Explicit parametrization of more than one vector-like quark of Nelson-Barr type

Abstract

Nelson-Barr models solve the strong CP problem based on spontaneous CP violation and generically requires vector-like quarks (VLQs) mixing with standard quarks to transmit the CP violation. We devise an explicit parametrization for the case of two VLQs of either down-type or up-type and quantitatively study several aspects including the hierarchy of the VLQ Yukawas and their irreducible contribution to $\bar{\theta}$. In particular, with the use of the parametrization, we show that a big portion of the parameter space for two up-type VLQs at the TeV scale is still allowed by the constraint on $\bar{\theta}$, although this case had been previously shown to be very restricted based on estimates.