Lattice studies of the Sp(4) gauge theory with two fundamental and three Dirac fermions

We consider the Sp(4) gauge theory coupled to Nf = 2 fundamental and nf = 3 antisymmetric flavors of Dirac fermions in four dimensions. This theory serves as the microscopic origin for composite Higgs models with SU(4)/Sp(4) coset, supplemented by partial top compositeness. We study numerically its lattice realization, and couple the fundamental plaquette action to Wilson-Dirac fermions in mixed representations, by adopting a (rational) hybrid Monte Carlo method, to perform nontrivial tests of the properties of the resulting lattice theory. We find evidence of a surface (with boundaries) of first-order bulk phase transitions in the three-dimensional space of bare parameters (one coupling and two masses). Explicit evaluation of the Dirac eigenvalues confirms the expected patterns of global symmetry breaking. After investigating finite-volume effects in the weak-coupling phase of the theory, for the largest available lattice we study the mass spectra of the lightest spin-0 and spin-1 flavored mesons composed of fermions in each representation, and of the lightest half-integer spin composite particle made of fermions in different representations???the chimera baryon. This work sets the stage for future systematical studies of the nonperturbative dynamics in phenomenologically relevant regions of parameter space.

Automated summary

In this study, we consider the coupling between the Sp(4) gauge theory and Nf = 2 fundamental fermions and nf = 3 antisymmetric fermions in four dimensions. By numerically studying its lattice realization, we find evidence of first-order bulk phase transitions in the three-dimensional space of bare parameters. We also evaluate the patterns of global symmetry breaking and mass spectra of various composite particles. This work lays the foundation for future nonperturbative studies in phenomenologically relevant regions of parameter space.