R symmetry and the μ problem

A natural origin for the μ and μB parameters of weak scale supersymmetric theories is proposed, applicable to any supersymmetry breaking messenger scale between the weak and Planck scales. Although quite general, it requires supersymmetric interactions to respect an R symmetry with definite quantum numbers, and it requires some new scale of symmetry breaking. The required R symmetry distinguishes the Higgs boson from the sneutrino, preserves baryon number in operators of dimension four and five, and contains R parity so that the lightest superpartner is stable. This origin for μ works for a variety of mediation mechanisms, including gauge mediation, gaugino mediation, and boundary condition breaking of supersymmetry. In any of these mediation schemes, our mechanism leads to a real B parameter, and the supersymmetric CP problem is solved. This R symmetry may naturally arise from supersymmetric theories in higher dimensions.