Signs, spin, SMEFT: Sum rules at dimension six

Abstract

We place theoretical constraints on the leading deviations to four-fermion standard model interactions. Invoking S-matrix analyticity and partial wave unitarity, we develop new dispersion relations that yield either spin-dependent sum rules on dimension-six fermionic operators or information about the amplitude's behavior at large momentum. The pattern of standard model effective theory inequalities we find for theories obeying certain large-momentum constraints enables a diagnosis of properties of emerging new physics. These relations form a bridge between new physics searches: discovery of flavor-violating τ decays at Belle II would motivate the search for flavor-conserving new physics below 25 TeV, as the results would provide definitive information about the UV.