Constraints from the S-parameter on models with scalar triplets

Abstract

Models with scalar triplets can have a large impact on the electroweak precision S-parameter and have to be dealt "with extreme prejudice". Such models, and in particular the Georgi-Machacek (GM) model, involve a complex triplet scalar containing doubly-charged Higgses plus a real triplet and are of recent phenomenological interests. It turns out that large mass splittings within the triplet will not be allowed by the S-parameter in the absence of extra fermionic degrees of freedom. Simply speaking, having only an extra triplet of scalars severely restricts the mass splitting within that triplet even with the present precision on the S-parameter which will further be improved with the proposed Higgs factories.