Serguey T. Petcov
Research Subjects
Serguey T. Petcov has a total of 126 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- J. T. Penedo
INFN Sezione di Roma Tre
12 shared publications - Kristian Moffat
Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology Department of Physics Durham University South Road DH1 3LE Durham United Kingdom
8 shared publications - Emiliano Molinaro
Department of Physics and Astronomy University of Aarhus Ny Munkegade 120 DK-8000 Aarhus C Den- mark
7 shared publications - Jessica Turner
Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE
7 shared publications - Pavel P. Novichkov
Ghent University
7 shared publications - Silvia Pascoli
Università di Bologna
7 shared publications
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 22 August 2026
- Published by Elsevier in Physics Letters B
- Vol. 881
The meV frontier of neutrinoless double beta decay in the JUNO era
- 22 August 2026
- Published by Elsevier in Physics Letters B
- Vol. 881
Open AccessThe meV frontier of neutrinoless double beta decay in the JUNO era
- Open Access
- 3 August 2026
- Published by Springer Nature in The European Physical Journal C
- Vol. 86 (8) , 922
$S^\prime _4$ quark flavour model in the vicinity of the fixed point $\tau = i\infty $We study in the bottom-up framework the possibility to generate the quark mass hierarchies without severe fine-tuning, the quark mixing and CP-violation (CPV) in a flavour model with $$S^\prime _4$$ modular symmetry having minimal number of parameters. The model is considered in the vicinity of the fixed point $$\tau _\text {T}= i\infty $$ , $$\tau _\text {vev} \sim \tau _\text {T}$$ , $$\tau _\text {vev}$$ being the vacuum expectation value (VEV) of the modulus $$\tau $$ , which allows to explain the hierarchies of the quark masses. The ten quark observables are described effectively by nine real parameters. The CP-symmetry is broken explicitly since, as is well known, reproducing the observed CPV in the quark sector in the case of spontaneous breaking of CP-symmetry by $$\tau _\text {vev}$$ is highly problematic in the class of minimal modular quark flavour models (explaining the quark mass hierarchies without fine-tuning) of the type we consider. We perform a statistical analysis of the model and show that it is phenomenologically viable and consistent, in particular, with the “inclusive” decay data on the $$|V_{ub}|$$ and $$|V_{cb}|$$ elements of the CKM matrix and, in the case of a very high scale of supersymmetry breaking, with the current “average” experimental values of $$|V_{ub}|$$ and $$|V_{cb}|$$ .- 3 August 2026
- Published by Springer Nature in The European Physical Journal C
- Vol. 86 (8) , 922
Open Access$S^\prime _4$ quark flavour model in the vicinity of the fixed point $\tau = i\infty $We study in the bottom-up framework the possibility to generate the quark mass hierarchies without severe fine-tuning, the quark mixing and CP-violation (CPV) in a flavour model with $$S^\prime _4$$ modular symmetry having minimal number of parameters. The model is considered in the vicinity of the fixed point $$\tau _\text {T}= i\infty $$ , $$\tau _\text {vev} \sim \tau _\text {T}$$ , $$\tau _\text {vev}$$ being the vacuum expectation value (VEV) of the modulus $$\tau $$ , which allows to explain the hierarchies of the quark masses. The ten quark observables are described effectively by nine real parameters. The CP-symmetry is broken explicitly since, as is well known, reproducing the observed CPV in the quark sector in the case of spontaneous breaking of CP-symmetry by $$\tau _\text {vev}$$ is highly problematic in the class of minimal modular quark flavour models (explaining the quark mass hierarchies without fine-tuning) of the type we consider. We perform a statistical analysis of the model and show that it is phenomenologically viable and consistent, in particular, with the “inclusive” decay data on the $$|V_{ub}|$$ and $$|V_{cb}|$$ elements of the CKM matrix and, in the case of a very high scale of supersymmetry breaking, with the current “average” experimental values of $$|V_{ub}|$$ and $$|V_{cb}|$$ . - Open Access
- 28 July 2026
- Published by Springer Nature in Journal of High Energy Physics
- Vol. 2026 (7)
Discrete flavour and CP symmetries in light of JUNO and neutrino global fit
A bstract: Working within the reference three-neutrino mixing framework, we confront the lepton mixing predictions derived using non-Abelian discrete flavour and CP symmetries with the first JUNO data on the solar neutrino mixing parameters sin 2 θ 12 and with the results of the latest global neutrino data analysis. We focus on symmetry breaking patterns for which the lepton PMNS mixing matrix depends only on one or two free real parameters. Performing a comprehensive statistical analysis in each of the considered cases, we report the best fit values, the 3 σ C.L. allowed ranges and the χ 2 -distributions of the lepton mixing observables — the three mixing angles and the three CP-violation phases. We find that the JUNO measurements can disfavour or rule out a number of the mixing patterns associated with specific types of breaking of the discrete flavour and CP symmetries. The synergy of JUNO, DUNE and T2HK data can provide an exhaustive test of the considered approach to lepton mixing based on non-Abelian discrete lepton flavour symmetries combined with the CP symmetry.
- 28 July 2026
- Published by Springer Nature in Journal of High Energy Physics
- Vol. 2026 (7)
Open AccessDiscrete flavour and CP symmetries in light of JUNO and neutrino global fit
A bstract: Working within the reference three-neutrino mixing framework, we confront the lepton mixing predictions derived using non-Abelian discrete flavour and CP symmetries with the first JUNO data on the solar neutrino mixing parameters sin 2 θ 12 and with the results of the latest global neutrino data analysis. We focus on symmetry breaking patterns for which the lepton PMNS mixing matrix depends only on one or two free real parameters. Performing a comprehensive statistical analysis in each of the considered cases, we report the best fit values, the 3 σ C.L. allowed ranges and the χ 2 -distributions of the lepton mixing observables — the three mixing angles and the three CP-violation phases. We find that the JUNO measurements can disfavour or rule out a number of the mixing patterns associated with specific types of breaking of the discrete flavour and CP symmetries. The synergy of JUNO, DUNE and T2HK data can provide an exhaustive test of the considered approach to lepton mixing based on non-Abelian discrete lepton flavour symmetries combined with the CP symmetry.
- Top Cited PapersOpen Access
- 21 February 2026
- Published by Elsevier in Physics Letters B
- Vol. 874
Viability of A4, S4 and A5 flavour symmetries in light of the first JUNO result
- 21 February 2026
- Published by Elsevier in Physics Letters B
- Vol. 874
Top Cited PapersOpen AccessViability of A4, S4 and A5 flavour symmetries in light of the first JUNO result
- Open Access
- 3 December 2025
- Published by Springer Nature in Journal of High Energy Physics
- Vol. 2025 (12) , 35
Modular-symmetry-protected seesaw
A bstract: In the presence of a finite modular flavour symmetry, fermion mass hierarchies may be generated by a slight deviation of the modulus from a symmetric point. We point out that this small parameter governing charged-lepton mass hierarchies may also be responsible for the breaking of lepton number in a symmetry-protected low-scale seesaw, sourcing active neutrino masses and the mass splitting of a pseudo-Dirac pair of heavy neutrinos. We discuss the phenomenological implications of this mechanism, including the possibility to test the considered models at future planned and proposed heavy neutral lepton searches.
- 3 December 2025
- Published by Springer Nature in Journal of High Energy Physics
- Vol. 2025 (12) , 35
Open AccessModular-symmetry-protected seesaw
A bstract: In the presence of a finite modular flavour symmetry, fermion mass hierarchies may be generated by a slight deviation of the modulus from a symmetric point. We point out that this small parameter governing charged-lepton mass hierarchies may also be responsible for the breaking of lepton number in a symmetry-protected low-scale seesaw, sourcing active neutrino masses and the mass splitting of a pseudo-Dirac pair of heavy neutrinos. We discuss the phenomenological implications of this mechanism, including the possibility to test the considered models at future planned and proposed heavy neutral lepton searches.
- Open Access
- 22 April 2025
- Published by American Physical Society (APS) in Physical Review D
- Vol. 111 (7)
Interplay and correlations between quark and lepton observables in modular symmetry models
In a predictive modular invariant theory of flavor there should exist correlations between the quark and lepton observables, induced by the common modulus, by joint experimental constraints and possibly, in grand unified theories (GUTs), by common gauge multiplets. So far, in non-GUT bottom-up modular flavor models, these observables have been analyzed separately, making it impossible to investigate their interconnections. We perform a joint analysis of quark and lepton observables (22 altogether, 18 being measured) and of their correlations in a modular flavor model of the indicated class. The model is based on 2 O flavor symmetry and, within its class, it is characterized by the minimal number of free parameters (14 real constants). The joint analysis shows that the model is in good agreement with the experimental data for normal neutrino mass ordering, while predicting the leptonic Dirac C P -violating ( C P V ) phase ( δ C P ), the two Majorana C P V phases ( η 1 , η 2 ), the lightest neutrino mass ( m 1 ) and the effective neutrino masses probed by beta and neutrinoless double beta decay ( m β and m β β ). A detailed comparison of the separate (lepton-only and quark-only) and combined (lepton and quark) fit results shows differences in best-fit values and jointly allowed regions, that reflect a nontrivial interplay between quark and lepton observables in the model. Most importantly, our analysis highlights the existence of significant correlations between various pairs of such observables. For instance, the ratio of the strange and bottom quark masses, r s b , is strongly negatively correlated with each of the three lepton mixing angles and with δ C P , m 1 , m β , and m β β , while being positively correlated with η 1 and η 2 . These findings, that are missed in separate analyses of quark and lepton flavor sectors, as well as in (GUT and non-GUT) models with a relatively large number of free parameters, fall within ranges that can be tested by current and future experiments.
- 22 April 2025
- Published by American Physical Society (APS) in Physical Review D
- Vol. 111 (7)
Open AccessInterplay and correlations between quark and lepton observables in modular symmetry models
In a predictive modular invariant theory of flavor there should exist correlations between the quark and lepton observables, induced by the common modulus, by joint experimental constraints and possibly, in grand unified theories (GUTs), by common gauge multiplets. So far, in non-GUT bottom-up modular flavor models, these observables have been analyzed separately, making it impossible to investigate their interconnections. We perform a joint analysis of quark and lepton observables (22 altogether, 18 being measured) and of their correlations in a modular flavor model of the indicated class. The model is based on 2 O flavor symmetry and, within its class, it is characterized by the minimal number of free parameters (14 real constants). The joint analysis shows that the model is in good agreement with the experimental data for normal neutrino mass ordering, while predicting the leptonic Dirac C P -violating ( C P V ) phase ( δ C P ), the two Majorana C P V phases ( η 1 , η 2 ), the lightest neutrino mass ( m 1 ) and the effective neutrino masses probed by beta and neutrinoless double beta decay ( m β and m β β ). A detailed comparison of the separate (lepton-only and quark-only) and combined (lepton and quark) fit results shows differences in best-fit values and jointly allowed regions, that reflect a nontrivial interplay between quark and lepton observables in the model. Most importantly, our analysis highlights the existence of significant correlations between various pairs of such observables. For instance, the ratio of the strange and bottom quark masses, r s b , is strongly negatively correlated with each of the three lepton mixing angles and with δ C P , m 1 , m β , and m β β , while being positively correlated with η 1 and η 2 . These findings, that are missed in separate analyses of quark and lepton flavor sectors, as well as in (GUT and non-GUT) models with a relatively large number of free parameters, fall within ranges that can be tested by current and future experiments.
- Open Access
- 10 April 2025
- Published by Sissa Medialab Srl
- Vol. 481, 093
Unifying Quark and Lepton Flavor Observables through Modular Symmetry
In a predictive modular invariant flavour theory, correlations between quark and lepton observables are expected. However, with the exception of GUT models, almost all previous studies have analyzed these sectors separately, preventing a comprehensive investigation of their interplay. This work, based on analysis presented in arXiv:2409.15823, discusses the results of a truly unified analysis of quark and lepton observables within a modular flavour model based on the $2O$ symmetry, employing a minimal set of 14 real parameters. The results demonstrate that the model aligns well with experimental data under a normal neutrino mass ordering, while also predicting other key leptonic parameters, including the Dirac and Majorana CP-violating phases, (\(\delta_{\text{CP}}, \eta_1, \eta_2\)), the lightest neutrino mass (\(m_1\)), and effective neutrino masses relevant to beta and neutrinoless double beta decay (\(m_\beta, m_{\beta\beta}\)). A comparative analysis of separate (quark-only and lepton-only) versus combined (quark and lepton) fits reveals distinct shifts in best-fit values and parameter spaces, emphasizing a nontrivial correlation between quark and lepton sectors. Notably, our study uncovers strong correlations between several observables, such as the strange-to-bottom quark mass ratio (\(r_{sb}\)), which is negatively correlated with the three lepton mixing angles, \(\delta_{\text{CP}}, m_1, m_{\beta}, m_{\beta\beta}\), while showing positive correlations with \(\eta_1\) and \(\eta_2\). These significant interdependencies, which are overlooked in separate analyses, provide, in principle, testable predictions for ongoing and future experimental studies.- 10 April 2025
- Published by Sissa Medialab Srl
- Vol. 481, 093
Open AccessUnifying Quark and Lepton Flavor Observables through Modular Symmetry
In a predictive modular invariant flavour theory, correlations between quark and lepton observables are expected. However, with the exception of GUT models, almost all previous studies have analyzed these sectors separately, preventing a comprehensive investigation of their interplay. This work, based on analysis presented in arXiv:2409.15823, discusses the results of a truly unified analysis of quark and lepton observables within a modular flavour model based on the $2O$ symmetry, employing a minimal set of 14 real parameters. The results demonstrate that the model aligns well with experimental data under a normal neutrino mass ordering, while also predicting other key leptonic parameters, including the Dirac and Majorana CP-violating phases, (\(\delta_{\text{CP}}, \eta_1, \eta_2\)), the lightest neutrino mass (\(m_1\)), and effective neutrino masses relevant to beta and neutrinoless double beta decay (\(m_\beta, m_{\beta\beta}\)). A comparative analysis of separate (quark-only and lepton-only) versus combined (quark and lepton) fits reveals distinct shifts in best-fit values and parameter spaces, emphasizing a nontrivial correlation between quark and lepton sectors. Notably, our study uncovers strong correlations between several observables, such as the strange-to-bottom quark mass ratio (\(r_{sb}\)), which is negatively correlated with the three lepton mixing angles, \(\delta_{\text{CP}}, m_1, m_{\beta}, m_{\beta\beta}\), while showing positive correlations with \(\eta_1\) and \(\eta_2\). These significant interdependencies, which are overlooked in separate analyses, provide, in principle, testable predictions for ongoing and future experimental studies. - Open Access
- 31 January 2025
- Published by Springer Nature in Journal of High Energy Physics
- Vol. 2025 (1) , 1-67
Non-holomorphic modular S4 lepton flavour models
A bstract: In the formalism of the non-supersymmetric modular invariance approach to the flavour problem the elements of the Yukawa coupling and fermion mass matrices are expressed in terms of polyharmonic Maaß modular forms of level N in addition to the standard modula forms of the same level and a small number of constant parameters. Non-trivial polyharmonic Maaß forms exist for zero, negative and positive integer modular weights. Employing the finite modula group S 4 as a flavour symmetry group and assuming that the three left-handed lepton doublets furnish a triplet irreducible representation of S 4 , we construct all possible 7- and 8-parameter lepton flavour models in which the neutrino masses are generated either by the Weinberg effective operator or by the type-I seesaw mechanism. We identify the phenomenologically viable models and obtain predictions for each of these models for the neutrino mass ordering, the absolute neutrino mass scale, the Dirac and Majorana CP-violation phases and, correspondingly, for the sum of neutrino masses and the neutrinoless double beta decay effective Majorana mass. We comment on how these models can be tested and conclude that they are all falsifiable. Detailed analyses are presented in the case of three representative benchmark lepton flavour scenarios.
- 31 January 2025
- Published by Springer Nature in Journal of High Energy Physics
- Vol. 2025 (1) , 1-67
Open AccessNon-holomorphic modular S4 lepton flavour models
A bstract: In the formalism of the non-supersymmetric modular invariance approach to the flavour problem the elements of the Yukawa coupling and fermion mass matrices are expressed in terms of polyharmonic Maaß modular forms of level N in addition to the standard modula forms of the same level and a small number of constant parameters. Non-trivial polyharmonic Maaß forms exist for zero, negative and positive integer modular weights. Employing the finite modula group S 4 as a flavour symmetry group and assuming that the three left-handed lepton doublets furnish a triplet irreducible representation of S 4 , we construct all possible 7- and 8-parameter lepton flavour models in which the neutrino masses are generated either by the Weinberg effective operator or by the type-I seesaw mechanism. We identify the phenomenologically viable models and obtain predictions for each of these models for the neutrino mass ordering, the absolute neutrino mass scale, the Dirac and Majorana CP-violation phases and, correspondingly, for the sum of neutrino masses and the neutrinoless double beta decay effective Majorana mass. We comment on how these models can be tested and conclude that they are all falsifiable. Detailed analyses are presented in the case of three representative benchmark lepton flavour scenarios.
- Open Access
- 24 October 2024
- Published by Springer Nature in Journal of High Energy Physics
- Vol. 2024 (10) , 1-37
Finite modular symmetries and the strong CP problem
Recently, it was shown that modular symmetry may solve the strong CP problem without axions, by producing a vanishing QCD angle while generating a large quark CP violation phase. We extend this framework to finite modular groups, systematically identifying the allowed mass textures. We find quark fields must furnish 1D representations and scan the minimal model landscape.
- 24 October 2024
- Published by Springer Nature in Journal of High Energy Physics
- Vol. 2024 (10) , 1-37
Open AccessFinite modular symmetries and the strong CP problem
Recently, it was shown that modular symmetry may solve the strong CP problem without axions, by producing a vanishing QCD angle while generating a large quark CP violation phase. We extend this framework to finite modular groups, systematically identifying the allowed mass textures. We find quark fields must furnish 1D representations and scan the minimal model landscape.
- Open Access
- 30 September 2024
- Published by Springer Nature in The European Physical Journal C
- Vol. 84 (9) , 1-10
Neutrino tomography of the earth: the earth total mass, moment of inertia and hydrostatic equilibrium constraints
We investigate the implications of the constraints following from the precise knowledge of the total Earth mass, $$M_\oplus $$ , and moment of inertia, $$I_\oplus $$ , and from the requirement that Earth be in hydrostatic equilibrium (EHE), in the neutrino tomography studies of the Earth density structure. In order to estimate the sensitivity of a given neutrino detector to possible deviations of the inner core (IC), outer core (OC), core (IC + OC) and mantle Earth densities from those obtained using geophysical and seismological data and described by the preliminary reference Earth model (PREM), in the statistical analyses performed within the neutrino tomography studies one typically varies the density of each of these structures. These variations, however, must respect the $$M_\oplus $$ , $$I_\oplus $$ and EHE constraints. Working with PREM average densities we derive the $$M_\oplus $$ , $$I_\oplus $$ and EHE constraints on the possible density variations when one approximates the Earth density structure with (i) three layers – mantle, outer core and inner core, and (ii) four layers – upper mantle, lower mantle, outer core and inner core. We get drastically different results in the two cases.- 30 September 2024
- Published by Springer Nature in The European Physical Journal C
- Vol. 84 (9) , 1-10
Open AccessNeutrino tomography of the earth: the earth total mass, moment of inertia and hydrostatic equilibrium constraints
We investigate the implications of the constraints following from the precise knowledge of the total Earth mass, $$M_\oplus $$ , and moment of inertia, $$I_\oplus $$ , and from the requirement that Earth be in hydrostatic equilibrium (EHE), in the neutrino tomography studies of the Earth density structure. In order to estimate the sensitivity of a given neutrino detector to possible deviations of the inner core (IC), outer core (OC), core (IC + OC) and mantle Earth densities from those obtained using geophysical and seismological data and described by the preliminary reference Earth model (PREM), in the statistical analyses performed within the neutrino tomography studies one typically varies the density of each of these structures. These variations, however, must respect the $$M_\oplus $$ , $$I_\oplus $$ and EHE constraints. Working with PREM average densities we derive the $$M_\oplus $$ , $$I_\oplus $$ and EHE constraints on the possible density variations when one approximates the Earth density structure with (i) three layers – mantle, outer core and inner core, and (ii) four layers – upper mantle, lower mantle, outer core and inner core. We get drastically different results in the two cases.