order in g =M , the VEV [18]. ϕ and thus we take the range of validity for in this effective During inflation, the relaxion must roll over an Oð1Þ ϕ ≲ 2 field theory to be M =g. We have approximated the fraction of its full field range, ∼ðM2=gÞ, to naturally cross periodic potential generated by QCD as a cosine, but in fact the critical point for the Higgs boson where m2 ¼ 0. Note Λ h the precise form will not affect our results. Of course is that for the early Universe dynamics, one can consider the very roughly set by QCD, but with important corrections 2 2 2 potential to be just gM ϕ or g ϕ since the field value for that we will discuss below. Both g and Λ break symmetries, ϕ ∼ ðM2=gÞ makes these equivalent. Our solution is insen- and it is technically natural for them to be much smaller sitive to the initial condition for ϕ (as long as the Higgs than the cutoff. The parameters g and Λ are responsible for boson starts with a positive mass squared) because ϕ is the smallness of the weak scale. This model plus inflation slow rolling due to Hubble friction. This places the slow- solves the hierarchy problem. roll constraints on ϕ that g

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There are three conditions on the Hubble scale of inflation. much smaller than Λ4=f. Therefore, around this point, First is that the vacuum energy during inflation is greater quantum fluctuations of ϕ will be relevant. The field ϕ will than the vacuum energy change along the ϕ potential, be distributed over many periods f (see Fig. 2), but in all namely, M4,so of these the Higgs boson will have a weak-scale VEV. This quantum spreading is an oddity of the model. As the 2 M ð Þ ð Þ Universe inflates, different patches of the Universe will Hi > vacuum energy : 5 ϕ Mpl have a range of field values and a range of Higgs VEVs, but all around the weak scale. In future work, we will show The second constraint is the requirement that the Hubble it is possible to build models which land the full initial scale during inflation is lower than the QCD scale (so the patch in a single vacuum, thus removing this feature of our barriers form in the first place): solution [21]. At the end of inflation, part of the resulting ϕ range stops Λ ð Þ ð Þ Hi < QCD barriers form ; 6 before the classical stopping point and is therefore classi- cally unstable. This is because, during inflation, the Λ ’ where QCD is taken to be the scale where the instanton relaxion s quantum fluctuations dominates its classical contributions to the axion potential are unsuppressed. We rolling on these “ledges” in the potential, and thus some Λ ∼ Λ expect numerically that QCD . Finally, a condition tiny fraction of Hubble patches remain there until they can could be placed on the Hubble scale by requiring that ϕ’s classically roll. The vast majority of Hubble patches find ϕ evolution be dominated by classical rolling (and not in vacua with varying potential barrier heights. Because of 4 2 quantum fluctuations—similar to a constraint of δρ=ρ < 1 the small value of gf ∼ Λ =M , barrier heights grow in inflation) so that every inflated patch of the Universe slowly, with subsequent minima increasing their barriers ∼Λ4(Λ4 ð 2 2Þ) makes it to the electroweak vacua by = M mh such that many barriers can be “walked over” via field fluctuations of the order of the 0 Vϕ Hubble scale. Eventually, most patches reach vacua where → ð 2Þ1=3 ð Þ Hi < 2 Hi < gM classical beats quantum : the barrier height does not allow quantum fluctuations to Hi ð Þ randomly walk over the barrier. Today, nearly all of the 7 classically stable vacua have lifetimes exponentially larger than the age of the Universe. Therefore, the vast majority of We will see below that, while this constraint will be a bit the Hubble patches at the end of inflation are in vacua stronger than the previous one, a certain variation of the which last much longer than today’s Hubble time. As a model can avoid this constraint, in which case the previous result of these multiple vacua, there will, in principle, be one becomes the relevant one. domain walls after reheating in the full initial patch of the The slow rolling of ϕ stops when Λ has risen to the point where the slope of the barriers Λ4=f matches the slope of the potential, gM2. This occurs at [19]

gM2f ∼ Λ4: ð8Þ (a)

From the three condition equations (5), (7), and (8),we (b) have a constraint on the cutoff M:

4 3 1 6 (c) Λ M = 109 GeV 1=6 M< pl ∼ 107 GeV × ; ð9Þ f f (d) where we have scaled f by its lower bound of 109 GeV set by astrophysical constraints on the QCD axion (see, for example, Ref. [20]). Note that in order to have a cutoff M above the weak ≪ 2 FIG. 2 (color online). A close-up of the region of ϕ’s potential scale, mW, Eq. (8) requires gf mW. This implies that the effective step size of the Higgs mass from one minimum to as the barriers appear. The evolution in these regions are the next is much smaller than the weak scale. So the barriers (a) classical rolling dominated, (b) dominated by quantum fluctuations in the steps but classical rolling between steps, grow by a tiny fractional amount compared to Λ per QCD (c) classically stable, but quantum fluctuations or tunneling rates ϕ step. Classically, stops rolling as soon as the slope of its shorter than Ne-folds, and (d) classically stable, quantum ≪ 2 potential changes sign. However, since gf mW, the slope transition rates longer than both Ne-folds and 10 Gyr. Again, of the first barrier after this point is exceedingly small, for clarity, the potential is not to scale.

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Universe. However, these domain walls will be spaced by need the slope of the potential to drop by a factor of distances much larger than our current Hubble size because θ ≲ 10−10 after inflation so that the axion is only displaced we have much more than 60 e-folds of inflation in any one by this amount from its (local)pffiffiffi minimum. Thus, we require vacuum, and they are therefore unlikely to be observable. gM2 ∼ θg~2ðM2=gÞ,org ∼ g~ θ. This has the added benefit We wish to avoid eternal inflation in our scenario that, once the slope drops, every ϕ vacuum that any patch of because at least some part of the Universe would end up the Universe sits in now becomes very long-lived because with a Higgs VEVabove the weak scale. The decay rates to the effective barriers rose by ≳1010. It is easy to show that such vacua are exponentially suppressed but with a long σ quantum corrections from this term (assuming >Mpl enough period of inflation, some fraction of the Universe does not contribute significantly to the ϕ potential). would end up there before reheating. Although this might The condition on the number of e-folds of inflation is naively seem like a very small part of the Universe, if we now wish to avoid discussion of measures in eternal inflation, we must avoid this possibility. To do so, we can impose H2 N ≳ θ i : ð10Þ the constraint in Eq. (7), in which case the entire initial g2 patch has the correct order electroweak scale at the end of inflation. The condition equations (5), (6), (7), and (8) become, As noted above, even if we do not have eternal inflation respectively, in patches with large Higgs masses, we unfortunately cannot avoid ending up in a large range of vacua. Since 2 Mpffiffiffi ð Þ ð Þ all of these vacua have weak-scale Higgs VEVs, we call this Hi > vacuum energy ; 11 M θ a solution to the hierarchy problem. Of course, we have not pl solved the cosmological constant (CC) problem. This set of H < Λ ðbarriers formÞ; ð12Þ final vacua will all have different cosmological constants. If i QCD the solution to the CC problem is just tuning, then we must gM2 1=3 live in the one with the correct CC. This is just the usual ð Þ ð Þ Hi < θ classical beats quantum ; 13 tuning required for the CC problem, and not an additional tuning. Note that the other vacua with positive CCs will 2 ∼ Λ4θ ð Þ ð Þ eternally inflate (as is our Universe, presumably), but in any gM f barrier heights : 14 case they will have a weak-scale Higgs VEV for a period that lasts much longer then 10 Gyr. Note that, because of the dropping slope, the vacuum The model above is ruled out by the strong CP problem. energy Eq. (11) is greater than the fourth power of the 4 θ−1 Since ϕ is the QCD axion, its VEV determines the θ cutoff, M , by a power of . This is not a problem for parameter in QCD. The relation Eq. (8) which determines the effective theory, but it may be of concern for the where ϕ stops rolling predicts that the local minimum for ϕ UV completion. is displaced from the minimum of the QCD part of the The constraints above give a bound on the cutoff of Oð Þ θ ∼ 1 potential by f . Therefore, it generates . We found Λ4 3 1=6 ϕ Mpl 1 4 two solutions to this problem: (i) Potential barriers for M< θ = ∼ 30 TeV arise from a new strong group, not QCD. (ii) The slope of f the ϕ potential decreases dynamically after inflation. We 109 1=6 θ 1=4 GeV ð Þ discuss the latter solution below and the former in section × −10 : 15 f 10 NonQCD model. Of course, other solutions to the strong CP problem in this context would be interesting. This model now satisfies all constraints and has only the One way to decrease the slope after inflation is to tie it QCD axion and inflaton added to the standard model below σ κσ2ϕ2 to the value of the inflaton . We can add the term to the cutoff. Thus, the minimal model has no hierarchy the potential. One can check that our parameter space will problem and no strong CP problem, and it has a natural remain technically natural, essentially because, like the candidate for dark matter. Because of the constraints, its full relaxion, the classical value of the inflaton will be large parameter space can be probed in a number of ways in compared to the cutoff. There is now an additional slope, future experiments. 2 2 2 κσ M =g, which we take to be larger than gM . Assuming Our mechanism for solving strong CP, dropping the σ has a roughly constant value during most of inflation, we slope, potentially allows us to loosen the constraint from 2 2 will describe this with a new effective coupling g~ ¼ κσ requiring classical rolling to dominate [Eq. (13)]. If when which is constant during most of inflation. The inflation the slope drops the sign of the underlying slope is the field drops to zero after inflation, removing this new opposite sign, the small fraction of patches that have not contribution to the potential and leaving the original slope reached the barriers will eventually find themselves with a ∼gM2. In order to solve the strong CP problem as well, we large negative cosmological constant and should suffer a

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~ 0μν 0 collapse and not eternal inflation (assuming one of the in the first model, except that it couples to the G Gμν of a “typical” patches has our measured cosmological constant). new strong group (not QCD), which we take to be SUð3Þ. Potentially, we can ignore the classical rolling constraint The Higgs boson couples to new fermions which are and allow a higher cutoff—using Eqs. (11) and (12),we charged under both the new strong group and the electro- derive weak group. Its VEV contributes to their masses and raises the barriers when turned on. The upper bound on the cutoff θ 1=4 ðΛ Þ1=2θ1=4 ∼ 1000 ð Þ is much larger than the model in section Minimal Model, M< Mpl TeV × −10 : 16 10 mostly due to the avoidance of the strong CP contributions. The new fermions are required to be at the weak scale, and One concern about loosening this constraint is that there they are thus collider accessible and impact the Higgs are a small fraction of patches that naively fluctuate well boson and electroweak precision physics. 2 beyond ϕ ∼ M =g. These patches, however, are not a The new fermions are labeled suggestively as (L; N) and 2 concern if, for example, ϕ is periodic with period ∼M =g. their conjugates (Lc;Nc). The fields L and N carry the A final consistency check is making sure that reheating same standard model charges as the lepton doublet and the at the end of inflation does not destabilize ϕ and take us right-handed neutrino, respectively, and are in the funda- out of a good minimum (one in which the electroweak scale mental representation of the new strong group, and Lc and is the correct size). If the standard model fields reheat Nc are in the conjugate representations. They have Dirac to temperatures below the temperature where appreciable masses and Yukawa couplings with the Higgs boson as −10 barriers form (roughly 3 GeV assuming θ ¼ 10 ; see, for follows: example, Ref. [22]), then ϕ remains in its original vacuum, c c c † c though it can be displaced from its minimum. If the reheat L ⊃ mLLL þ mNNN þ yhLN þ yh~ L N: ð18Þ temperature is above this scale, the barriers effectively disappear and the relaxion can begin to roll. We estimate Collider and other constraints require mL to be greater than the distance ϕ rolls (and one can show it slow rolls as the weak scale, but no such constraint exists on mN, and the Δϕ ϕ long as 1010 GeV. However, even for f ¼ 109 GeV (roughly In this limit, the Higgs VEV gives a contribution to ~h i2 the lower bound on the QCD axion coupling), while the the lightest fermion mass of size yy h =mL. Technical ’ relaxion rolls through multiple periods, it changes the naturalness requires N s Dirac mass to be at least the larger 2 ∼ð ~ 16π2Þ ∼ ~ 2 Higgs squared mass by less than 1 eV for any cutoff of yy= mL log M=mL and yyfπ0 =mL, and thus the above 1 TeV. And because the relaxion still easily satisfies Higgs VEV only has a significant impact if the slow roll condition, it stops rolling once the barriers 4πhhi appear. Thus, the reheat temperature can be larger (as large 0 pffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi fπ < hhi and mL < : ð19Þ as the cutoff), without destabilizing the mechanism that log M=mL chose the small electroweak scale. Non-QCD model.—Our solution to the hierarchy prob- In addition, for the Higgs boson to have an effect, the lem only requires the Higgs VEV to produce barriers which lightest fermion, of mass ∼mN, should be lighter than the stop ϕ from rolling. If the barriers are produced by confinement scale—otherwise, the axion potential will be something other than QCD, we can avoid the impact on saturated. The additional constraint is the strong CP problem (as it can, for example, be solved by the standard axion), and the barrier heights can be larger yy~hhi2 4πfπ0 > : ð20Þ than the QCD scale. As we see in the model below, both of mL these allow for a larger upper bound on the cutoff, though we require a coincidence of scales due to current exper- There should be a lower limit on mL around the weak imental constraints (similar to the μ problem in the minimal scale from collider production of L; Lc. In the part of supersymmetric standard model [2]). parameter space with the largest allowed fπ0 (and the largest The dynamics of this model are similar to the previous allowed cutoff), the bound should be weaker than that on one—ϕ rolls until the Higgs VEV is large enough to chargino or neutralino production [23] as only the baryon- produce barriers to stop ϕ. The ϕ Lagrangian is the same as like states should leave significant missing transverse

221801-5 PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS week ending PRL 115, 221801 (2015) 27 NOVEMBER 2015 ~ 1=2 30 1=2 300 1=2 energy, while the meson states decay promptly via mixing ð0 05Þ yy GeV GeV f> . Mpl −2 : with the Higgs boson. Another constraint on the Yukawa 10 fπ0 mL couplings is from Higgs physics, namely, decays of the ð23Þ Higgs boson to the composite N states. For example, ~ ≲ 0 1 250 if y; y . and mL > GeV, the branching ratio to One can check to see that this bound also restricts the the new mesons is less than 10%. In addition, there are distance ϕ rolls before the barriers turn on to less than one precision electroweak constraints, which are more impor- period: Δϕ ϕ_ ∼ Λ4; ð22Þ We consider a hybrid inflation sector [24], with the b following relevant terms in the scalar potential: 2 where, again, we take H ∼ T =M , and T is the temper- 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 b b pl b V∋m σ þ cσ χ − mχχ þ λχ ; ð24Þ ature at which the effective barriers appear. We estimate this 4 ∼ 16π2 4 to be Tb fπ0 (to match the corresponding temper- where σ is the inflaton and χ is the waterfall field. We must ature in QCD). Using this and our formulas for Λ4 and the satisfy the constraints on the inflation model in Eqs. (10) lightest fermion, mN, we arrive at a lower bound on f: and (11). We will take an initial phase of inflation with a

221801-6 PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS week ending PRL 115, 221801 (2015) 27 NOVEMBER 2015 super-Planckian field excursion for σ which is followed by parameter space that differs from where the standard axion a normal hybrid inflation phase driven by the energy in χ. model does. In addition, in the non-QCD case, the field ϕ Further, we require δρ=ρ < 1 at the beginning of inflation may be stopped right when the barriers first appear, and in order to avoid eternal inflation. And observations require therefore the mass of the axion particle may be naturally δρ=ρ ≈ 10−5 by the end of inflation. Putting all of these tuned to be small. This small mass improves the observ- constraints together leaves an open parameter space. ability of the axion dark matter [26,27]. Interestingly, One set of parameters which work for the QCD axion if the axion is observed, its mass and couplings can be model are M ∼ 104 GeV, f ∼ 109 GeV, Λ ∼ 10−1 GeV, measured and would not satisfy the usual relation with the −31 −10 −5 Λ g ∼ 10 GeV, θ ∼ 10 , Hi ∼ 10 GeV, final Hubble confinement scale (potentially measurable in colliders). −12 −1 scale Hf ∼ 10 GeV, and λ ∼ 10 . Instead of attempting Observation of such dark matter would be a tantalizing hint to characterize the entire parameter space, we simply of our mechanism. θ present this one point which works since our goal is just In the QCD case there is a preference for the large from to illustrate that it is possible to find an inflation sector for Eq. (15). While this is a relatively weak preference because 1 4 our model. One could even attempt to make this model of the = power, it does favor a static nucleon electric natural by supersymmetrizing it, but this model is just dipole moment (EDM) that may be observable. (This is in meant to demonstrate that the requirements on inflation are addition to the oscillating EDM induced by the axion in potentially satisfiable and, for example, it does not even this scenario [25].) Upcoming nucleon EDM experiments predict an allowed scalar tilt. (We thank Renata Kallosh for are predicted to improve on the current bounds by several pointing this out.) Thus, significant progress is still to be orders of magnitude, potentially providing further hints of made with a viable inflation sector. this scenario (see, for example, Ref. [46]). In the non-QCD Observables.—Central to our class of solutions is a new, case, there can be a large θ in the new strong group. A two- light, very weakly coupled boson. The most promising loop diagram may then give EDMs for nucleons or ways to detect this field are through low-energy, high- electrons which could be detectable and may even give precision experiments. This is in stark contrast to conven- a constraint on parameter space. tional solutions to the hierarchy problem, which require Our models appear to generically require low-scale new physics at the weak scale and hence are (at least inflation (unless we find a new dissipation mechanism potentially) observable in colliders. A comprehensive besides Hubble friction during inflation). This prediction discussion of the experimental program necessary to can be falsified by an observation of gravitational waves discover this mechanism is beyond the scope of this from inflation, but it cannot be directly observed. work—we will instead highlight experimental strategies The models presented in this Letter either have a low that seem promising. While it may be challenging to cutoff (in the QCD case) or new physics at the weak scale (in ultimately confirm our mechanism, it is an open goal the non-QCD case). Either case is then potentially observ- which will hopefully motivate new types of searches. able at the LHC or future colliders. The non-QCD case has Our class of solutions generically predicts axionlike dark new fermions at the weak scale charged under a new strong matter. The simplest model predicts the QCD axion as a dark group with a confinement scale below the weak scale. This matter candidate. Excitingly, a new area of direct detection scenario should have rich phenomenology; for example, the experiments focused on light bosons is now emerging lightest states are composite singlet scalars that can mix with [25–44]. These new experiments may, for example, open the Higgs boson. For compositeness scales much smaller up the entire QCD axion range to exploration. In the parts than the weak scale, the phenomenology may be similar to of parameter space where the axionlike particle’s lifetime Refs. [47–49]. Both direct searches for new fermions with is at or below the age of the Universe, there will already electroweak quantum numbers and more refined measure- be constraints or potential cosmological signals (see, for ments of Higgs branching ratios could probe the parameter example, Ref. [45]). It is interesting that light field (axion- space of this model, though the latter can be suppressed with like) dark matter candidates in our theories replace the heavy small Yukawa couplings without significantly impacting our particle (weakly interacting massive particle–like) candi- bounds. Because the non-QCD model fails to be effective dates of conventional solutions to the hierarchy problem. without electroweak fermions with masses in the hundreds While our theories can have axion dark matter, the of GeV, the whole parameter space could conceivably be specific prediction for the axion abundance and mass- covered by the LHC and/or a future linear collider. Further coupling relation may be altered. Because the axion studies of optimal strategies are warranted. Observation of potential now has an overall slope, it can acquire an initial this new weak scale physics could provide the first evidence velocity in the early Universe after reheating set by the of such a mechanism. slow-roll condition. This would change the calculation of Verification of a critical piece of this class of theories the final axion dark matter abundance and is thus important could come by observing the direct coupling of the new to work out. We leave this for future work, but we note that light field to the Higgs boson. While this is unlikely to this could predict QCD axion dark matter in a region of happen in colliders, there may be significant opportunities

221801-7 PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS week ending PRL 115, 221801 (2015) 27 NOVEMBER 2015 in new low-energy experiments. As a component of dark constant. Perhaps a variant of the mechanism could lead the matter, oscillations of the new light field cause oscillations way to a new solution. of the Higgs VEV. This causes all scales connected to the We would like to thank Nathanial Craig, Savas Higgs boson—for example, the electron mass—to oscillate Dimopoulos, Roni Harnik, Shamit Kachru, Renata in time with a frequency equal to the axion mass. Kallosh, Nemanja Kaloper, Jeremy Mardon, Aaron Additionally, the new light field couples to matter through Pierce, Prashant Saraswat, Eva Silverstein, Raman its mixing with the Higgs boson and so mediates a new Sundrum, Tim Tait, Scott Thomas, Tim Wiser, and Jerry force. It may be possible to design new high-precision Zucker for the useful discussions. P. W. G. acknowledges experiments to search for these phenomena [50]. Such the support of NSF Grant No. PHY-1316706, DOE Early searches will be quite challenging. However, if axionlike Career Award No. DE-SC0012012, and the Terman dark matter is discovered first, and thus its mass is Fellowship. D. E. K. acknowledges the support of NSF measured, that mass can be targeted, greatly enhancing Grant No. PHY-1214000. S. R. acknowledges the support the sensitivity of resonance searches [50]. — of NSF Grant No. PHY-1417295. The authors acknowl- Discussion. We have found a new class of solutions to edge the support of the Heising-Simons Foundation. the hierarchy problem. The two models in this Letter are examples of a broader class of theories in which dynamical evolution in the Universe drives the weak scale to its small value. We find that, in order to realize a model of this [1] K. Wilson (unpublished). type, it is necessary to satisfy the following conditions. [2] S. Dimopoulos and H. 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Weinberg, Implications of dynamical symmetry breaking: therefore have a self-similar potential across its entire field An addendum, Phys. Rev. D 19, 1277 (1979). range so that the Higgs boson can stop its evolution at any [7] Of course, QCD actually already breaks electroweak sym- metry, but at a much smaller scale. In addition, there is no arbitrary point. In our models the periodic axion potential — phase transition between broken and unbroken electroweak provides this self-similarity. (iii) Higgs backreaction The symmetry in the known standard model. However, since Higgs VEV must backreact on the scanning field, stopping both of these statements are approximately true, we will the evolution at the appropriate value. In our models this is continue to use these terms in the text for brevity. accomplished in a technically natural way by coupling the [8] L. F. 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