John March-Russell

Abstract:

We study the $\Delta I = 1/2$ rule for kaon decays and the $B_K$ parameter for $K^0 - {\bar K}^0$ mixing in a dual 5-dimensional holographic QCD model. We perform, in the chiral limit, computations of the relevant four-point current-current correlators, which depend upon self-interactions among the 5D bulk fields. Spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking ($\chi$SB) is realized through boundary conditions on the bulk fields. Numerical results are analyzed in comparison with QCD, chiral perturbation theory ($\chi$PT) and data, finding reasonable agreement with the experimental values of the $g_8$ and $g_{27}$ parameters describing the $\Delta I =1/2,3/2$ decay channels.

Abstract:

We study constraints on models with a flat "Universal'' Extra Dimension in which all Standard Model fields propagate in the bulk. A significantly improved constraint on the compactification scale is obtained from the extended set of electroweak precision observables accurately measured at LEP1 and LEP2. We find a lower bound of M_c = R^{-1} > 700 (800) GeV at the 99% (95%) confidence level. We also discuss the implications of this constraint on the prospects for the direct and indirect detection of Kaluza-Klein dark matter in this model.