SO(10) models for flavor with vector-like fermions

In this work, unified models based on S O(10) symmetry is presented which provides insights into the flavor observables of charged fermions and the neutrinos. Unlike the conventional S O(10) models, the Higgs boson 10H belonging to the fundamental representation is not present in this new class of models. Instead vector-like fermions in the 16 + 16¯ representation is introduced to induce the flavor mixing. A variety of scenarios, both non-supersymmetric and supersymmetric, are studied involving a 126¯H Higgs boson. For symmetry breaking purpose, 126¯H Higgs is accompanied by either a 45H or a 210H of Higgs boson. Our analysis shows that this framework, by utilizing either type-I or type-II seesaw mechanism, an excellent fit to the fermion masses and mixings can be obtained with a limited number of parameters. To test and distinguish these flavor models, proton decay branching ratios are also computed.