Higgs triplets, decoupling, and precision measurements

Electroweak precision data has been extensively used to constrain models containing physics beyond that of the standard model. When the model contains Higgs scalars in representations other than $SU(2)$ singlets or doublets, and hence ρ≠1 at tree level, a correct renormalization scheme requires more inputs than the three needed for the standard model. We discuss the connection between the renormalization of models with Higgs triplets and the decoupling properties of the models as the mass scale for the scalar triplet field becomes much larger than the electroweak scale. The requirements of perturbativity of the couplings and agreement with electroweak data place strong restrictions on models with Higgs triplets. Our results have important implications for Little Higgs type models and other models with ρ≠1 at tree level.